HELP! Blocks VS Add-A-Leaf
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Raleigh, NC
HELP! Blocks VS Add-A-Leaf
OK folks I need your help, I have an f150 kingcab 4x4 and I added 295.75.16's on 16.10 bahas a couple years ago, problem is that when I reshoed the truck, the new tires (same size) scrub. Solution, I jacked up the torsion bars, being carful to do it evenly. Well, now nothing scrubs but the front is higher than the rear. I need to up the rear a bit. I don't know which is a better idea, blocks or an Add-a-Leaf kit. They both seem to do the trick, what are the pros and cons of each and what are the best brands. Sorry this is so long.
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Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Chatsworth, CA
add a leaves give you the lift but make your springs stiffer. blocks give you the lift and stock ride but cause axle wrap. blocks are easier to install because you don't have to open up the leaf pack. either way is a cost effective way of lifting your rear end. i would do a block because its easier but thats just me.
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Joined: Feb 2000
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From: Auburn,Al
to make it right you would prolly wanna go with a steel 3 inch block to take the place fo your factory2 incher. this will give you a bit more axle wrap. an aal would prolly give you 2 inche sof lift, stiffer ride and less axle wrap.
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Junior User
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From: Raleigh, NC
lemme get this straight, axle wrap is something that is good, so the more the better... I have had my truck now for 5 years and don't know a thing about anything below the gas filler cap. The mechanic that does the maintenance did the torsion bar adjustment so I am really ignorant to all this mechanic speak... Sorry for my ignorance... lol
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From: central TX
No, axle wrap is bad. Picture the back of the spring going up and forward, while the front goes down and back (during high throttle/low traction acceleration). This itself isn't that bad, but when it tries to go back it makes the axle jump up and down-worsening traction (wheel hop). The blocks basically give your axle more leverage to make the springs distort more. If you want to know what it is and why it's bad, go drive a V6 S10 chevy.
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From: Raleigh, NC
Originally Posted by tdister
No, axle wrap is bad. Picture the back of the spring going up and forward, while the front goes down and back (during high throttle/low traction acceleration). This itself isn't that bad, but when it tries to go back it makes the axle jump up and down-worsening traction (wheel hop). The blocks basically give your axle more leverage to make the springs distort more. If you want to know what it is and why it's bad, go drive a V6 S10 chevy.
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From: central TX
Well, neither is really the preferred method (new leafs w/ a diff. arch would be best). They are just cheaper and easier. Which would be worse in your eyes? Slightly worse ride or slightly worse traction? I will not use blocks again, for lowering or raising, so I guess I'll recomend the AAL's.
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Raleigh, NC
Thanks, all this info leads me to believe that aal is prolly the best bet, ride is not so much important, after all it is a truck, I run 65psi in my tires, cause that is what the original vendor told me to run and the last set I got 65k on the tires and my son is still using them. That gives a stiffer ride as well so I have been told. I am more concerned with safety and functionality
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From: central TX
http://www.4x4wire.com/jeep/tech/susp/axlewrap/
heres a decent article w/ some mediocre drawings to explain a little better. It sounds like your making the right decision. If you end up w/ block make sure they're steel/ not aluminum and get shims to correct pinion angle. One benefit to the blocks that hasn't been mentioned is that you are more sure about the amount of lift you will get (not trying to blur the situation, just mentioning for anybody alse reading that might be in the same boat).
heres a decent article w/ some mediocre drawings to explain a little better. It sounds like your making the right decision. If you end up w/ block make sure they're steel/ not aluminum and get shims to correct pinion angle. One benefit to the blocks that hasn't been mentioned is that you are more sure about the amount of lift you will get (not trying to blur the situation, just mentioning for anybody alse reading that might be in the same boat).
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Raleigh, NC
I guess last question is which aal to get... I saw a kit at JC Whitney which I believe was a "Rough County" kit. Are they any good and are they a complete kit. I would like to get a kit that I don't have to get and find out half way through that Ohh I need an "X" bracket to complete the installation. Thanks all for the help in this matter...
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From: philly pa
i just put an add-a-leaf in. i got it off jcwhitney for i think 40 bucks. i wanted a stiffer ride because the truck has 120k miles on it so the springs aren't like they were when it was new. it gave me about 2 inches of lift over the rear wheels. the ride is 100 times better w/and w/out a load. there is no more wheel hop. when i go around a turn there is very little body roll. it rides alot smoother now because the truck doesn't bounce as much. i would do the add-a-leaf before lift blocks. good luck.