2" lift blocks, yes or no?

[tobysbronco]

So I think I already know the answer to this question but I'd still like to know what y'all think.  My beloved bronco was lifted more in the front than it was in the back by the PO, which isn't a bad thing except for the poor soul driving in front of me at night, but I'd still like to level it out a little more.  I'd rather not drop the front just because I like the height, which leaves me with raising the rear.  I know there's a few different ways to do this and that blocks really aren't preferred due to axle wrap and whatnot, but they're cheap and I don't really drive anything hardcore.  It has about 2" blocks in the back already, will another 2" be a huge problem?  Anything I gotta watch out for?  If I shouldn't go with the blocks, what would be the best way to go about flipping the shackles?  I have a bit of the knowledge, I research A LOT, but not a whole lot of hands-on experience.  Thanks!
And if it's of any use, I have the 8.8 in the back, the 302, and I'm running on 35s. 

[JustChad]

If you wanna do the lift blocks make sure you get some 4 inchers and get rid of the ones you have now.  You never stack blocks.  I am running a 4" block in the back of the blazer and as long as you are easy on the skinny pedal when you take off they are fine.

[tobysbronco]

That works for me.  Are most blocks made the same?  I found one kit for $100 and another for $40, both come with the same stuff, U bolts and everything.  Where's a good place to get them from and how much do they typically run?

[lqcj8]

make sure the blocks are steel, not aluminum, they hold up a lot better.

[HEEP4me]

You can always adjust your headlights..  The taller your blocks the more spring wrap up you get and thats not good for a couple reasons.

[tobysbronco]

Yeah, I was wondering why they would even make them out of aluminum...

I've been meaning to adjust my lights but I just haven't gotten around to it, I work nights so I don't really have much time to go out and work on it.  And that spring wrap isn't guaranteed to happen, is it?  Mainly if you just apply a lot of torque suddenly?  And I got four or five leaf springs, that should be sturdy enough?  Now you're making me worry a bit...

[moorehouse77]

I've got 4" blocks on my Suburban.  And yes they are aluminum. Nice big fat leaf packs and it still axle wraps under normal average acceleration from a dead stop.  I've seen lots of people offroad with lift blocks and unless you're bouncing up 3 foot ledges you shouldn't have any issues.  I think most of the horror stories you hear about blocks are from people who didn't install or maintain them right.  As long as the alignment pin is seated and you u-bolts are nice and tight you should be fine.  You will have to keep your rear slip yoke greased otherwise you will develop a slight clunk when leaving from a stop.  Its just the slip yoke sticking a little. 

Now having said all that, ultimately the shackle reversal is a way better way to go and less to worry about.  Its no fun out in the middle of nowhere worrying if your gonna knock a block off.


Dave.

[SNOTROCKET]

I've been meaning to adjust my lights but I just haven't gotten around to it, I work nights so I don't really have much time to go out and work on it. 

if you cant find the time to adjust your lights how do you plan on putting in lift blocks?

 



 

[jgorm]

I would suggest some traction bars to help eliminate some axle wrap.  4" is a hell of a big lever when it comes to controlling axle wrap.

[tobysbronco]

I was just meaning it would be easier to do at night because I can see where my lights are actually pointing and that I work all the time at night, but yeah, I could definitely find the time to do it. 

I would much prefer to do the shackle flip, I just know nothing about it.  Do I have to completely cut off the old mount and flip it or are there bolt on kits to the original bracket, keeping it where it is?

And yeah, I read about the traction bars too, there seems to be a couple pretty good benefits to them, I'll look into it.

I appreciate everyones help so far, I learn things here a lot quicker than slow vague searching on google.

[moorehouse77]

You could try here for some research...

http://www.fullsizebronco.com/

Not the greatest forum i've been on but there is some info there that may help ya.


dave.

[tobysbronco]

That's an alright forum, they can be a bit abrasive though and it's hard to navigate around there.  I'll look into that too though.

I've been looking into the shackle flip, I'm gonna go with that.  The new mounting brackets are just a bit more than the more expensive blocks.  And it'll allow me to take out one of the blocks that are already installed.  Plus it'll look better. 

Thanks for everyones help with this.