Anyone want a good reason to not run lift blocks? - Page 2

iamsuperbleeder · 05-13-2008, 06:19 PM

classic example of why I am not going with blocks...

CyMoN · 05-13-2008, 06:22 PM

blocks or not you will still have that problem it is your rear leaf springs they would still bend that way .
the truck is 20 years old you need new springs blocks or not.

abecedarian · 05-13-2008, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CyMoN

blocks or not you will still have that problem it is your rear leaf springs they would still bend that way .
the truck is 20 years old you need new springs blocks or not.

Much agreed. That's why I'm installing new leafs. Thread about it here:
http://www.yotatech.com/f116/ditchin...s-soon-145011/

I just thought that I'd post some pics displaying exactly what blocks can do to an old set of springs.

toyotanick · 05-13-2008, 07:14 PM

i have lift blocks... i have always had them. i don't have any of your problems and well can't afford new springs even though i really want them.

Djlarroc · 05-13-2008, 08:14 PM

I think 1" blocks are ok. That's about it.

rusche · 05-13-2008, 08:46 PM

So would you guys reccomend shackles over blocks?
I dont have money for new springs right now, need something temporary
Always thought blocks might be better because of the change in center of gravity vs shackles, as far as stability and roll-over goes...

Djlarroc · 05-13-2008, 08:51 PM

If you can swing the $75 for greasable shackles DO IT. That's what I paid for mine and got about 1.25" of lift. Very easy to install and worked out well because they came with bushings and my old bushings were toast. 1" blocks will probably run you $40, so might as well pay the extra $35 for better flex/art.

abecedarian · 05-13-2008, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rusche

So would you guys reccomend shackles over blocks?
I dont have money for new springs right now, need something temporary
Always thought blocks might be better because of the change in center of gravity vs shackles, as far as stability and roll-over goes...

For an inch or so of lift, or maybe to restore stock ride height, shackles are the best bet since they accomplish the lift and also move the trailing edge of the spring down which conveniently causes the axle to rotate the pinion upwards.

dirtoyboy · 05-14-2008, 04:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CyMoN

blocks or not you will still have that problem it is your rear leaf springs they would still bend that way .
the truck is 20 years old you need new springs blocks or not.

Yes, they might sag...but those springs are definetly effed up from axle wrap. Good enough reason for me.....that and the fact that they can spit out on the trail creating unsafe conditions (especially if off camber) Have you guys ever seen a block spit out? It aint pretty and it aint safe.

dirtoyboy · 05-14-2008, 04:30 AM

Also, a poorly placed AAL can bend springs like that.

mt_goat · 05-14-2008, 05:11 AM

Here's what you need with those lift blocks abecedarian (BTW you really need a shorter nick name).

dirtoyboy · 05-14-2008, 05:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mt_goat

abecedarian (BTW you really need a shorter nick name).

How about ABC?

JamesD · 05-14-2008, 07:12 AM

From looking at the pics, it looks like your add-a-leafs are incorrectly installed and that is what is causing your bent springs, not the blocks. They put blocks in GM, Ford and Dodge trucks from the factory and they do not have any problems what so ever. Blocks are fine if you get the correct ones and not going over 2.5". People buy these cheap Pep Boys blocks and they are cast aluminum which equals breakage. You need billet aluminum or cast steel ones. Lift springs are always better than blocks any day but for a budget, blocks will do.

James

Djlarroc · 05-14-2008, 07:25 AM

Yeah, I agree. I was wondering what the difference was in aluminum blocks. So the billet are stronger than the steel, but the cast are the cheapos huh?

dirtoyboy · 05-14-2008, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesD

From looking at the pics, it looks like your add-a-leafs are incorrectly installed and that is what is causing your bent springs, not the blocks. They put blocks in GM, Ford and Dodge trucks from the factory and they do not have any problems what so ever. Blocks are fine if you get the correct ones and not going over 2.5". People buy these cheap Pep Boys blocks and they are cast aluminum which equals breakage. You need billet aluminum or cast steel ones. Lift springs are always better than blocks any day but for a budget, blocks will do.

James

looking closer it is definitely the add a leafs causing the bending. The blocks just compound the problem. The add a leaf is thicker than the leaves in the pack. It is NOT staggered correctly. The stock leaves are bending right at the edge of the add a leaf. I have seen it happen many times

ocdropzone · 05-14-2008, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abecedarian

However, I got the full lift kit for 400 from a guy doing an SAS swap. Got the front brackets and spindle spacers and rear block and u-bolts.

You did not reuse the U bolts right? U-bolts are considered a one time use item.

Good deal you are getting a squared away. My '81 came with 3 or 4" blocks in the rear, they suck. Have got the full Trail Gear 5" kit going in soon...

CJM · 05-14-2008, 08:05 AM

Im with the rest of the gang in saying that your AAL i whats causing it, compounded by the blocks.

