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Blocks vs. Add A Leaf.

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by skierpunk, Mar 18, 2008.

  1. Mar 18, 2008 at 11:32 AM
    #1
    skierpunk

    skierpunk [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I'm new to the fourm and even newer to suspension. I am looking at installing the revtek lift. However, I have a few questions first:
    1. If I’m going to be towing a boat from time to time, as well as using the truck how it was intended to be used (hauling and using the bed for various different jobs) would it be better to get a lift with add a leaf instead of blocks?

    2. What are a few Pros and Cons for each style of lift.
     
  2. Mar 18, 2008 at 12:10 PM
    #2
    Janster

    Janster Old & Forgetful

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    The only thing a block will do is raise your truck. The handling and suspension characteristics are gonna be the same.

    Putting an AAL will raise your truck and change the suspension characteristics. It'll support more weight, more control (axle wrap), and better handling (so to speak).

    I'm not a fan of blocks. I've seen too many people bust them apart while offroading on the trails. I'm not necessarily a fan of AAL's either. I've had them in the past and they're OK...but can and will eventually wear out your original leaf paks.

    Ultimately - if your gonna be towing, hauling and putting your suspension through a workout, I would highly recommend replacing the entire leaf paks. It'll be more expensive - but I'm pretty sure it'll last longer and be even more durable for the workout you'll give 'em. Shop around - as I think there are lots of options.
     
    doyouevenprerun likes this.
  3. Mar 18, 2008 at 1:10 PM
    #3
    mjp2

    mjp2 Living vicariously through myself Moderator

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    I also posted this in a suspension thread a week or so ago. It's a pretty killer deal. AllPro has 05+ leaf packs on sale for $369 a pair, with your choice of 1.5" or 3" of lift. 25% off for the month of March.

    Note that they're for offroading so they'll be better for flex and ride than for load capacity. Add a set of Timbrens with the springs to increase the capacity and you'll be all set!
     
  4. Mar 18, 2008 at 1:25 PM
    #4
    The_Hodge

    The_Hodge Volunteer Moderator

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    Seeing the third gen section forced me to get a Ford...
    or if u have an 05-07...and some 08's, u can get a suspension tsb that'll lift the rear up 1 1/4" w/ replacing the whole leaf pack, and also the shocks if u dont have a trd. fill us in on what year/model u have
     
    fatrip likes this.
  5. Mar 18, 2008 at 2:16 PM
    #5
    nd

    nd Radical Town. It's a hell of a place!

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    go with leafs, not blocks
     
  6. Mar 18, 2008 at 10:36 PM
    #6
    skierpunk

    skierpunk [OP] Well-Known Member

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    My truck actually hasn’t come in yet but it’s supposed to be here within a week. It’s a black double cab TRD Off Road. I hope I can get the TSB done. Save lots of money.
     
  7. Mar 18, 2008 at 11:11 PM
    #7
    The_Hodge

    The_Hodge Volunteer Moderator

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    Seeing the third gen section forced me to get a Ford...
    some people have been hit or miss w/ the 08's. just look under there and see if u have 3 leafs or 4. if u have 4, then the tsb has already been done/corrected. if thats the case, then the only ways to lift the rear are to either get a whole new leaf pack or blocks.
     
  8. Mar 19, 2008 at 2:24 AM
    #8
    ERdept

    ERdept Well-Known Member

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    So if I want to lift by replacing the leaf pack, AND increase payload, what brand is the one to buy for the 2008 Prerunner?

    In other words, who makes it that I can buy from that fits the 2008 Prerunner?

    Then All I need for the front is the Toytec aluminum spacer and coils and 5100's all around.
     
  9. Mar 19, 2008 at 6:42 AM
    #9
    nd

    nd Radical Town. It's a hell of a place!

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    you cant use the 5100's with spacers unless you keep them at stock height. Just an FYI
     
  10. Mar 19, 2008 at 9:51 AM
    #10
    Big Guns

    Big Guns Well-Known Member

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    I have heard from reading around forums that the deavers are "haulers" and the alcans are "wheelers", but i find that a little iffy. You really cant go wrong with any of the companies as far as wheeling/hauling goes, but anyone will tell you they prefer the ones they have. I hear good things about the All-Pro springs, and for the price you really can't go wrong.
     
