Easy way to level the rear of my truck
#16
10-22-2009, 11:00 PM
Senior User
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Okanagan
Posts: 288
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
#17
10-22-2009, 11:04 PM
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The rear blocks on the half-tons are two inches tall, and made of steel. Nice side benefit of removing the blocks is that wheelhop should be reduced...at least in theory.
The only real cons I can think of off the top of my head would be reduced ground clearance, and a saggy look in the rear (and subsequent blinding of oncoming drivers at night) for any serious towing or hauling.
I put 2800# F-250 springs in my '89 F-150 two years ago, and left the lift blocks out. Now, the 250 spring pack is a tad thicker than the 150, but not much...I was able to reuse my u-bolts. Some guys say reusing u-bolts is a no-no, but so far that hasn't been my experience.
Hope this helps...
Pat
The only real cons I can think of off the top of my head would be reduced ground clearance, and a saggy look in the rear (and subsequent blinding of oncoming drivers at night) for any serious towing or hauling.
I put 2800# F-250 springs in my '89 F-150 two years ago, and left the lift blocks out. Now, the 250 spring pack is a tad thicker than the 150, but not much...I was able to reuse my u-bolts. Some guys say reusing u-bolts is a no-no, but so far that hasn't been my experience.
Hope this helps...
Pat
#18
10-22-2009, 11:09 PM
Senior User
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Okanagan
Posts: 288
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
U-Bolts act like a spring, stretching to keep tension between the leaf spring and axle . Once they are tightened once, they lose their spring and the nut can back off, or if reused many times, they can work-harden and snap. Trimming off some of the block should be done at a maching shop with a mill, so that would cost ya. One side at a time is easiest. Make sure you have some tall stable jack stands to support the frame.
#19
10-22-2009, 11:12 PM
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Do I have to torque the crap out of them or what? I think my dad has a torque wrench.
#20
10-22-2009, 11:15 PM
Senior User
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Okanagan
Posts: 288
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
#21
10-22-2009, 11:16 PM
Hey 94, I noticed nobody asked you if your truck was 2wd or 4wd. If it's 2wd you will have some serious trouble removing the factory lift block... They didn't have blocks in the rear on 2wd F150s. They only came on 4wds in the 1/2 tons... not sure on the 3/4 or 1 tons. If that's the case the only option you have is to go with a drop shackle kit. Either that or 4 link it with air bags... uhh... cha ching!
#22
10-22-2009, 11:17 PM
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hey 94, I noticed nobody asked you if your truck was 2wd or 4wd. If it's 2wd you will have some serious trouble removing the factory lift block... They didn't have blocks in the rear on 2wd F150s. They only came on 4wds in the 1/2 tons... not sure on the 3/4 or 1 tons. If that's the case the only option you have is to go with a drop shackle kit. Either that or 4 link it with air bags... uhh... cha ching!
#23
10-22-2009, 11:38 PM
Senior User
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Okanagan
Posts: 288
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
#24
10-22-2009, 11:49 PM
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yeah I was thinking that could be an option. I don't haul anything, I mean I might wanna put a 4wheeler back there one day, but prolly not anytime soon. And going a short distance.
#26
10-23-2009, 03:32 AM
#27
10-23-2009, 03:50 AM
Hey 94, I noticed nobody asked you if your truck was 2wd or 4wd. If it's 2wd you will have some serious trouble removing the factory lift block... They didn't have blocks in the rear on 2wd F150s. They only came on 4wds in the 1/2 tons... not sure on the 3/4 or 1 tons. If that's the case the only option you have is to go with a drop shackle kit. Either that or 4 link it with air bags... uhh... cha ching!
My DJM shackles leveled my truck perfectly. Everyone's is different though.
For $50 you cant beat them.
#29
10-23-2009, 11:41 AM
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
