Looking to install an add-a-leaf in the spring pack of your Ford Ranger?

Here's how:

1) Raise the rear of the vehicle with a floor jack positioned under the rear axle. Place jack stands under the frame rails, a few inches in front of the rear springs front hangers. Ease the jack down until the frame is resting on the stands. Keep a slight load on the jack. Chock the front tires to prevent any possibility of movement. Remove the tires, U-bolts and shocks.

2)  Using a pair of c-clamps, clamp the stock rear springs together. Place one towards the front of the stock centering bolt and one towards the rear. 

Note: If you're installing a short add-a-leaf, try to not clamp the overload leaf (thick flat leaf on the very bottom) with the rest of the leafs. Your short add-a-leaf will likely go above the overload leaf, so you just need to remove the overload leaf, install the add-a-leaf, and then re-install the overload leaf.

c-clamping the spring when doing a long add-a-leaf

3)  Carefully remove the stock centering bolt from the stock location and discard. If you spray the nut and bolt with PB Blaster in advance, it helps get the nut off. If the nut won't come off, you'll have to cut it off with a grinder and cut off wheel. 

Leaf spring centering bolt

4)  Once the centering bolt is out, loosen the clamps until the pack opens up enough that you can get the add-a-leaf in. You may need to lower the axle housing by easing down the jack. Don't overextend the brake and axle vent hoses. The vent hose may need rerouting or replacing. 

5)  If a long add-a-leaf is used, place it directly underneath the main leaf which is the longest one with the eyes/bushings. If a short add-a-leaf is used, place it towards the bottom of the spring pack but above the overload spring.