AAL's are all that much, like $70

Do AAL's provide you with any noticable ride difference with a small 2.5-3.0" lift?

If not, any articulation differences when offroad?

 

is this on a pickup or tacoma?? and yes, AALs make the rear of a tacoma pretty stiff, even if it is only 2-3" of lift

 

Sorry, I meant to ask 'or', not 'for'

So AAL's provide a stiffer right? What is the advantage to AAL's over blocks then?

And yes, this is for a pickup.

 

Well, I called an offroad shop just now and they said with sucha small lift that AAL's really wont provide much benefit, if any. I'm thinking it may not be a wise choice or worth it, especially if it is going to cause a stiffer ride.

With that said, she said they simply help with axle wrap. Something I dont see myself having too much problem with as I honestly dont do much extreme offroading (as you really cant anyways with such a small lift)

 

Well, from experience, I disagree with that. I have 3" AAL's on my Tacoma, and although the ride stiffened a little, it isn't THAT noticable, and well worth the peace of mind to know that those silly blocks won't go quirting out the first time I have to put stress on the axle. Longer shackles are another way to go, and I think that both AAL's and shackles are a much better alternative to the cheap (and unreliable) block method. Just my 2 cents. Of course, if we're talking a streen queen only, then blocks will probably be ok. As for me, I like knowing that my truck is as reliable off-road as it is on.

 

thanks.

Do you know if the rear brake line addition is needed? If so, do you know if I can pick up that part seperately?

 

Lift blocks will tend to increase the tendency of the axle to "wrap" up the springs under hard acceleration. This is hard on the springs and the u-joint on the driveshaft. An AAL is a better option, no increased axle wrap with them. Look for a kit like the Rancho Soft-Ride AAL kit with long thin leaves vs. the less expensive kits with a short thick (= STIFF) leaf. The Rancho kit include 2 pair of leaves that you can mix-n-match to get the height and ride quality you want. Combine a ~1-2" AAL with a 1-2" lift shackle and you can have a decent riding rear suspension and still have some flex off-road:

http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/Shackles.shtml

You'll also want to add a lift bracket for the LSPV (Load Sensing Proportioning Valve):
http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/...l#OrderingInfo

Usually the rear brake line is OK at 2-3" of lift. If needed, you can splice in a second rear brake line to make it longer or get a s/s line made for lifted trucks.

 

I highly suggest the brake line proportioning bracket. With 3" you don't NEED it, but it's good to have. It's like the front diff drop. Some SAY you don't need it with a 3" lift, but dropping that front diff even 1 1/4" is going to save those CV's. My thought is, "better safe than stranded..." By the way, 4Crawler, those are some good looking shackles you have. If I do decide to forgo the AAL's, I'll come to you!