Downside of Leveling blocks?

I understand that replacing springs, shocks, ect. will likely be a better option, but what are the downsides to just using blocks to achieve a leveled look?

I have a 2017 TRD Offroad and as a broke college student I just don't want to pay for anything i don't have to since the truck already comes with the Bilstein shocks and what not... I intend to replace the bumpers and as far as trails I'm not looking for anything super hardcore, mostly just a lot of ranch driving and back roads to campsites so i dont feel like I need to replace the whole shebang.

How bad would 1" in the back and up to level in the front be just using blocks/spacers compared to new springs and shocks?

 

Just save for a real lift. As you said you're a broke college student who doesn't need to spend money on things not needed. Blocks aren't needed.

 

The Taco already sits higher in the back. Adding a 1" block in the rear will be worse!

 

Like what @GreyBaldTaco said, I would just wait for a real lift so you don't have to deal with undoing your blocks later. Do you have larger tires you're trying to put on or just go for a certain look?

 

“Broke college student” [has $30,000 truck]

 

It's pretty funny

 

broke college students should not be driving a '17 TRD OR

 

Lol it’s your truck bro. Do whatever the f you want to it. You don’t need to justify and make up some bs to people on the internet.

If you don’t want to spend the money on a lift, then buy a spacer kit and install it. There are probably 20+ threads covering literally any question you could have on any aspect of your Tacoma.

 

I have some 1 or 1.5" blocks you can have them. They make the truck handle like shit. I replaced them with Dakar OME leafs.

 

No larger tires just wanting a little more clearance for if the need arrives/offset the weight of bumpers.

 

Truck was a gift/split with what I could get for my old truck... I know the the idea of it is funny but the point is if I want to do anything to it I have to pay for it so Im just trying to figure out whats worth it and whats not.

 

There's better solutions for that then!

 

There’s nothing wrong with spacers if you understand the limitations of spacers. Basically don’t drive the truck like you upgraded your suspension and you’ll be fine. The spacers place your stock shocks towards the end of their designed operating range. You run the risk of bottoming out or over extending them if you run them too hard and that could be catastrophic. But if you drive the truck the same way you’re doing now, you should be fine. Spacers are an aesthetic upgrade not a performance upgrade.

 

Also, you need to upgrade your bumpstops so your shocks don't act as your bumpstops.

 

If all you want is an inch or two in the back, you can do a 3-leaf AAL in the back. That'll give you about 1.5" and you can match it with spacers in the front. And an AAL is like $100-$150 (last time I checked).

 

Nothing wrong with it if you use them as intended...for looks. I have a spacer/block lift but went with new shocks in the rear. Handles and rides better than it did stock and I drive it hard but it's all street driving. It's my DD so I don't take it off road as I can't chance being without it for work.

 

Adding bumpers to a block lift sounds like a recipe for disaster. Think about if you're just trying to save money and something catastrophic happens because of that bad idea. You will end up spending way more money in the end. Even if there isn't a catastrophic error it will probably end up costing you in some way. Never step over a dollar to pick up a dime. Just do it right man, you never know when a proper suspension set up could save your life. Quick maneuvers etc. Dont you want your truck to preform safely when needed?

 

Spacers/block negatively affect shock components, adding preload. So in FACT, concerning performance, that IS something wrong and definitely a negative, even if you're just driving in the "street". You're strut and spring are not performing at peak performance PERIOD. That is a "wrong" . Decreasing performance is what it is. Dont spread falsities.

 

No Sir Ree Bob. Adding rear spacers will not cause you to bottom out stock shocks. It does however cause the stock shocks to top out/overextend when drooping. That's why should add longer shocks. Just an FYI/service announcement from yours truly.

 

level it, 1.25 inch wheel spacers, and 33s.
cheap good looking build that wont destroy ride quality

tires will be the most expensive part
had this on my 2nd gen and looked flush