Front axle blocks?
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 418
Likes: 0
From: Quad Cities, IA
Front axle blocks?
Forgive me if this sounds completely idiotic, but I've never actually done a suspension lift before...
Why is it bad to use blocks on the front axle of a 4x4?
I would imagine it's because of the front axle being used for steering and such, but aside from everyone saying never use blocks on the front, I've never seen anyone say why.
Just to make everyone aware, I don't plan on ever using blocks as a means of lift, but I'd just like to know for sure why not to. Mostly just a curiosity thing. I like learning new stuff, and this seems like a good opportunity.
Why is it bad to use blocks on the front axle of a 4x4?
I would imagine it's because of the front axle being used for steering and such, but aside from everyone saying never use blocks on the front, I've never seen anyone say why.
Just to make everyone aware, I don't plan on ever using blocks as a means of lift, but I'd just like to know for sure why not to. Mostly just a curiosity thing. I like learning new stuff, and this seems like a good opportunity.
Butt-Head
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 9,453
Likes: 2,936
From: Reed Point, MT
The problem with using blocks under the front leaf springs is that the blocks have the ability to "spit-out" the side while turning. The leaf springs locate the axle. On many vehicles with leaf springs, the ONLY thing holding the axle where it's at are the leaf springs. There are exceptions (namely F-350s from about 89-97 and Super Duty 250s and 350s up to 04) that have a track bar. It doesn't so much locate the axle as it is there to reduce bumpsteer, but it CAN hold side to side.
There is a TON (actually probably a couple tons) of axial force on the front axle when turning. If the u-bolts that secure the front leaf springs to the axle are loose or of questionable size, the blocks can be set free and all directional control is lost because you just broke off your transfer case and ran over your front axle.
For the most part, the same CAN happen in the rear, but the loads are usually much less and since the rear of the vehicle tends to be less important (doesn't steer, handles 30% or less of the braking, etc.), blocks are more acceptable back there.
There is a TON (actually probably a couple tons) of axial force on the front axle when turning. If the u-bolts that secure the front leaf springs to the axle are loose or of questionable size, the blocks can be set free and all directional control is lost because you just broke off your transfer case and ran over your front axle.
For the most part, the same CAN happen in the rear, but the loads are usually much less and since the rear of the vehicle tends to be less important (doesn't steer, handles 30% or less of the braking, etc.), blocks are more acceptable back there.
just another Rockwell looser
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,042
Likes: 0
From: Cocoa, FL
make your own blocks and weld them to the axle.....problem solved....not just on the perch....cut the perch off and just make a sort of "extended" perch....weld the ***** out of it and gusset it on each side if you wanted to do it...
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,377
Likes: 2
From: Elkhart IN
Trending Topics
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 8,542
Likes: 5
From: Louisiana
Like everyone said, it's just BAD!
They can slip out and cause all kinds of distruction(in other words big $$$).
They can slip out and cause all kinds of distruction(in other words big $$$).
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
just another Rockwell looser
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,042
Likes: 0
From: Cocoa, FL
Originally Posted by quadzjr
make your own blocks and weld them to the axle.....problem solved....not just on the perch....cut the perch off and just make a sort of "extended" perch....weld the ***** out of it and gusset it on each side if you wanted to do it...
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,377
Likes: 2
From: Elkhart IN
What about having the axle pitch back when you hit that curb on accident? really messes with steering geometry and handling when your springs are shaped like an S and the axle is 3 inch further back than normal and trys to snap back into place.
just another Rockwell looser
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,042
Likes: 0
From: Cocoa, FL
Originally Posted by chrono4
What about having the axle pitch back when you hit that curb on accident? really messes with steering geometry and handling when your springs are shaped like an S and the axle is 3 inch further back than normal and trys to snap back into place.
like i said earlier...if you built them the way i said.....it would be like having no block at all....like a part of the axle....the steering geometry wouldn't be affected at all.....
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,377
Likes: 2
From: Elkhart IN
How would it not? the axle would have X times however much leverage on the springs, resulting in hop, and really messed up steering. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ft-blocks.html theres a bunch of threads on this stuff...........