New leaf springs with a mildlift and shackles are what I would do.

abecedarian · 05-14-2008, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dirtoyboy

looking closer it is definitely the add a leafs causing the bending. The blocks just compound the problem. The add a leaf is thicker than the leaves in the pack. It is NOT staggered correctly. The stock leaves are bending right at the edge of the add a leaf. I have seen it happen many times

I think it's the other way round. The aal's were on there when I got the truck and the springs weren't wrapped up like they are now. The blocks were added later.

abecedarian · 05-14-2008, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ocdropzone

05-13-2008, 06:22 PM	#27 (permalink)
CyMoN Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: INDIANA Posts: 2,027	blocks or not you will still have that problem it is your rear leaf springs they would still bend that way . the truck is 20 years old you need new springs blocks or not. __________________ my rigs 89 4runner 1989 4runner v6 5 speed everything factory +4susplift running bfg 31s and a aux gas tank and more aux lights than needed 86 pickup 1986 stock pickup 22r 31.10 BFG ATs flatbed a sad day for the 4runner "One moment of patience may ward off great disaster. One moment of impatience may ruin a whole life."

05-13-2008, 08:14 PM	#30 (permalink)
Djlarroc Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 1,289	I think 1" blocks are ok. That's about it. __________________ '89 4Runner: 22RE 5spd, 4:10s w/202K, 16x8 w/265-75 MT, Diamond headlights, Aisin hubs, Tortis' custom roll on paint job, Home made bikini, 1" Body Lift, 1.25" greasable lift shackles, TG Sliders, 1.5" BJ spacers, Rust is gone! - SOLD! '00 4Runner: Locked F/R

05-13-2008, 08:46 PM	#31 (permalink)
rusche Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Hayden, ID Posts: 124	So would you guys reccomend shackles over blocks? I dont have money for new springs right now, need something temporary Always thought blocks might be better because of the change in center of gravity vs shackles, as far as stability and roll-over goes... __________________ '88 4Runner - 22RE - 190K - Bone Stock

05-13-2008, 08:51 PM	#32 (permalink)
Djlarroc Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 1,289	If you can swing the $75 for greasable shackles DO IT. That's what I paid for mine and got about 1.25" of lift. Very easy to install and worked out well because they came with bushings and my old bushings were toast. 1" blocks will probably run you $40, so might as well pay the extra $35 for better flex/art. __________________ '89 4Runner: 22RE 5spd, 4:10s w/202K, 16x8 w/265-75 MT, Diamond headlights, Aisin hubs, Tortis' custom roll on paint job, Home made bikini, 1" Body Lift, 1.25" greasable lift shackles, TG Sliders, 1.5" BJ spacers, Rust is gone! - SOLD! '00 4Runner: Locked F/R

05-14-2008, 05:11 AM	#36 (permalink)
mt_goat Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Oklahoma State Posts: 7,205	Here's what you need with those lift blocks abecedarian (BTW you really need a shorter nick name). __________________ Dale "America is in a hole and it's getting deeper every day. We import 70% of our oil at a cost of $700 billion a year - four times the annual cost of the Iraq war." T. Boone Pickens Check out the plan: http://www.pickensplan.com/ and http://www.cngnow.com/EN-US/Pages/default.aspx

05-13-2008, 07:14 PM	#29 (permalink)
toyotanick Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 181	i have lift blocks... i have always had them. i don't have any of your problems and well can't afford new springs even though i really want them.

05-14-2008, 07:12 AM	#38 (permalink)
JamesD Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Binghamton, NY Posts: 1,467	From looking at the pics, it looks like your add-a-leafs are incorrectly installed and that is what is causing your bent springs, not the blocks. They put blocks in GM, Ford and Dodge trucks from the factory and they do not have any problems what so ever. Blocks are fine if you get the correct ones and not going over 2.5". People buy these cheap Pep Boys blocks and they are cast aluminum which equals breakage. You need billet aluminum or cast steel ones. Lift springs are always better than blocks any day but for a budget, blocks will do. James __________________ 2nd gen power mirrors for sale http://www.yotatech.com/f109/2nd-gen.../#post50746877 New Tacome V6 transfer case http://www.yotatech.com/f107/sale-br.../#post50755569 Various Toyota truck/4Runner switches for sale http://www.yotatech.com/f109/various...trucks-148139/

05-14-2008, 07:25 AM	#39 (permalink)
Djlarroc Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 1,289	Yeah, I agree. I was wondering what the difference was in aluminum blocks. So the billet are stronger than the steel, but the cast are the cheapos huh? __________________ '89 4Runner: 22RE 5spd, 4:10s w/202K, 16x8 w/265-75 MT, Diamond headlights, Aisin hubs, Tortis' custom roll on paint job, Home made bikini, 1" Body Lift, 1.25" greasable lift shackles, TG Sliders, 1.5" BJ spacers, Rust is gone! - SOLD! '00 4Runner: Locked F/R

05-14-2008, 08:05 AM	#42 (permalink)
CJM Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Central NJ Posts: 4,572	Im with the rest of the gang in saying that your AAL i whats causing it, compounded by the blocks. New leaf springs with a mildlift and shackles are what I would do. __________________ 96' T100 SR5 4x4, ISR mod, Custom ABS snorkel, KC 57's Hella optilux el cheapo backup lights. Cobra 19III CB, Firestick 4ft antenna, Bilstein shocks. Be polite. Be professional. But, have a plan to kill everyone you meet.