I'm not looking for what kind, how much for a certain size tire or any of that other stuff. I've read, searched, and re-searched plenty of threads here on those subjects, and I've learned quite a bit. However, there is one statement that I've seen made several times by several people, but have never actually read an explanation as to "why".

So, the statement I'm referring to is that "lift blocks are dangerous". Does that mean they are inherently dangerous no matter what the situation or driving conditions??? Or are they just more dangerous when applied to a certain type of wheeling/off-road driving???

I know that some people here have them, and some don't. Also, I know some people like them, and some people don't. That's fine, as I know everyone has opinions to support the reason/s they feel the way they do, I'm just looking for info that explains the dangers of lift blocks.

Thanks for any info/tips on the subject.

 

Lift blocks greatly increase the chance of axle wrap, thats pretty much the main downside, they also dont give you any more flex.

 

To that I'll add...

They can fail. I know this from personal experience. If/when they fail, by which I mean break into pieces and/or become dislodged, you CAN be in a world of hurt. The extent of the damage caused, to self and vehicle, is highly dependant upon location(where you're driving at the time) and the vehicle's speed when the failure occurs.

Trying to imagine the dangers of having your rear axle become disconnected from the truck while you're driving it doesn't seem all too difficult(to me atleast). It can range from having a bad day to having A VERY BAD DAY!!! Hopefully, you'll live to tell the tale. But, at very least, you WILL be stranded wherever you're at. Because you WILL NOT be able to drive the vehicle any further without repair. You WILL(almost certainly) need a new rear driveshaft. And you WILL need another way to mount the rear axle to the vehicle(IF either survives relatively intact).

Don't know what else to say. Except that I think they're a very stupid option for lifting your rig. And I MOST DEFINITELY won't be going that route again. Though, technically, I never really went that route to begin with. Since they were already installed on my truck when I bought it.

Oh...and, as stated, they significantly contribute to axle wrap. Which is NEVER a "good" thing. And the uncontrolled axle wrap, caused by lift block failure, is why your rear driveshaft WILL NOT(in all likelyhood) be thanking you for the experience(should that occur).

 

Thanks for the info guys, appreciate it. Looks like I may have to continue researching lift kits and rethink a lift plan for my truck.

 

Even worse than lift blocks in the rear is lift blocks in the front. I've seen it before, even thought about it in my younger days. Glad I never went thru with it.

 

Lift blocks are basically a way for a company to sell a lift kit. Most people are looking at the cosmetic factor of a lift kit, not how well it will function.
They think-this 4" lift with blocks is $300 and the 4" lift with springs is $600, they go the cheap route because the missus only gave permission for $XXX blah blah.
Do it once and do it right, lift with rear springs

 

do it right with leaf springs. I've also seen lift blocks fail on one of my own rigs - had some on a k5 blazer and luckily i found the crack going through one before it failed on the road. another issue with lift blocks is that due to the axle wrap, it puts so much extra leverage on the extended length u-bolts that those can either snap or nuts become loose with time (much faster than stock setup). a short block is probably ok, or even a shim (which many have to do for pinion angle correction after lifting) - but usually the issue is with blocks taller than 1" -- especially the 6" ones you see on domestic rigs --- and even more so on the scrap wood variety you find in the South