Rear leaf spring lift blocks
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Trailering
Joined: Jul 2016
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Rear leaf spring lift blocks
I have a 2004 Ford F250 Super Duty. I'm putting a 5" lift ICON rear leaf springs on my truck. Do I have to also re-install the factory lift blocks that came with the factory leaf springs or can I do without them.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2005
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You should only need the new blocks. You will however need new longer U-Bolts.
Do make sure to check Icons instructions on installing the blocks. The U-Bolts must be torqued to their final spec with the truck sitting under its' own weight.
The bolts should be torqued in four stages of torque (ie 45 lbs in an X pattern , then 90 lbs in an X pattern, 135 lbs, 180lbs). This will help you lessen possible major problems later.
Don't skimp and buy crappy chinese U-Bolts. Make sure they are heavy rated from a reliable manufacturer. Check the torque again after a hundred miles or so.
You also might want to look at your bump stops while you are under there. By now they are probably ready to crumble to the touch like mine were.
Feel free to ask if you have any other questions. Good luck!
Do make sure to check Icons instructions on installing the blocks. The U-Bolts must be torqued to their final spec with the truck sitting under its' own weight.
The bolts should be torqued in four stages of torque (ie 45 lbs in an X pattern , then 90 lbs in an X pattern, 135 lbs, 180lbs). This will help you lessen possible major problems later.
Don't skimp and buy crappy chinese U-Bolts. Make sure they are heavy rated from a reliable manufacturer. Check the torque again after a hundred miles or so.
You also might want to look at your bump stops while you are under there. By now they are probably ready to crumble to the touch like mine were.
Feel free to ask if you have any other questions. Good luck!
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,238
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You can try it both ways before you tighten the U bolts, just snug them to hold everything, see what you like better. There's not a right or wrong way, if you want more lift, use a block. If you lift it more than 4-5", you'll probably have to make additional modifications like extended brake lines and maybe driveshaft modifications, and you could get much worse wheel hop with a block.
You could quickly measure the arch of the spring and compare it to your stock spring. If it's has 5" more arch, you'll need to reuse the block to get a full 5" lift, if it's got 7-8" more arch, you won't need the block. Sometimes the rear isn't a full 5", some springs will run a little short to eliminate the slight factory rake.
You could quickly measure the arch of the spring and compare it to your stock spring. If it's has 5" more arch, you'll need to reuse the block to get a full 5" lift, if it's got 7-8" more arch, you won't need the block. Sometimes the rear isn't a full 5", some springs will run a little short to eliminate the slight factory rake.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 2,920
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x1000 on cheap u-bolts; I just had a Husky Spring branded u-bolt from RA strip out the nut. MADE IN INDIA! I've installed LOTS of u-bolts -- this was not user error.
I've never been cool enough to torque in 4 stages, though. I just keep snugging in a star pattern until I reach the desired torque. Then I re-check after about 1-2 days, then a week, then 2 weeks. Never had a problem (shrug)
I've never been cool enough to torque in 4 stages, though. I just keep snugging in a star pattern until I reach the desired torque. Then I re-check after about 1-2 days, then a week, then 2 weeks. Never had a problem (shrug)
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