how safe are rear suspension blocks?

robert1965 · 10-16-2009, 05:35 AM

I just bought a 93 xtra cab in great shape, the front suspension is stock but the rear has blocks under the leaf springs, im wondering if they did this because of rear sag are they safe etc.

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James Dean · 10-16-2009, 06:35 AM

Most will say they are not recommended. The greater the distance between two points the greater the chance it can move. Little thing called leverage. That means on hard cornering or while 4-wheelin the block can fold, twist, turn or worse yet break or crumble. This is mainly true if the block is taller than it is wide. Most people never have problems with a 1 or 2" spacer block for leveling.

I would double check the nuts on the u-bolts to make sure they are tight.

Built2Grind · 10-16-2009, 06:39 AM

2" should be ok but anything more than that you will have axle wrap and like what james dean said here leverage is bad on elongated u bolts

tc · 10-16-2009, 08:47 AM

Any amount of block will increase the leverage on the spring and increase the chances of axle wrap/wheel hop, etc and generally lead to shorter life for the springs.

So long as the u-bolts are tight, though, there isn't anything inherently unsafe about blocks.

byron4 · 10-16-2009, 03:15 PM

dont get aluminum ones (el cheap-o from auto zone) if you do much wheeling they could buckel. my buddy's 93 truck bent his blocks and tore up all kinds of stuff...drive shaft, outputshaft, etc. the blocks had so much torque on them that they caved.

turboboost · 10-16-2009, 03:18 PM

I'd say it's safe in moderation.

10-16-2009, 06:35 AM	#2 (permalink)
James Dean Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 583	Most will say they are not recommended. The greater the distance between two points the greater the chance it can move. Little thing called leverage. That means on hard cornering or while 4-wheelin the block can fold, twist, turn or worse yet break or crumble. This is mainly true if the block is taller than it is wide. Most people never have problems with a 1 or 2" spacer block for leveling. I would double check the nuts on the u-bolts to make sure they are tight. __________________ Custom painter and Toyota Stripe and decal supplier. http://jamesdeancreations.com Custom Safari and Crawlin accessories. http://www.jamesdeancreations.com/4runner_project.htm

10-16-2009, 06:39 AM	#3 (permalink)
Built2Grind Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Glendale, CA Posts: 86	2" should be ok but anything more than that you will have axle wrap and like what james dean said here leverage is bad on elongated u bolts __________________ POS 3vz-e, 4x4, extra cab, SR5, 31's, glasspack, swaybarless and never going back!

10-16-2009, 08:47 AM	#4 (permalink)
tc Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Longmont, CO Posts: 8,376	Any amount of block will increase the leverage on the spring and increase the chances of axle wrap/wheel hop, etc and generally lead to shorter life for the springs. So long as the u-bolts are tight, though, there isn't anything inherently unsafe about blocks. __________________ Check out www.coTTORA.org to hook up with great Toyota 'wheelin' folks! Current - 93 4Runner: 3VZ 33"x10.50" no lift ARB F/R 96 Impala SS: My own personal cop car Previous - 89 2WD Pickup 22R, Fabtech "Ivan Dan" lift, 31x10.50, IASCA World Finals 4th Place Stop with the mods and get on the trail! Pix at www.4wheelingoh.shutterfly.com/action

10-16-2009, 03:15 PM	#5 (permalink)
byron4 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: coloRADo Posts: 366	dont get aluminum ones (el cheap-o from auto zone) if you do much wheeling they could buckel. my buddy's 93 truck bent his blocks and tore up all kinds of stuff...drive shaft, outputshaft, etc. the blocks had so much torque on them that they caved. __________________ 1993 4runner: ARB air locker rear. aisin manual hubs. SDORI ball joint spacers, OME 901 coils, Sonoran Steel IFS truss, 33x10.5 BFG AT's, hacked into the dash clinometer, marlin crawler sliders, custom armorology rear bumper, and a lot of custom dents. -Byron

10-16-2009, 03:18 PM	#6 (permalink)
turboboost Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 383	I'd say it's safe in moderation. __________________ 1990 Toyota 4Runner - SR5, 22RE, 5 speed, 35" Mud King XT, a bunch of mods. 1986 Mazda B2000 - 5 speed, carb'd 2.0, the winter beater. 1979 Datsun 280zx - 2 seater, 5 speed, stripped interior, etc. 1998 Nissan Altima - 5 speed, 1981 280zx turbo snowflake rims. 1985 Toyota Pickup - SR5, 22RE, 5 speed, Xtra cab, lifted 2", 35" boggers, etc - Sold 1983 Datsun 280zx - Turbo Intercooled L28ET - Crushed. 1985 Nissan 300zx - 5 speed, race prepped, etc - Crushed. IFS Club #7

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