Blocks for front lift
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 207
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Blocks for front lift
From searching through the posts, I see that the general consensus is that blocks to lift the front can be a safety hazard. I just bought a 2002 F250 that the guy had put 2" blocks in the front as a leveling kit. It has 48,000 miles on it and he said he has never had any problems with it.
I haven't had time to look at it closely yet because I just got it home last night. Should I go through the hassle of pulling them out if it has that many miles with no problems? I like the way it looks leveled out and don't have the time and money to put a hanger lift or spring pack on it right now.
Is there anything you can look at to see if problems may occur, or are the safety issues something that can happen with no warning?
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
I haven't had time to look at it closely yet because I just got it home last night. Should I go through the hassle of pulling them out if it has that many miles with no problems? I like the way it looks leveled out and don't have the time and money to put a hanger lift or spring pack on it right now.
Is there anything you can look at to see if problems may occur, or are the safety issues something that can happen with no warning?
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Senior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 123
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From: Oregon
Blocks for front lift
Take the blocks out. That is a cheesy way to lift the front of a leaf spring truck. One hard left or right because of a deer or child running out in front of you could shear the u-bolts and lose control of the truck.
In 48K, I can't believe this didn't happen, but the possibility is most definately there.
In 48K, I can't believe this didn't happen, but the possibility is most definately there.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 210
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From: Albuquerque, NM
Blocks for front lift
I have 3/4" plates that are the same width as the springs and are drilled with the center pins running through them. Basically it is a thick spring that is the same length as the bottom spring of my lift (6" long). My lift did not get the front where it needed to be so that was my fix.
For sure do not use loose blocks under the springs. Kaboom!
For sure do not use loose blocks under the springs. Kaboom!
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2001
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From: Oxnard, CA
Blocks for front lift
Take the blocks out..... they are a BIG safety hazzard to you and your loved ones and everyone else out there on the road!!!
BUT..... if you bought a set from made by the ***... you probably can 4wd harder and longer than ANYONE else out there..... you need a *** system to make your ride the BEST that it can be!
BUT..... if you bought a set from made by the ***... you probably can 4wd harder and longer than ANYONE else out there..... you need a *** system to make your ride the BEST that it can be!
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Senior User
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Blocks for front lift
Thanks guys. I knew before I even posted what the verdict was going to be, but it was worth a shot.
The owner was a diesel mechanic and he said that he and a guy from Penske's R&D dept made the setup theirself. I had hoped that maybe they knew a way to do this and still keep it safe.
I like snakebit's solution of the 6" 3/4 plate steel the same width of the springs with the center pins running through them.
What does everyone think of the safety of that setup?
The owner was a diesel mechanic and he said that he and a guy from Penske's R&D dept made the setup theirself. I had hoped that maybe they knew a way to do this and still keep it safe.
I like snakebit's solution of the 6" 3/4 plate steel the same width of the springs with the center pins running through them.
What does everyone think of the safety of that setup?
FTE *******
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 609
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From: McAllen, Texas
Blocks for front lift
If you are going to do this be sure to use good quality (grade 8) u-bolts.
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Albuquerque, NM
Blocks for front lift
i have some mother u-bolts that the suspension shop in town made for me. I can sleep at night with the bolts they made me.
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
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Blocks for front lift
I just looked at a pic of the Edge 2" mini spring pack.
Forgive my ignorance guys, but what is the difference between that and a 2" steel block if the center pin went all the way through( which I still need to verify on my truck).
Thanks again.
Forgive my ignorance guys, but what is the difference between that and a 2" steel block if the center pin went all the way through( which I still need to verify on my truck).
Thanks again.
FTE *******
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 609
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From: McAllen, Texas
Blocks for front lift
Nhancock,
The mini spring pack provides lift via stack height similar to a block. However these spring packs extend past the u-bolts and do not create a stress riser like a block. In other words under hard braking the spring pack distributes the force over a greater surface thereby reducing the leverage applied to the u-bolts. As you mentioned, the mini pack is also bolted into place via the center pins and the kit also includes grade 8 u-bolts.
The mini spring pack provides lift via stack height similar to a block. However these spring packs extend past the u-bolts and do not create a stress riser like a block. In other words under hard braking the spring pack distributes the force over a greater surface thereby reducing the leverage applied to the u-bolts. As you mentioned, the mini pack is also bolted into place via the center pins and the kit also includes grade 8 u-bolts.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 210
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From: Albuquerque, NM
Blocks for front lift
I have a spring pack that gave me three inches on the front (hub to fender) probably two inches of it came from the thickness itself the other inch is generated from the lift generated from the spring.
under that is my plate that is the same size as the bottom spring of the spring pack.
it's just regular ol spring pack, not the edge. Maybe someday tho.
under that is my plate that is the same size as the bottom spring of the spring pack.
it's just regular ol spring pack, not the edge. Maybe someday tho.
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Blocks for front lift
Thanks for all the replies!
The blocks are coming out this weekend. I'll do some more looking into either the spring packs, add-a-leaf, or hanger lift options. There's a few guys in the area that have lifted 250's, so I'll check them out and see how they ride.
The blocks are coming out this weekend. I'll do some more looking into either the spring packs, add-a-leaf, or hanger lift options. There's a few guys in the area that have lifted 250's, so I'll check them out and see how they ride.
New User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 4
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From: maryland
Blocks for front lift
i have a f 350 psd 99 . to fix the diesel sag a frend gave me his spings off a 2001 f250 sd gaser. ford made better spings after 99 .i took my spings out and cut the two leafs from one side one foot long.with center pin hole in the middle . then took a 1 by 3 steel block cut that 8 inches long drilled center pin hole in that . had ubolts made from a sping shop 2 inches longer then stock 5/8s thick 3 inch 7/16 center bolts.installed it . i started with 38 1/2 inches in the front and 43 inches in the rear from grond to top of wheel well. i now have 42 1/4 in the front . that gives me 3/4 high in the back perfect.with the spings the you cut use one per side the same with the 1 inch blocks .the sping = 5/8 s inch lift.
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