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Hey, I will be purchasing my superlift lift kit sonn. It will be a 6" kit. I don't know what to do in the back. should I go with blocks or add-a-leaf. What do you guys think. THANKS
alot of people use blocks because they are cheaper, but they create alot of axle wrap, I prefer new springs, but they are expensive. add a leafs would work, but would take alot of them, or you could do a shackle flip.
Bill
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 05-Nov-02 AT 06:55 PM (EST)]Ihave the 6inch lift you are going to buy. I went with the blocks and the add a leaf. I do not have a problem with axle wrap.I thought about buying the new rear leaf springs but after looking into it the cost was not justified. Fords come stock with a rear block. the new block that you get with the lift is not that much taller then the stock block. You are only lifting your back end about 4 inches while lifting 6 in the front. The rear block is even a little smaller with the add a leaf. I went with the add a leaf just to make my rear end suspension a little stronger. Just so you no you have three options with a superlift suspension kit. They are block,add a leaf and block, or new replacment leaf packs.
Personal opinion, avoid blocks where ever you can. Yes there is a block in the rear, its an angle block to correct driveline geometry thats all. Blocks just scare me in that they are set between the springs and the axle. Nothing to really hold them but the pressure of the U-bolts. And while axle wrap may not be a problem on relatively short blocks, as they age you will begin to feel it. While the stock springs are more than capable of holding up the truck, add-a-leafs and/or new spring packs will, as a rule, improve the ride and handling of a lifted truck. Having "spring" between the axle and frame is always better than solid block. Again, just personal opinion. Blocks are widespread use and many people have used them with no problems for years. Just remember the blocks when you get into serious off-roading. They don't like sideways shifting between the axle and spring...they tend to slip and slide between the two.
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 05-Nov-02 AT 07:51 PM (EST)]Even though the block is a angle block it is a block. I agree with grey streak when it comes to home made blocks. I have seen people build there own blocks and have them slip Or idiots making blocks to give them enormous lift like 12 inches or so. With superlift your blocks have pins in them to hold them to the leaf pack. Guys I live in Oregon and I offroad alot. This includes heavy sand dune use. I do not think you will ever have a problem with blocks as long as they are installed correctly. Now if you rock crawl then I would get new leaf packs or just have some custom suspension work done to gain more flex. I do believe blocks should never be used on the front suspension. But you have coils in the front so you do not have that option. I have a bolt that goes through my block through the leaf pack and then a nut on top tightened. It attaches to my sping pad.
If you plan to do any serious wheeling don't get blocks. This is what happens alot when you have blocks. BTW, this was 2 weeks ago in Hot Springs, Ark at the new Superlift park. He spit his blocks out going up a pretty steep hill. This caused him to ruin a u-joint, yoke, and a new BFG 33" A/T. You tell me how many times this has to happen b/f you get your money out of some new leafs---No Brainer.