2014 SR5 - Bilstein 5100 at 1.75" - 1" Rear Block

Hey,

2014 SR5 - 4 Leaf Springs - ARE CX Series Canopy w/ racks - Yakima Skybox - 2 (50) lb. Sandbags - (2) 2x8 & (2) 5/8" plywood sheet "Bed"

Just purchased four Bilstein 5100 (Down South Motorsports says they are identical minus RCD stickered part number, apparently Bilstein built them for RCD Suspension).

My goal is to have the fronts installed at 1.75" to minimize many of the negative consequences I've tirelessly read about. I want to also lift the back to avoid nose high status. I have no intention of adding an aftermarket bumper/winch. With the canopy, box, sandbags, and wood bed that live in the truck, the factory suspension still has a decent rake (ass high). Assuming I don't want to (or can't?) AAL (won't that make the rear stiff as hell, used to raise the rear 1" on the 3 leaf non-TSB trucks, I have the following questions for a small lift in the rear.

1.) What size block (<1", 1", 1-1/2") would I need to ensure the nose stays level or slightly lower?

2.) From what I can tell, cast iron blocks with new U-Bolts can range anywhere from $60 (Wheelers Offroad) to $150 (ReadyLift.com). Both are not a solid blocks, but steel unlike Toytec's aluminum block ($75). Can you recommend and where can I get solid cast iron blocks?

3.) I've read about 1" zero rate add-a-leaf "blocks" from OffroadDesgn.com. Would this be any better solution than a standard block? Would I need the blocks sized for a 2.5" spring?

4.) Any other ideas for small rear lift?

Thanks for reading!

 

Since you have the 4 leaf, 1" in the rear should be sufficient with 1.75" up front. Even with a little weight in the rear.

A small lift block will maintain the factory ride, but isn't ideal for serious offroad or preventing rear sag with weight.

An AAL is better for offroad and for decreasing rear sag with weight in the bed, but it will make the ride stiffer.

Just depends what you're going after.

 

I would stay away from lift blocks. I had 1" lift blocks for about 30,000 miles and it killed my springs. I switched to Wheelers Off Road 3 Leaf Progressive aal and took out the factory overload spring. That did the trick for me and it holds a load very well and rides great. Wheelers has a heavy duty version as well if you haul a lot of weight.

 

Just out of curiosity. If you remove the factory overload with that kit, how much does that decrease the overall lift?

 

If this helps - mine has 265/70/17s, 5100s set at 1.75" up front, Wheeler 3 leaf add a leaf in the rear with a 3 leaf pack -

 

get an AAL... any flavor of the 1.5 either progressive or single (i prefer single for better load handling) its going to be much better than any block.

 

Does anyone have the 4 leaf spring, and done a 1.5" AAL?

Is the 4th leaf spring aka overload?

What is overload and should I remove it or keep it with a 1.5 AAL?

Thanks,

 

I just added the wheeler 3 leaf aal to my truck. I have factory 4 leaf pack. I kept the overload. My rear end is almost exactly 3" higher than the front. It will leveled soon if I can get a sunny day.

 

4 leaf pack is 3+1. The +1 being the overload.

 

I had blocks in my 07 AC. Rode like sh*t compared to aal.

 

Pm'ed