rear lift block

jayjabour · 02-15-2008, 01:52 PM

I would like to raise the back of my truck slightly. I figure a 1-1.5 inch block will do. I see fabtech and some other places make universal lift blocks of various heights. Is this hard to do? Are these things strong or do I need to worry they are going to crack? I don't do real off roading, I am just doing it for the look. I just don't want to hit a pot hole and be stuck.....

junior3382 · 02-15-2008, 03:56 PM

What kind of truck? How old? The only real problem will be corrosion of the bolts. U may need longer u-bolts to do it, but most lift block kits come with them. It is not overly hard, but for a small amount like that, why not go with shackles? Easier to install I think. Just a thought.

MORROWMUDDER · 02-15-2008, 04:18 PM

lift blocks are probably the most common way of lifting the rear of trucks, i have 3" lift blocks on the rear of mine, however there are a couple things you have to watch for, stay away from the cheap part store kits, most of those kits use aluminum blocks which is soft and the center pin will shear off or the center pin that your from your leaf spring will break out of the hole. also with the cheap part store kits the u-bolts that come with them are junk. trust me from experiance, i've had blocks and bolts break from these kits. i recommend getting heavy duty u-bolts i got all 4 of mine for like 35-40 bucks, i also got a set of steel blocks from a local 4x4 shop for 40 bucks. doesnt take long to do it only took me about an hour. i put jack stands under the frame of my truck and used a jack to lower and raise my axle. remember though that if ya dont use thread lock on the u-bolts to check their tightness every now and then for a while.

75K30 · 02-15-2008, 04:32 PM

Welcome to the site:

All very good information, and all sound very reasonable.You may not be able to use a longer shackle in most cases because you may have a tension style shackle, and a longer shackle will only lower the truck, so know what you are getting yourself into before you preoceed. Understand the difference between tension style and compression style.
Now, lets talk about lifting your ride; Chances are that you already have a block in the back, as most factory trucks have a rear block. To obtain additional lift you have the option of using a taller block, just stay away from adding another one. This should be avoided at all cost. You double the risk of a failure by stacking blocks. Instead you should measure the existing block, and add the amount of lift required and replace the unit with one block only. This will usually require a new set of u-bolts to accomplish, and this combined with the cost of a new block could make this more expensive than just buying an add-a-leaf. Now an AAL will place a bit more tension on the spring, and make the ride a little more stiff than it is now, but chances are that the springs are a little fatigued and could use the help anyway.
AAL's are also pretty easy to install, and will not contribute to any axle wrap like taller blocks will.
Weigh the options and consider which is right for you.
May also consider a rear "shackle flip". This will allow you to convert the tension shackle into a compression style, and with the correct hanger can eliminate any block(s) at all, and still maintain additional ride heigth.
Since you are in the Chevy forum, I believe that you have a tension style, so this may be an option for you.

jayjabour · 02-15-2008, 05:22 PM

sorry guys I can't believe I forgot all the important stuff like what type of truck. I have an 07 silverado classic (old body style). One of my questions is I briefly looked under the back and it looks like there is a block between the axle and the leaf springs. That has to be stock and from the factory because I bought the truck new. Does the one inch block go on top of that or in place of it. I guess the blocks will come with some instructions. I can really only find universal blocks. I don't see any specifically for my application. I had a leveling kit put in and am very happy with it. I would like to get an inch or so higher in the back. So it seems like rear blocks aren't a big mistake as long as it is researched and done right.....

75K30 · 02-15-2008, 07:18 PM

Please refer to post #4.
Wild guess, but it was already mentioned that you more than likely had a factory block (most 4x4's do) and you should really not stack blocks, even small ones.
You should instead buy a replacement that is 1.5 inches taller than the existing one. Then you will need to take one u-bolt to the shop that sold you the blocks so you can buy new hardware that is the proper length.
Understand the problems associated with longer blocks,,,,,,,axle wrap, added u-joint angle (if block is not tappered), potential shock length and travel limitations.

02-15-2008, 01:52 PM	#1
jayjabour Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 7	rear lift block I would like to raise the back of my truck slightly. I figure a 1-1.5 inch block will do. I see fabtech and some other places make universal lift blocks of various heights. Is this hard to do? Are these things strong or do I need to worry they are going to crack? I don't do real off roading, I am just doing it for the look. I just don't want to hit a pot hole and be stuck.....

