rear blocks>>install help
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,619
Likes: 0
From: jus south of nuts
rear blocks>>install help
Ive never put blocks on and couldnt find any threads when i searched. could someone give me a step by step on adding 2in blocks?
I was thinking, i chock the front tires, lift the rear under my hitch so the weight is the leaf springs, then remove the ubolts. at this point would the axl drop down? do I need to remove both the u bolts from both sides? is there a stud running thru the middle of the springs attaching it to the axl?
thanks in advance
I was thinking, i chock the front tires, lift the rear under my hitch so the weight is the leaf springs, then remove the ubolts. at this point would the axl drop down? do I need to remove both the u bolts from both sides? is there a stud running thru the middle of the springs attaching it to the axl?
thanks in advance
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,182
Likes: 12
From: Gateway to the West
Yep, that's why you can't find any threads on the topic... its just a bad idea. Blocks serve no good purpose and shorten the usable life of the springs by putting added stress at the axle.
The OEM axle shims have a centering pin to keep them aligned with the spring perches and the springs themselves. You will have to REPLACE all four U-bolts regardless of what method you use to put them in. You can NOT re-use axle U-bolts under any circumstances.
The OEM axle shims have a centering pin to keep them aligned with the spring perches and the springs themselves. You will have to REPLACE all four U-bolts regardless of what method you use to put them in. You can NOT re-use axle U-bolts under any circumstances.
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,619
Likes: 0
From: jus south of nuts
The block kit I have has new u bolts. I thought add a leafs made the ride really rough? That's why I went with the blocks. Regardless the install on either would be very similuar wouldn't it?
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 6,804
Likes: 703
From: Tobyhanma, PA
The install is the same for either one. Unbolt the u bolts to drop the axle down, slide in new block/add-a-leaf install new bolts, thats the short of it.
Remember when you jack the rear up you can't have your stands on the axle tube, have to put them on the frame rails.
Also +1 on the blocks being a bad idea. I would either look into an add-a-leaf or new springs all together. Blocks add stress to everything and can cause axle wrap with reduces traction and can lead to u-joint failure. I was going thru U-joints like crazy on my old 78 before I swapped in new leafs. After that it was like new again.
Remember when you jack the rear up you can't have your stands on the axle tube, have to put them on the frame rails.
Also +1 on the blocks being a bad idea. I would either look into an add-a-leaf or new springs all together. Blocks add stress to everything and can cause axle wrap with reduces traction and can lead to u-joint failure. I was going thru U-joints like crazy on my old 78 before I swapped in new leafs. After that it was like new again.
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 72
Likes: 1
Trending Topics
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 6,804
Likes: 703
From: Tobyhanma, PA
Lol all that and he has some crazy shackle extension......
Its ok tho because he has 3 shocks on each wheel and that torque arm mounted to god knows what.
Its ok tho because he has 3 shocks on each wheel and that torque arm mounted to god knows what.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 8,908
Likes: 1
From: Algona, Washington
From looking at this thread, i plan to do a 4 inch lift on my 78 bronco, my neighbor has the front coils but on the back he used F-350 leaf packs.. Would that work on my truck to lift it? He used it on a pickup which is lighter than the *** end of my bronco.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,182
Likes: 12
From: Gateway to the West
F-350 rear springs are gonna be really stiff for something like the Bronco. The pickup may be lighter unladen. However Ford made the rear springs to handle "fully laden" suspension requirements. In which case, the rear end of an F-350 is going to be set up to handle a LOT more weight than your Bronco ever would.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 8,908
Likes: 1
From: Algona, Washington
Ya figures... So would it be better to use the f-350s or trying to use add a leafs to bump it up. If i did add a leafs i would have to buy just the front springs and then buy add a leafs of JBG or something. Maybe i can sell the f-350 leaf pack or something.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 954
Likes: 0
From: Viva Las Vegas
Best way to go with a full 4" lift set up for the rear is the shackle flip.
It is the easiest and most reliable way to gain 4+" in the rear.
There are many to choose from in many price ranges.
I have these and have had NO issues at all, those and a 3" AAL and they flex like mad!!
Other options and considered higher quality:
Ford Rear Shackle Flip Kit - Sky's Off-road Design
Universal Shackle Flip Kit - RuffStuff Specialties
It is the easiest and most reliable way to gain 4+" in the rear.
There are many to choose from in many price ranges.
I have these and have had NO issues at all, those and a 3" AAL and they flex like mad!!
Other options and considered higher quality:
Ford Rear Shackle Flip Kit - Sky's Off-road Design
Universal Shackle Flip Kit - RuffStuff Specialties