Lifts using Spacers and Blocks?

Hey y'all. I got a truck I'm interested in but its got what the seller says are a "3" block in the back and a 3" strut spacer with a 2" spacer on top of the strut in front". So 5" in front and 3" in back. I don't know much about lifts but these are the poor mans (aka not so safe) versions of lifts? Also any idea how difficult to remove? I figure I would have a shop touch the coil overs but I could likely tackle the rear? Not trying to cruise around with that much lift.

Thanks

 

Blocks are usually used because they are cheap for parts cost and easy to install (so cheap on install time/costs). So shouldn't be difficult to remove tophat spacers or rear blocks. If there's a preload spacer on the springs that would take a bit more time since you have to safely remove the replace the spring from the coilover.

I'd also be attentative to if parts beyond the spacers need replacing though, as spacer lifts tend to be harder on suspension components. The coilovers and leaf packs may be more worn or damaged so I'd have those inspected.

 

Yea I'd suggest steering clear of that truck. Spacer lifts are a cheap shortcut to a proper suspension lift. Makes you wonder if the current owner has taken other shortcuts when maintaining the truck. Unless the price and other details make it a total steal, keep looking.

 

Something is missing from the details on this truck. You can't get 5" lift up front with spacers alone. Does it have some sort of drop bracket kit? Pictures woukd be good.

While spacers aren't great, and not my preference, they have been an inexpensive method used for years to get that lifted look. If you plan to remove them anyway, the only concern I would have is what condition the ball joints, CV's, and other steering components are in from having that much spacer lift installed. The top load spacer especially puts additional stress on those parts. Rear blocks are another item not ideal, but very common. A lot of factory suspension on other vehicles use them. Both front and rear lift spacers/blocks should be easy to remove with a suitable jack and jack stands.

 

Yup. Can't get 5" of lift out of a 4x4 ifs front end without a drop bracket. Perhaps there is a body lift involved?

 

I have 2 inch body. 2 in front suspension front and three inch blocks in the back. I did this many years ago. Changed all suspension parts and its been good.Cheaper than Fabtech for shur.

 

An ever so slight body lift can also make removing the transmission so much easier... so I hear. Those top two bolts on the bell housing are a PITA to remove. Even with 20 billion feet of extensions lol.

 

Drop the tail end of the transmission slightly to give yourself some space to get to the top bolts....then have one person under the vehicle to guide the socket held by another person in the cab spinning the bolts from the opening in the cab floor. Too easy.

 

Good tip. I'll have to use this next time I pull a transmission

 

Lifting the body on a first gen is easy..Thats how I get to my gas tank. Pulling the fuel tank is hell, or should I say putting it back up is hell

 

3” OF LIFT with 2” OF SPACERS for the front sounds correct, as long as the rear isn’t squatting. Strut spacers are not 1:1 for lifting the front due to the suspension geometry.
It’s ok, yes a cheap lift….for now, as long as all the wheels stay on the ground. Most people overlook the extra droop that the spacers add that the cv’s can’t handle. That was the problem with my truck busting cv outer joints like watermelons, and all I did was get bottomed out in the swamp. A good friend of mine and I were just discussing how much more money you actually spend in the long run trying to save a little now. Get the good stuff to begin with.

 

Spacers and blocks rock. Don't worry about it and bomb that shit like you stole it.

 

Wow.