02-15-2008, 03:56 PM	#2
junior3382 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: I live in south central PA, but grew up in Maine Posts: 2,937	What kind of truck? How old? The only real problem will be corrosion of the bolts. U may need longer u-bolts to do it, but most lift block kits come with them. It is not overly hard, but for a small amount like that, why not go with shackles? Easier to install I think. Just a thought. __________________ Lets get some mud on the tires...eh?!?!? OWN: 1998 Chevy Blazer ls 4x4 4.3l Vortec V6 1998 Mazda B3000 SE 4WD 3.0L V6 3" lift 31x10.50 Liberator A/T's

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02-15-2008, 04:18 PM	#3
MORROWMUDDER Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Ohio/Montana Posts: 114	lift blocks are probably the most common way of lifting the rear of trucks, i have 3" lift blocks on the rear of mine, however there are a couple things you have to watch for, stay away from the cheap part store kits, most of those kits use aluminum blocks which is soft and the center pin will shear off or the center pin that your from your leaf spring will break out of the hole. also with the cheap part store kits the u-bolts that come with them are junk. trust me from experiance, i've had blocks and bolts break from these kits. i recommend getting heavy duty u-bolts i got all 4 of mine for like 35-40 bucks, i also got a set of steel blocks from a local 4x4 shop for 40 bucks. doesnt take long to do it only took me about an hour. i put jack stands under the frame of my truck and used a jack to lower and raise my axle. remember though that if ya dont use thread lock on the u-bolts to check their tightness every now and then for a while.

02-15-2008, 04:32 PM	#4
75K30 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 2,518	Welcome to the site: All very good information, and all sound very reasonable.You may not be able to use a longer shackle in most cases because you may have a tension style shackle, and a longer shackle will only lower the truck, so know what you are getting yourself into before you preoceed. Understand the difference between tension style and compression style. Now, lets talk about lifting your ride; Chances are that you already have a block in the back, as most factory trucks have a rear block. To obtain additional lift you have the option of using a taller block, just stay away from adding another one. This should be avoided at all cost. You double the risk of a failure by stacking blocks. Instead you should measure the existing block, and add the amount of lift required and replace the unit with one block only. This will usually require a new set of u-bolts to accomplish, and this combined with the cost of a new block could make this more expensive than just buying an add-a-leaf. Now an AAL will place a bit more tension on the spring, and make the ride a little more stiff than it is now, but chances are that the springs are a little fatigued and could use the help anyway. AAL's are also pretty easy to install, and will not contribute to any axle wrap like taller blocks will. Weigh the options and consider which is right for you. May also consider a rear "shackle flip". This will allow you to convert the tension shackle into a compression style, and with the correct hanger can eliminate any block(s) at all, and still maintain additional ride heigth. Since you are in the Chevy forum, I believe that you have a tension style, so this may be an option for you.

02-15-2008, 05:22 PM	#5
jayjabour Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 7	sorry guys I can't believe I forgot all the important stuff like what type of truck. I have an 07 silverado classic (old body style). One of my questions is I briefly looked under the back and it looks like there is a block between the axle and the leaf springs. That has to be stock and from the factory because I bought the truck new. Does the one inch block go on top of that or in place of it. I guess the blocks will come with some instructions. I can really only find universal blocks. I don't see any specifically for my application. I had a leveling kit put in and am very happy with it. I would like to get an inch or so higher in the back. So it seems like rear blocks aren't a big mistake as long as it is researched and done right.....

02-15-2008, 07:18 PM	#6
75K30 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 2,518	Please refer to post #4. Wild guess, but it was already mentioned that you more than likely had a factory block (most 4x4's do) and you should really not stack blocks, even small ones. You should instead buy a replacement that is 1.5 inches taller than the existing one. Then you will need to take one u-bolt to the shop that sold you the blocks so you can buy new hardware that is the proper length. Understand the problems associated with longer blocks,,,,,,,axle wrap, added u-joint angle (if block is not tappered), potential shock length and travel limitations.