Block pictures

The biggest problem I see with blocks is the potential for increased axle wrap. The longer the block, the greater the chance for an issue. The block acts as a lever multiplying the torque transferred by the twisting of the axle to the spring. this not only increases axle wrap, but can accelerate the fatigue on the spring, shortening it's life. OEMs use blocks instead of new springs to cut costs.

 

I can understand that, and the bigger the block the greater the chances of that happening are. I personally wouldn't go with a block bigger than 1.5" just for that reason but with my 1" blocks I have not experienced any issues what so ever. I guess the issues really depends on the size of the block used.

 

It's not doing it wrong.... Pardon my french, but it's doing it as a cheap ass, after you've spent X amount on your truck, and if it's a newer truck, it's just stupid.... Not going offroad with it, you're at 50/50, going offroad or putting it under a workload, and the odds quickly go against you for something breaking.... And sure, there might a "few" trucks that come from the factory with some "small" blocks in the back or front... Not the Tacoma, which is NOT a heavy duty truck. Go compare the leaf springs, and no further talking is needed...... The Tacoma barely carries a decent load in the bed as is, and now you're going to put geometry against and already weak leaf spring and argue the reliability ? Come on guys, that's just ignorance... If you don't have the cash to lift your truck other ways, fine, but accept the fact that your going the sub-par route and leave it at that, don't try to argue it to the level of equal quality and strength as more practical methods....

And for Chr!st sake, when you look at the cost of blocks, an AAL and Shackles isn't a whole lot more.... You can't save for another few weeks or month or two ?

 

I'm not arguing the theory or saying either is better or worse, I just base my decisions on facts and proof, not hearsay. There's no need to get angry. I'm personally using blocks with no issues, if I have any ill be the first to admit that they are a bad idea.

 

There is nothing wrong with a 1" block...

 

I hear ya man... Not angry... Just being real, after reading some of the opinions.

Fact = lowering the axle away from the support of the spring pack forces geometry to work AGAINST the torque of the axle and support of the springs. Much like a lever. It's fact, not opinion.

 

Agreed.... But a 1" block is fine man... People who put 2-3" blocks are crazy..

 

You're at little risk with a 1" unless the axle is under extreme torque..... I still wouldn't do it except for a possible temporary solution if I truly needed the clearance.... If I knew I was going to be pulling a trailer near the top capacity of the truck on occasion, I definitely wouldn't do any block, of any kind other than possibly a wedge.

 

Here's a pic of my rear 4" lift blocks. Haven't had a problem yet.

 

Maybe it's just photography playing tricks, but your leaves look nicely warped .... I'm stepping off my soap box now

 

They were like that long before I threw the blocks on. They are the 20 year old factory leaves...

You are correct that the leaf packs in the rear are shot though.

 

I have the Toytec 1.5" AAL out back, with my 4 leaf pack (tsb). I went with the AAL because I was getting a camper, so I didnt want the back to sag. The back had a slight rake before, and is back to a stock looking rake now.

The ride at 1.75 is great with the sport springs. Stiffer than stock, but doesnt have the front end dive when slowing down or cornering. I like it way better than the stock feel.

Here is a picture, before the camper, right after installing the AAL. You can see the stock rake is returned.




This shows a truck with the front at 1.75, with a 1" block...

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/suspension/244155-1-inch-rear-block-2.html#post5857411

Hope this helps!

 

Decided to go with aal's and new shocks for the front, any suggestions?

 

Yes this helps although it makes me wonder if I will want more than the tsb or more than an inch. It doesn't look like that much rake unless it's just the pic. Looks like it might be on a slight incline.

Love the stance!

Do you have any vibrations?

 

It is kind of just the picture, here is a straight on side shot...








I have a minor vibration from a stop if I accelerate kind of hard, but I also had it before, so I think it is unrelated.

 

Billstein 5100's and Toytec 2" AAL. This is the kit I'm running on mine and haven't had any problems at all. Very happy with it and the ride quality.

 

what shocks are you guys running with the 2" aal? i thought the 5100's were only good for an extra inch of travel at the most?

 

^this. /thread