lift blocks: pros and cons
 

I'm thinking about putting some 2" or 3" lift blocks on the back of my 884runner to help with the sag. I'm getting them for free and I was wondering if there is anything I need to watch out for?

Here's a link to guide to lifting a 4x4, it's for a Taco, but you get the gist of it. BTW, welcome to the board and hope you have deeeeeeeeeep pocket for all the mods you'll be doing!

http://www.CustomTacos.com/tech/inde...v2&id=137&c=10

There's no good thing about lift blocks for rear springs except for they are cheap. If you do any wheeling or rough riding they will just cause problems. Screw the blocks and do an "add-a-leaf" and some shackles. A few extra dollars won't hurt.

If you have 2 or 3 inches of sag your old springs are shot. Here is a great place to get new springs in Grand Junction, Co. http://www.alcanspring.com/

Watch out for cheaply made blocks. I had a set from autozone that split when I torqued the ubolts. BOTH OF THEM SPLIT. Get ones that are steel, not pot metal like the ones I had.

Or you could weld some 2" square tube onto your spring perches.

The biggest problem with blocks is the ubolts can come loose and they can slip out from under your springs and ruin your day, to say the least. They also induce axle wrap.


Better yet, replace your springs since they are shot. You will have a MUCH better ride if you do.

Yeah, blocks suck the big one. If nothing else, get some shackles instead.

Thanks
 

I think I'll go with an add-a-leaf until I can afford new springs.

Lift Blocks (REAR ONLY!): (1" - 3") (above 3" is just dangerous and stupid)
Pros: Inexpensive. Maintains stock spring ride, usually maintains driveline angles
Cons: more spring wrap, need new ubolts, increased on road sway, poor tracking on the highway, maintains stock spring ride...

Lift Shackles: (1/2" - 1 1/2") (Above 1 1/2" lift, that is 3" longer than stock shackles, is again just dangerous and stupid)
Pros: Cheap. Easy to install. Maintains stock spring ride. Can do fronts sort of.
Cons: Spring wrap, much increased on road sway, poor tracking on highway, ruins driveline angles, makes steering terribly sloppy if used in front, ruins caster setting if used in front, maintains stock spring ride...

Add-a-Leafs: (0" - 3")
Pros: Relatively cheap.
Cons: Ruins any pretense of ride quality - stiffening up the spring enough to force it to re-arch results in a very stiff spring. Usually requires new ubolts.

Springs: (0" - how high ya wanna go?)
Pros: Can custom tailor new springs to suit your needs (smooth ride, lots of travel, carry heavy loads, and nearly any combination you need.) Best ride, best handling.
Cons: May affect driveline angles. Most expensive, although some are hardly more than add-a-leafs. You DO get what you pay for here.

Don't forget to match new shocks to the new suspension characteristics. Often people blame the springs when it's actually the shocks.

If I were Really strapped for cash I'd do blocks before add-a-leafs. Put the money saved toward good springs later.