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suspension blocks - Why do manufacturers use them stock

Discussion in 'Suspension' started by Cnasianfire, Mar 13, 2018.

  1. Mar 13, 2018 at 7:23 AM
    #1
    Cnasianfire

    Cnasianfire [OP] Well-Known Member

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    So, the other day, I realized that in fact, I do have a 2" lift. In the rear, I have a 2" block. Everyone says that they are bad. And I am not saying that they aren't, but if they are so bad, why do car manufacturers use them stock. I checked out a Ford dealer and all of their trucks had like a 4" blocks between the axle and springs.
     
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  2. Mar 13, 2018 at 7:25 AM
    #2
    PackCon

    PackCon Well-Known Member

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    Toyota does not put blocks on their trucks stock.
    And neither does Ford.

    Those are aftermarket additions.

    I’ve seen a Toyota dealer put a 4” lift on a Rav 4 and put BFG KO2s on it. I assume it was a spacer lift since a Rav 4 is not BOF.

    Dealers do dumb things all the time. But it’s the dealer, not manufacterer.
     
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  3. Mar 13, 2018 at 7:25 AM
    #3
    ChadsPride

    ChadsPride Tacoma Owner & Enthusiast

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    It's an inexpensive way to lift.

    Lower expense, more profit.

    Just my thinking.​
     
  4. Mar 13, 2018 at 7:26 AM
    #4
    Tacoaric

    Tacoaric Well-Known Member

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    Because of brainwashing. Blocks are only bad because Tacomaworld says so. Sure it’s not the best way to lift, but it’s also fine for 98% of the people here, including those who #overland. There will be people who post bent struts and stuff, with no scientific proof that it was the spacer and not the smallest strut I’ve ever seen attributing to the failure.

    YMMV
     
  5. Mar 13, 2018 at 7:26 AM
    #5
    Tacoaric

    Tacoaric Well-Known Member

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    Wrong. Ford puts blocks on all of their 4x4 trucks except the raptor.
     
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  6. Mar 13, 2018 at 7:28 AM
    #6
    Noelie84

    Noelie84 What Could Possibly Go Wrong?

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    They aren't bad, unless you get excessive. Just like spring lifts, really.

    Incorrect. Ford uses blocks because the springs and axles are the same in the rear whether you have a 2wd or 4wd, to simplify the manufacturing process. That way when they build a 4x4 they just have to use a taller block and longer U-bolts instead of a completely different spring pack. The big 3 have been using this build process for decades.
     
    Last edited: Mar 13, 2018
  7. Mar 13, 2018 at 7:28 AM
    #7
    Cnasianfire

    Cnasianfire [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Not saying that you are wrong because I don't know anything about suspensions...just learning. But it is hard for me to believe that they put a lift on EVERY truck in the lot. Maybe what I thought were blocks weren't really lift blocks. IDK
     
  8. Mar 13, 2018 at 7:30 AM
    #8
    Cnasianfire

    Cnasianfire [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I am just concerned about the blocks as far as towing and "mild" off roading (no rock crawling or 6"+ mud) and recovery (pulling ppl who are stuck at the beach)
     
  9. Mar 13, 2018 at 7:32 AM
    #9
    Cnasianfire

    Cnasianfire [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Ok, I thought that they were blocks. Well, I know that they were blocks, but don't know if it was because they wanted to lift the rear end or if it had other purposes. But having blocks on a F250 super duty has to tell me that blocks aren't completely useless when it comes to towing. I wasn't sure if I could still tow the same amount of weight with blocks
     
  10. Mar 13, 2018 at 7:32 AM
    #10
    PackCon

    PackCon Well-Known Member

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    You will need to post a picture of what you are talking about because I don’t think its blocks if you felt every truck had it.
     
  11. Mar 13, 2018 at 7:34 AM
    #11
    Cnasianfire

    Cnasianfire [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Ok, you caught me...lol. I didn't look under EVERY SINGLE truck. But i did look under 3 F250, 1 F350, and 2 F150 trucks. They all had them. I have to go there on Friday and I will take a picture then
     
  12. Mar 13, 2018 at 7:35 AM
    #12
    PackCon

    PackCon Well-Known Member

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    Blocks still increase the distance to the bumpstops, doesn’t mean they aid with towing. Tow capacity is still tow capacity.

    Air bags are better :D
     
  13. Mar 13, 2018 at 7:36 AM
    #13
    PackCon

    PackCon Well-Known Member

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    Take a pic of what you think are blocks on your Tacoma.

    We don’t really care about the Fords
     
  14. Mar 13, 2018 at 7:37 AM
    #14
    Cnasianfire

    Cnasianfire [OP] Well-Known Member

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    LOL (about the ford). Here is what my truck looks like
    upload_2018-3-13_10-37-50.jpg
     
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  15. Mar 13, 2018 at 7:38 AM
    #15
    geekhouse23

    geekhouse23 The "Liftman" - @DrFunker

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    The stealership wants your money. They will do anything to get it.

    They will increase the markup on a vehicle 20 times what some cheap ass block and spacer lift costs. Throw on some ugly ass american force wheels or cockstars and some stretched tires and you have a majority of your truck market calling and coming in to inquire.
     
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  16. Mar 13, 2018 at 7:41 AM
    #16
    Noelie84

    Noelie84 What Could Possibly Go Wrong?

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    Your truck won't care. A 2" block on the rear axle does the same things to your truck as a 2" lift via a new spring pack would, with the advantage/disadvantage of not altering your ride characteristics. The only time blocks cause problems are if you get excessive, like mentioned above. They can increase axle wrap under load vs a full spring lift, but for a 2" lift with normal use you don't have anything to worry about.

    Again, wrong. The bump stops are mounted between the leaf pack and the frame; putting a block underneath the spring pack doesn't change the distance to the bump stop at all.
     
    Last edited: Mar 13, 2018
  17. Mar 13, 2018 at 7:45 AM
    #17
    ODNAREM

    ODNAREM MEMBER Of The Church Of @ODNAREM

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    :rofl:So well said!:fistbump:
     
  18. Mar 13, 2018 at 7:54 AM
    #18
    Cnasianfire

    Cnasianfire [OP] Well-Known Member

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    So with blocks, how are they held onto the truck? By shear weight of the springs and U bolts or is there a bolt that runs through the block to make it stay in place?
     
  19. Mar 13, 2018 at 7:55 AM
    #19
    Noelie84

    Noelie84 What Could Possibly Go Wrong?

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    The Ubolts hold them in place. You've got a bolt shaft at each corner of the block; they aren't going anywhere.
     
  20. Mar 13, 2018 at 8:05 AM
    #20
    Noelie84

    Noelie84 What Could Possibly Go Wrong?

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    These blocks were in place for 30+ years (from the factory) on my plow/work truck with zero problems before the spring perches rusted away.




    I welded on new perches and the blocks are still on there, and I can guarantee I've dragged/pushed more weight then you'll have to worry about with your truck. Run 'er! :burnrubber:
     
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