A buddy just picked up his '99 F-350 S/D PSD. This truck has 68,000 miles and is the cleanest '99 I have ever seen. Looks like something I would trade in. However, while looking at it, there are probably 3" blocks under the front springs. The rear blocks look stock....as they have the bump stop built in....I assume they are factory. I always thought front blocks were a no no. I drove the truck and everything is tight, no slop, but those front blocks really bother me. My friend doesn't know what all the fuss is all about because the truck looks so good. He has 35x12.59 BFG's. I would like to talk him into just changing the front springs and scrap the blocks. I told him I would ask the question here first since most of the lifts..all of the lifts I have done were spring swaps. Any input on this would sure be helpful.

 

Hi CeeJay, I have one thing to say.. Tell you friend to get rid of the blocks!!!! I am a Firefighter and have been to a number of accidents caused by a truck with blocks in the front that have been "spit out" :-X23 The U bolts sometimes become loose and the axle will roll and the block's will come out and next thing you know you are in the ditch or on top of another car. So if you can tell hem to spend a couple of buck and get the springs. Thats my 2 cents....

Firemandan

2000 F-350 Super duty
Crew cab powerstroke..

 

>Hi CeeJay, I have one thing to say.. Tell you friend to get
>rid of the blocks!!!! I am a Firefighter and have been to a
>number of accidents caused by a truck with blocks in the
>front that have been "spit out" :-X23 The U bolts
>sometimes become loose and the axle will roll and the
>block's will come out and next thing you know you are in the
>ditch or on top of another car. So if you can tell hem to
>spend a couple of buck and get the springs. Thats my 2
>cents....
>
> Firemandan
>
>2000 F-350 Super duty
>Crew cab powerstroke..

Yeah,
No Blocks in the Front!
Go with springs, hangers or both!

 

A little overkill, but like both these guys said, trash the blocks, and put it together the "right" way!

 

That's what I said. If it is a woods truck then fine! But not for everyday driving. I have NEVER used front blocks and told my buddy to trash them....QUICK!. It is very easy to find springs to give the same lift, or even a relocation kit, but those blocks have got to go. I guess I know what I'll be doing this weekend!
It's always easier to change diapers on your own baby, than on somebody elses
Well at least he's got a SUPERDUTY!

 

However, while looking at it, there are probably 3" blocks under the front springs. I drove the truck and everything is tight, no slop, but those front blocks really bother me.

Yup, get rid of the blocks fast. As far as I know they're illegal in all 50 states.

 

Tell him to spend the few bucks on positive arc springs for the front. Like the man said "Blocks in the fronst a BIG no no!!!!"
By the way try to stay away from the hangers on the front as well. To much torque'n and moving around up there for cut'n corners!

 

If the blocks are attached to the springs making them part of the pack, like attaching them using the spring center pin, why would'nt that work? Then they could'nt be spit out, they would be mechanically bolted to the spring, instead of just as a spacer.

 

When used on the front axle, blocks are subjected to increased side loads when cornering, which can cause them to fail by “rolling out” from under the springs. This, in turn, will cause a loss of vehicle control. Most blocks are tapered. If the tall end is installed facing towards front-of- vehicle, it worsens caster angle; if the tall end faces rear it worsens driveshaft angle. Most factory front springs are fairly weak. Blocks increase the leverage load on these already weak springs which really compounds spring /axle wrap-up,and amount of tourqe when steering.
Why bother when you can buy a better aftermarket spring that is desinged for your truck that will preform better than the stock spring, when on off camber situations.


I'm bored , sorry

 

>When used on the front axle, blocks are subjected to
>increased side loads when cornering, which can cause them to
>fail by “rolling out” from under the springs. This, in turn,
>will cause a loss of vehicle control. Most blocks are
>tapered. If the tall end is installed facing towards
>front-of- vehicle, it worsens caster angle; if the tall end
>faces rear it worsens driveshaft angle. Most factory front
>springs are fairly weak. Blocks increase the leverage load
>on these already weak springs which really compounds spring
>/axle wrap-up,and amount of tourqe when steering.
>Why bother when you can buy a better aftermarket spring that
>is desinged for your truck that will preform better than the
>stock spring, when on off camber situations.
>
>
>I'm bored , sorry

You got to it before I did, YETI. I could not have explained it any better. It does seem weird that the front can spit out blocks, but it does happen and your explanation is perfect!!!!! Hopefully if there are others out there with front blocks, they will run across this thread and get 'em changed out to springs....


BTW, My buddy with the blocks, tells me that a co worker has stacked blocks on the rear and single blocks on the front of his S/D
:-staun I told him to give him a good 15 minute head start when they leave work together!!!!!! I hope he can knock some sense into that dude.

 

>BTW, My buddy with the blocks, tells me that a co worker has
>stacked blocks on the rear and single blocks on the front of
>his S/D


Well, unfortunetly it is "acceptable" to stack a rear lift block on top of a rear factory block, but remeber, the rear isn't the axle that is turnning. With most basic kits, this is how they obtain the rear lift, since new rear spring packs are pricey and not everybody wants to fork out the cash for them. IMO these kits are fine for street use, and very mild off roading.

But I feel strongly against the use of blocks to obtain front suspension lift.

But on the other hand, Iv'e been told my opinion is a worthess as a ferret.

 

Yea, I know it is done or acceptable on the rear, but I just don't like it. IMO, do it clean and right. It may cost a little more, but the results will be better.....and safer. BTW I have been told I have the brain of a ferret.....or that I smelled like one....uh, I forget which one it is.....But your opinions must account for sumthin'.......

 

I don't know about your state but here in good ole PA it's illegal to run front blocks.

 

>I don't know about your state but here in good ole PA it's
>illegal to run front blocks.


As it SHOULD be!

 

I would never use blocks on the front end. I'll be adding edge 3" hangers and edge track bar relocation kit to the fabtech springs I already have. I will be adding edge 3" blocks to the fabtech springs in the rear. I could have gone all spring but I dont off-road and I did not want the stiff ride I would have by using a spring with more arch in the rear. I also would not go with blocks any taller than I am currently using.