1.5” rear lift block with stock shocks?

Hello TW, can I run my stock 2020 TRD OR shocks with 1.5” rear lift blocks safely until I get 5100’s?

 

nope.

 

Yes. You aren’t changing anything other than the ride height. Down travel is limited by the shocks. Blocks make no difference.

 

So when I order the rear 5100’s, they say they fit from 0-1” of lift. Will these be ok, or the right ones for my 1.5” lift? The next one up is for like 2-3”, or 4” lift.

 

3rd gen Offroad rear shocks are the same length as Bilstein 5100 rears. Maybe an additional 1/8".

 

It isn't discussed much but a block in between leaf and axle lift has a different effect on shock lengths and bump stop length requirements than replacement leaf packs where the stock upper (on frame) and lower (on axle) shock mounts are used.
For example, some leaf pack lifts are more arc dependent than others that add an extra leaf or 2 for lift.and strength, which is closer to blocking, and can be in combination with arcing.
Considering that rear shock length minimums only vary by an inch or so.for stock mounts, I find it disingenuous to suggest a massive rear lift range disparity on shock extended lengths when any person with a tape measure and jack stands could compute it for themselves.

 

Can you? Yes, should you? No, the rear shock will be fully extended (depending on weight and etc, etc) but that means that you probably won’t have any down travel and ride quality will be negatively impacted. You’re also probably going to wear out the stocks faster, not that it matters since you’re swapping anyway…
Why not get the 5100s? They’re not that expensive, and with a little bit of effort you can put them on yourself.

 

I wanted to see what the 1.5” blocks looks and feels like, any vibration issues etc, before I commit to the 5100’s, incase I have to go a different route. I currently have 2” lift up front, and 1” blocks in back. It is nice and level, but anything in the bed at all and it squats. I think the extra 1/2” in the rear will help it “look” better and not have a saggy ass. I know, there are better ways to do it, but that is the easiest and cheapest way for now. If the 1.5” blocks in rear look good and ride good I will probably just leave it like that and just add the 5100’s. 90% street, 10% off road.

 

5125's, or 5160's with that 1.5 block.

 

Any more comments before I order the 5100’s? Just to recap, I’m putting 1.5” rear blocks. 5100’s say there good to 1”. I will be only a half inch more. I figured my stock leaf springs with 70k miles are probably sagging at least a half inch.

 

Put some shock extensions on to slightly lengthen shock. Cheap and easy for testing what you are trying out.

 

What's a shock extension?

 

It is just a threaded stud with that screws onto the shock stud end to make it longer. One end is female, with internal threads, and you insert it over and tighten it down onto shock stud. Guys used to use them on leaf spring drag cars to give the shock a little more travel to keep the shock from topping out on the launch and losing traction. Running a set now on my car, but it's old tech though.

 

I would do a 1 in rear block as I seriously don't think 1/2 more is going to hurt anything but I think that you're going to have a lot of rake. I have 5100s and the setting up front was on the 4th perch and a 1/4 shim on the driver's side for the lean. I did a 1-inch block and had about a 1 1/2 in rake. Fast forward I went from 265's to 285s and went to the 5th perch and it has an ever so slight rake which I think is the perfect stance, that's just me. the ride is great/ no difference from the 4th setting but the newer 285s AT3s from Toyo ride a lot better than my Toyo AT2s. Good luck. hope it serves you well.

 

I already currently have 1” blocks in the rear.

 

Remember: blocks just move the suspension components. They do not add any payload capacity. So the truck will sit higher but will still squat with the same payload and will still hit bumpstops as before. All just 1.5" higher.

 

You'd probably be better off getting new leaf springs or an AAL at a minimum if you want to stop the rear end sagging when you're carrying weight. The OEM leafs are not great.

 

Bingo!

@Taco dv AALs are ~$100 so not much of a reach beyond blocks and add payload capacity and keep factory leaf packs from sagging. That said, they DO stiffen up the unloaded ride.

 

I just installed the 5100’s in the rear. The 1.5” block’s haven’t arrived yet. Just from adding the 5100’s, I gained a 1/4” in height vs the stock shocks, measured after a 20 minute drive. Either my stock shocks were really worn out, or the 5100’s haven’t completely settled yet.

 

You don't get any lift from the shocks in the rear.