Hi. like to get some opinions/answers to my question about adding a leaf. I hope I am not doubling up on previous threads and this topic is adding to the collective knowledge base.
My truck is 1987 4wd pickup. Pretty much fully stock.

I just added a leaf (rear was sagging) and am wondering about the need for adding a retainer/quick clip to ensure the new leaf stays in place. As you can see in the pic, the new aal is shorter than the existing retainer clip(s) so it "could" potentially slide out of place (until the u-bolts would limit lateral travel).

1) Would adding a "quick clip" (pictured) around the new short leaf be a good idea? Or, is having a quick clip mounted inside the rebound spring footprint a bad idea?
2) Is this even necessary? Am I concerned about a thing that just doesn't really happen with short leafs installed like this?

Thanks in advance for your feedback. I haven't really done much with springs before and I'm hoping to not learn about an installation mistake the hard way.

PS- The reference pic is taken before I put the u-bolts on this side.

Add a leaf

 

I think the add a leaf is short enough that the manufacturer believes the rear spring u-bolts will hold it in position and not allow it to rotate to the side. I don’t ever seeing one go sideways.

 

Thanks. I was kinda thinking the same thing.
Do you think adding a "quick clip" would do any harm? It's sort of an insurance policy I guess to ensure it "can't happen".

The only possible downsides I can think of are:
1) Could restrict spring flex/travel
2) Clip would get sandwiched onto rebound spring under load (would this put stress or extra wear on the spring over time). Maybe?

Do you think either of these possible issues are valid concerns?

 

I'm not a suspension expert, in regards to modification, but I don't see the necessity of adding a retainer for the add a leaf. But if you did I don't think the clip would limit the spring movement or cause damage if the springs compressed enough to hit the bottom overload spring.
Add a leafs have been around forever, I installed my first set back in 1986. I really gotta believe that if rotation was a real possibility they would have included them in the box by now, otherwise I'm sure they would have been sued.

 

Fair point.
I'll not worry about it and check back if it ever becomes a problem and update the thread.
Thanks for your thoughts. Helpful to work it through.