  11. Mar 19, 2008 at 9:56 AM
    #11
    jonny_jard

    jonny_jard Well-Known Member

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    Has anyone ever heard about the blocks wearing out, eventually sliding out of position causing the axle to kick out while in motion
     
  12. Mar 19, 2008 at 11:27 AM
    #12
    mjp2

    mjp2 Living vicariously through myself Moderator

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    The 3" AllPro springs installed, for those on the fence about the:

    IMG_2129_1b43720d59a0ebc95c6c58a69070e588b094bfe7.jpg

    IMG_2168_b46c84936a3f5bd6f33ecb6363c96b943c7668ec.jpg
     
    remgu2000 likes this.
  13. Mar 19, 2008 at 11:34 AM
    #13
    ERdept

    ERdept Well-Known Member

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    That's like 20 leaf springs!
     
  14. Mar 19, 2008 at 11:44 AM
    #14
    Janster

    Janster Old & Forgetful

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    YES! I've only ever seen this while on the trails with rigs while offroading - and I've helped do trail repairs on many rigs because their blocks came out.

    I knew a guy who almost got castrated by a block that literally *flew* out while the guy was on the gas and the axle was under extreme torque. Another guy - lost one side and he didn't realize it. He got on the gas some more and it knocked the other side out, the axle was free floating (not attached to anything). That resulted in the rear driveshaft to tweak the u-joint & yoke while punctering a hole in the bottom of his bed.
     
    lo2hi likes this.
  15. Mar 19, 2008 at 12:15 PM
    #15
    nd

    nd Radical Town. It's a hell of a place!

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    thats awesome! Now whats the reasoning for moving the shock mount forward on the frame?
     
  16. Mar 19, 2008 at 12:39 PM
    #16
    mjp2

    mjp2 Living vicariously through myself Moderator

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    I'm actually changing quite a bit. The Jounce Shocks will soon be moved to inside the frame rails to make room for 2.5" bypass shocks that will mount to the top of the axle housing and will come through the bed outside the frame and will tie into the bed cage.

    IMG_2074_14173ed04df10d02461f15500d2a66884836b727.jpg

    IMG_2204_dc91d4ae34670fdb82897d6c663980574b14d1d7.jpg

    It has to keep pace with the front suspension:
    IMG_2120_f2647010921692fd1424ace7706952d79a1ade8a.jpg

    :eek:
     
    remgu2000 likes this.
  17. Mar 19, 2008 at 1:14 PM
    #17
    nd

    nd Radical Town. It's a hell of a place!

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    What do you mean it has to keep pace with the front? Sorry but i'm ignorant about setting a truck up for a baja race, you will have to explain things to me cause i really wont know what you're talking about.

    I need to read the full story on your truck. do you have it documented on TN or TW or TTORA or anything like that? I am just amazed that you're doing this to a brand new truck. Dont get me wrong, its badass but, damn thats alot of money to sink into a truck....

    Looks like a fun hobby though :)
     
  18. Mar 19, 2008 at 1:38 PM
    #18
    mjp2

    mjp2 Living vicariously through myself Moderator

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    Full story: Basically I beefed up the front end enough that it would survive long after the rear shocks were foamy, the leaf springs cracked, the bumpstops broke off, and the ass end bounced me sideways off the road. Everything I've been doing has been to increase durability and safety.

    I got the idea while sitting in traffic on my way to work one morning and kinda ran with it. At this point I've turned the truck into a business and will start seeking sponsors once I'm back on the road. I've hemorrhaged money, but I also have 10 times the truck I had originally planned.

    The fun should start soon. The cage is nearing completion and the fuel cell should be started shortly. After that the truck will be drivable again! Currently it's just me walking into an episode of Overhaulin' every Saturday morning when I visit the shop. :D
     
  19. Mar 19, 2008 at 2:15 PM
    #19
    The_Hodge

    The_Hodge Volunteer Moderator

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    Seeing the third gen section forced me to get a Ford...
    damn...i just put 2" blocks on mine...now was he doing some harder/bigger trails or just minor/intermediate trails? i really dont want my shit to pop out while on trail. if u have the u-bolts tightened good enough, shouldnt it be ok?
     
  20. Mar 19, 2008 at 6:10 PM
    #20
    jonny_jard

    jonny_jard Well-Known Member

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    SH#T... So basically if you only drive to and from the grocery store with minimal foot to floor ratio you should be safe. Anyone else know of experiences like this? Thanks for the reply Janster. Sounds like this is something everyone should know about.
     

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