They were about an inch longer than the stock ones on the rear and about the same as the stock ones on the front, but when I put them on I didnt have to stretch them very much to put them on, like not more than 2 or 3 inc

My question is this, if I go over a bump is it gonna cause damage to my shocks because they will "bottom out" ? Should I pick up some blocks to put under my leaf springs like I see at my local AutoZone? Kinda like giving the truck and inch or 2 lift? And can I do that on the front and rear without having to replace any steering parts or brake lines?

I would think that I could do an inch or 2 and leave everything else stock but thats why I am here!

 

Never add blocks to the front axle of any vehicle. Shocks should have equal amount of travel in and out, Look at the travel between the bump stops, if you constantly bottom the shock out it will destroy it. If you have no lift, shocks should be about the same length as factory.

 

How else would you lift the front axle on a vehicle? I thought a suspension lift (like 1-3inches) was just blocks placed under each leaf spring?

 

is it possible to measure the shock before it bottoms out, to the gap between bumpstop and axle?

 

Yes I could do that. I'll try measuring it in the mornin.

Can I put add-a-leafs on the front axle and a block under the rear leaf springs and be all good? I have wanted to put a lift on (nothing crazy just a bit above stock) s I guess now is as good a time as any if I can afford it.

 

If 4x4, there is the lift, where its a stack of little leaf springs, that somewhat act like a block. As for the rear, blocks are a way to lift. Not sure then, if the pinion anger is compromised or in the front, if the pitman arm and linkage is tweeked as well.

If wanting to lift/level it out, it would probably be in the best interest to do it right.

Any concellation, i've put off leveling mine, do to the fact, that it seems as to be a hit/miss with the coil spacers (2wd). Either they work perfect, or you gotta grind the crap outta something, OR in particular instance, they just did not work for the member, no matter what he cut/ground or replaced, to get the alignment/fitment right.

 

You do this properly, and SAFELY by installing a new spring pack that has been arched to allow for the desired lift, you can also have your current spring Pack reached by a competent spring shop but I would only use a reputable shop with years of experience!
Jim & fat Monty

 

Get the part numbers off the shocks ( I'm guessing you threw away the boxes they came in) and look up on the manufacturers page to see if they aren't the longer ones for a raised vehicle. What I recall is that shock for our trucks came in like: stock ( 2wd), 2" lift (4wd), 4" lift, more than 4" lift.

 

Ok I measured and it looks like the shocks will bottom out before the bump stops, but it will be close. They box's had part numbers but the online site did not for them, I checked when I got them because I was trying to figure out which ones went on the front.

 

This was linked in my "Bilstein" thread, i posted yesterday, about the rears being too long...

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post10897362