Stacked lift blocks?
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From: central TX
Stacked lift blocks?
My buddy up in dallas is looking at buying a coworkers truck ('05 4wd crew cab)
It has a lift kit, of unknown brand, which was put on by the dealership before it was originally purchased (he didn't request it, he liked the truck because of the lift). I haven't looked at in person, but he sent me some pics. I would guess 3" of additional lift.
A pic from the back shows what appears to be two lift blocks stacked on top of each other. I've heard of this before but have a few questions.
Do these trucks come with a lift block from the factory?
Can he run this and expect reasonably good off roading ability? It doesn't need to be able to go through serious rock crawling, but would the stacked design be detrimental for light to medium off roading?
I understand the additional leverage that the blocks will allow for twisting springs, is it going to be serious though?
Is this just something to stay away from all together?
I would post this in the offroading forum, I am more interested in people's experience with these particular trucks though.
Thanks for any input
It has a lift kit, of unknown brand, which was put on by the dealership before it was originally purchased (he didn't request it, he liked the truck because of the lift). I haven't looked at in person, but he sent me some pics. I would guess 3" of additional lift.
A pic from the back shows what appears to be two lift blocks stacked on top of each other. I've heard of this before but have a few questions.
Do these trucks come with a lift block from the factory?
Can he run this and expect reasonably good off roading ability? It doesn't need to be able to go through serious rock crawling, but would the stacked design be detrimental for light to medium off roading?
I understand the additional leverage that the blocks will allow for twisting springs, is it going to be serious though?
Is this just something to stay away from all together?
I would post this in the offroading forum, I am more interested in people's experience with these particular trucks though.
Thanks for any input
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2006
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Trucks do not come with lift blocks from the factory (unless some major changes have happened recently).
Disclaimer: I grew up in the mountains, so I'm not accustomed to the idea of an "on road only" truck . . .
That being said, I would NEVER drive or ride in a truck with lift blocks. Too much can go wrong IMO
Disclaimer: I grew up in the mountains, so I'm not accustomed to the idea of an "on road only" truck . . .
That being said, I would NEVER drive or ride in a truck with lift blocks. Too much can go wrong IMO
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2005
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The truck comes with blocks that are about 2 inches stock. That is also where the bump stop is contacted. The problem is with the new blocks and the angles of the driveline. The twisting spring problem should not happen unless the brackets that hold the spring pack have been cut fro an add-a-leaf. I have one and have had to weld up a new bracket and re-allign my leafs. I might be able to help more but you need to find out what type of lift it is. There are a few smaller lifts out there but I dont think they involve stacking blocks. Once you find out what type of lift look you can contact the tech support and find out if it is installed correctly. Hope this helps. You can always look at a stock 150 to compare blocks.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2003
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Most likely the stock block with an additional spacer involved. It will be fine for the time being. When the stock springs wear out, Axle wrap will become a problem. I will hold up just fine for light/medium duty wheeling until the stock springs start to wear.
I wouldn't let it discourage your buddy from buying the truck. Replacement leaf springs shouldn't cost more then $200-$250 per side. For the best results, I'd look for someone who carries National springs.
Good luck.
BTW: I've been wheeling since 1990, I've seen this setup take an abuse, I've also had blocks on a rig I purchased before. It's not too difficult to swap in new leaf springs if you have the tools and know how.
I wouldn't let it discourage your buddy from buying the truck. Replacement leaf springs shouldn't cost more then $200-$250 per side. For the best results, I'd look for someone who carries National springs.
Good luck.
BTW: I've been wheeling since 1990, I've seen this setup take an abuse, I've also had blocks on a rig I purchased before. It's not too difficult to swap in new leaf springs if you have the tools and know how.
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,606
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From: SE Georgia
there is usually a 1" or so pinion indexing block and most aftermarket blocks come in 2" to 6". that is probably what you are seeing. if you are seeing 2 blocks that are the same size, I'd steer clear from 4x4 until they are replaced (cheap lift).
I haven't had it happen to me, but I know people who have had their blocks pop off while on the trail and had to rebolt the axle trailside. That can be dangerous and just downright crappy. But then again, all we have up here are rocks and trees.
The factory pinion block and an aftermarket block are okay for light 4x4, but like FOrdFre@k said, when the springs wear out, you'll get bad axle wrap and are more likely to pop a block out.
You said it's a 3" lift right? I'd recommend buying the truck and slapping in some replacement rear springs with and extra 4" of lift over stock and remove the blocks. The truck will have a slight downward rake and you won't have to worry about rear axle problems.
I haven't had it happen to me, but I know people who have had their blocks pop off while on the trail and had to rebolt the axle trailside. That can be dangerous and just downright crappy. But then again, all we have up here are rocks and trees.
The factory pinion block and an aftermarket block are okay for light 4x4, but like FOrdFre@k said, when the springs wear out, you'll get bad axle wrap and are more likely to pop a block out.
You said it's a 3" lift right? I'd recommend buying the truck and slapping in some replacement rear springs with and extra 4" of lift over stock and remove the blocks. The truck will have a slight downward rake and you won't have to worry about rear axle problems.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: new jersey
besides the pinion angle being off. all the torque load is placed on the way to long spring clamp ubolts which are known to fail . esp. in cases just like this with staked blocks and cheap work.
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From: central TX
Thanks for the info guys. The current owner was going to find the paperwork that came with the truck this weekend. We'll see if we can figure out the brand. If it's halfway decent on the front, he's going to buy it and we'll figure out something for the rear.
Neither one of them knows jack about vehicles, kinda hard to ask questions about something when they don't know a control arm from sway bar.
Me: "What size tires does it have?"
Them: "18's"...
The guy needs to get rid of it pretty bad (baby on the way) and the dealerships don't seem to want to give him anywhere near what it's worth. My buddy will get a good deal, and it's a beautiful truck that seems well taken care of.
Thanks again for the input
.
captchas: New name/membership for sponsorship (Level10) or a different captchas?
Neither one of them knows jack about vehicles, kinda hard to ask questions about something when they don't know a control arm from sway bar.
Me: "What size tires does it have?"
Them: "18's"...
The guy needs to get rid of it pretty bad (baby on the way) and the dealerships don't seem to want to give him anywhere near what it's worth. My buddy will get a good deal, and it's a beautiful truck that seems well taken care of.
Thanks again for the input
. captchas: New name/membership for sponsorship (Level10) or a different captchas?
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