Rear 4" blocks
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New User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6
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Rear 4" blocks
I'm doing a frame off restoration of a '78 F-150 4x4, and am looking at (desperately needed) new shocks and springs for her. Had to to cut the u-bolts in order to get the springs off of the axle. My truck has a 4" block lift in back. Did they come stock on the truck or were the blocks put on by the previous owner? I'm asking because I need to know if I need to get stock length shocks, u-bolts, and stock height springs, or I need to get shocks and springs that accomidate a 4" lift to keep the truck at its current height.
thanx
Dana
thanx
Dana
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,191
Likes: 4
From: West Union, OH USA
Rear 4" blocks
probably stock. if it has 2 separate blocks it has a lift. if it sits higher than normal it probably has a lift. if the u-bolts go through the block and it has a cup on the side it is stock
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 843
Likes: 1
From: USA
Rear 4" blocks
I'm doing the same on a 77 F150 and it has the same 4" blocks between the springs and the axel. They're stock. I've owned this truck since '80 and it's never had a lift kit in it. Didn't figure it ever needed one. 
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 592
Likes: 0
From: BC, Canada
Rear 4" blocks
Mine has the same, in a 79 F250 4 x 4. I think they had Ford numbers on them too if I remember right. I had them out to do the same thing you are. Had to replace both main leafs too, one was cracked part way through.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 368
Likes: 0
From: del city,oklahoma
Rear 4" blocks
im willing to bet that is not stock for a half ton. my 77 f150 i used to have only had 2 inch blocks in the rear. i was under the impression that only the 3/4 and 1tons came factory with that kind of height. could be wrong tho
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 843
Likes: 1
From: USA
Rear 4" blocks
I can never be 100% sure as I did buy my truck used, off a lot, and I have never been able to contact any previous owner(s). I have had my truck setting next to others of the same vintage and even some 78's and 9's and taking into consideration the tires, we set the same height. I just went back out to my garage and measured my blocks and they measure 3 and 1/4 inches thick. The truck came off the assembly line in San Jose, Calif. on the 26th of April, 1977. Does this make it a 77 1/2? Again, i'm not 100% sure. Is it the last of the origional high-boy's? I don't think so because it really doesn't set that tall. I have never run tires any larger then 33-10/50's because it rides like a dump truck. I have been running 30-9/50's for years and found them to be good compromise between the needs of street commuting and having fun in the mountains on the weekends. I've been told that 35 inch tall tires would fit under the truck with no modifications to the suspension and by just looking at the clearence I tend to believe it. 
