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Blocks, sizing, stackin

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Old Nov 5, 2006 | 08:42 PM
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From: Lincoln, NE
Blocks, sizing, stackin

What I'm getting reading is that you dont stack blocks. My 01 is going to get a lift as soon as I can figure out exactly what I want.
This is the place for an assist.
Since it's 4x, its already higher than a 2x, and the rear has blocks. From the factory, theres one block with a curve on the bottom and a flat on the top that contacts the axle. Its about 2" total. Then theres a 3 1/2" block on top of that.
If I order a 4" lift, I get a 4" block . . . and end up with 3 blocks stacked back there and about an 18 inch u bolt. And 2 of them have the stops sticking out. That can't be right.
What I want to get is a DR 4", not the 4.5" shackles, but from what I can tell, you get a 4" block, at which point I cant use the block or the bolts. I'd only gain a half inch.
What the heck should I be asking for. It would seem to make sense that I want ONE block to fill the space. Right?
 
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Old Nov 5, 2006 | 09:06 PM
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How bout all springs, and loose all the blcok?
 
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Old Nov 5, 2006 | 09:14 PM
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that 2 inch "block with a curve on the bottom" is the spring perch and isn't considered a block as it is welded to the axle... most 4" kits come with a small inch or inch and a half block as well as an add-a-leaf. you can get these kits and just buy a 5" block so you only have one block, or you can pay about an extra 150-200 bucks and be all spring lift, added to you factory block. so essentially your rear suspension is identical to how it is now, just taller..
 
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Old Nov 5, 2006 | 09:21 PM
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From: Lincoln, NE
Yeah, the DR lift for the rear is just blocks. The front is just springs. I think I'm going to have to call them tomorrow and try to sort out what the heck I'm looking for. Nothing worse than getting half into a project only to realise your parts are jacked. I'd love going down the road 4" nose high for a couple of weeks trying to sort it out.
I think the answer to all spring is they don't offer that as part of a kit. I may be able to do that as an option though. I kind of wanted that from the start but am swayed to the DR lifts because of feedback. Everyone I've heard from that put them on said they were well made and well machined, the couple of people who I've talked to who have them say they ride great.

While I'm at it, if, in fact, I do end up with something like a 7 or 8" block (which doesnt sound like a great idea) . . . I'm gonna need to deal with axle wrap, ain't I?
 
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Old Nov 5, 2006 | 10:35 PM
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dont do blocks. i mean if thats all you can afford for now then so be it, but you really need to just get 6-8" tall rear lift springs so you can kick those blocks to the curb!

-cutts-
 
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Old Nov 6, 2006 | 11:01 AM
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I agree! Lose the blocks and go with springs.
 
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Old Nov 6, 2006 | 08:37 PM
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Originally Posted by TwelveAlpha
...a 7 or 8" block (which doesnt sound like a great idea)
Correct! The equation you would use to find the force exerted on the end of the long u-bolt you would need to hold down that large block is as follows:
Torque = Force x Distance
Increase the length of that u-bolt and you increase the the likelyhood that it will snap.
 
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Old Nov 8, 2006 | 07:12 PM
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From: Lincoln, NE
Well someone was asking for an update.
I'd like to say what I did, and why.
First, a big part of my confusion was thinkng that a 4" lift was in addition to how the truck came stock, which might be true with a 2x, but not a 4x. That really simplified things.
In the rear, I already have a 3 1/2" block, and a small shackle in the front.
I only need 4" total to clear the tires, but I did not want to completely level the truck. I rather like having the nose just a hair down.
So I got essentially the DR 4" kit with a 5" block in the rear. In talking, I was told that even though I'd really like the DR springs in the rear, for the towing that is my goal, I might be happier with stock springs and a block. Not only is that cheaper, its what I've had for years and I'm ok with how it's been riding.
I also got steering stabilisers since the new tires are just stupid heavy, and once the lift is actually on, I'm going to measure and make sure I get the right size firestone bags.
So, thats it. Update complete.
I suspect sometime after Thanksgiving when all of this is said and done and I've been permanantly booted out of the household, I'll post a couple of jpegs.
 
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