Block lift vs. springs

I have a 2007 Prerunner daily driver. I don’t wheel at all. I’ve searched and can’t find a definitive reason that a block lift causes stress on the springs. If the block is the same width as the pad that the springs rest on how can that cause more stress to the springs?
I’m only thinking about one inch blocks to level or SLIGHTLY raise the rear for a little rake.

Thanks in advance.

 

I ran 2.5 inch blocks in the rear for 3 years with zero issues when I was in college. Started working now and bought some Dakar leaf springs because I could finally afford it and I put a topper on my truck so I wanted stronger springs.

If you aren’t wheeling hardcore blocks are fine and work for 90% of the people who want to lift their trucks

 

Blocks shouldn't cause any more stress on the springs. They can introduce axle wrap tho.

I think blocks would be a fine solution for you

 

I would never use blocks but many do, some without issue.

 

Why? What is the issue?

 

I have a spacer lift, add a leaf, diff drop, and skid plate drop for sale if you’re interested in going that route. Came off a 2015 4wd with 26,000 miles $50 + shipping from Idaho.

 

The negative to blocks is they add height at the cost of increased axle wrap.

Usually TW agrees. 1" blocks in the rear is ok, anymore and you may see issues, and will certainly have wrap.

Most 6" lifts have an AAL and a 2-3" block, they suffer the most from axle wrap, and may of them run traction bars to help fight that.

 

Rough ride for one, axel wrap too. Also just old school thought.

 

Thanks for the offer.Not the route I need to go.

 

Unless you plan on using your truck like a truck, my springs looked like a surfboard and had axle wrap after 2 years of rear 1.5" blocks. I would always suggest going with at least a progressive 3-leaf pack if you can't swing for a full pack replacement.

 

My 06 Prerunner has its original leaf springs with 2 leafs and a overload. It also has 1.25" blocks. The amount of axle wrap is insane. It's about leverage.

Blocks have zero affect on ride quality.

The 2 leaf packs were recalled and replaced with 3 but my truck hasn't had the recall done to it. I would expect the 3 leaf pack to have less axle wrap.

 

If you plan on getting on the pedal or any aggressive driving, reasons stated I would avoid blocks...

 

I've seen that posted about the rough ride before - have you experienced this? Conceptually, it doesn't make ANY sense to me how it could change ride quality. The shock is the same, the spring is the same so how could ride quality change? My truck came with 1" blocks so I don't know what it's like without them. IMO the ride is rougher than I'd expect but figured, eh, it's a truck so it is what it is.

I'm wondering if the poor ride quality people talk about is more something they notice when they then later upgrade to something better. And it's not that the blocks make it worse than stock but that after upgrading to a nice rear setup with better shocks and springs that people notice the previous ride (with blocks) was not as good. Just an idea.

If anyone has any science as to why blocks would deteriorate ride quality I'd love to be informed. If my ride quality could be improved that'd bet great!

 

I meannn I have a full pack and shims and still have axle wrap.

I didn't have axle wrap when I had blocks.

 

Take to a spring shop and have an additional leaf added. You'll have less squat when hauling and about an inch or two lift.

 

Yes I agree, an add a leaf is a more ideal solution. The best solution is an entirely new leaf pack. But imo, If one needs a lift right now a block will do until they can get a new pack. I wouldn't even get an add a leaf as it is more money for a stop gap solution.
Furthermore, the stock leafs that came with these trucks are absolute garbage. They will wear poorly if you use your truck as a truck, blocks or not.

 

Blocks ride like stock. It doesn't change the spring rate. The only issue that is rear articulation is compromised due to the additional take up within the leaf assembly from the block. Axle wrap could possibly be due to loose hardware, it's a chassis by chassis basis.

They will fit the bill for most people but a full leaf pack will increase your capability and not hinder it like a block. If you have any additional weight a block may not be the best route.

That being said, I run a 3" block. Will be upgrading to Dobinsons rear leafs soon. I off-road quite often though and it hasn't been an issue yet..

 

I've heard every truck is different but when I had even just 1 inch spacers I had really bad axle wrap, with or without shims. Went with Dakar HD leaf packs/carrier bearing drop bracket and that got rid of my axle wrap. Gave me more lift and rear weight capacity too. Can load two full size dirt bikes in my bed with little to no sag.