Block Lift

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Date: Thu, 09 Apr 1998 10:24:02
From: Rick Murray 
Subject: rear lift

David Moore wrote :

>What is the largest block that will fit without interferfering with the E
>brake cable?

Just thought I would share my experience with blocks.  When I bought my
4Runner, it had 2-inch blocks in the rear.  The e-brake cable (which
normally goes OVER the leaf springs) went under them, but rubbed.  I
replaced the 2-inch	
blocks with 3-inch blocks to avoid the rubbing, and level out the truck.   
2.5-inch blocks probably would have worked as well.  

I have a rear torque rod, to prevent axle-wrap, and wheel hopping.  With this
setup, I really can't see the advantage of switching from a block lift, to
springs.  It maintains the stock ride, and articulation.  It seems to me that
springs with more arch, will not articulate as well, unless they were longer
(like the Mazda springs).  I'm not building a radical rig, like others on the
list, and the truck has done all the tough trails here in Northern Calif,
including the Rubicon.   Good enuf for me.

By the way, about your rear bumper/hitch issue.  I would invest in a custom
bumper, or maybe the Smitty bumper.  A lot cheaper than having to replace 
that rear tailgate, if you ever whack it.

##################################################################
Rick Murray                                22R motor ; 3-inch lift
84 Toyota 4Runner SR5                    33" BFG M/Ts ; 4.88 gears
Rancho Cordova, Ca.                   Rancho 9000's ; on-board air
 http://www.jps.net/rick99/             Marlin TCase #67 ; TRD LSD
##################################################################


============================================================================
Toyota 4x4 page: http://www.off-road.com/4x4web/toyota

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Date: Fri, 10 Apr 1998 10:01:03 -0600 (MDT)
From: Scott Ellinger 
Subject: Re: rear blocks

> >         Downey off-road sells trick billet aluminum  1" rear blocks for  $65
> >  and they come with heavy-duty u-bolts.
> >  
> I think I will be making them in that case...   :)  ($65 - ouch!!!)
> 
I highly recommend shackles over blocks, but if you must use blocks, go ahead.

Or maybe add-a-leaves... anything's better than blocks.

- --scott
Scott Ellinger   ellinger@holly.colostate.edu   Larimer County 4WD Club

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Date: Fri, 10 Apr 1998 14:32:07 EDT
From: DRM033 
Subject: Re: rear blocks

In a message dated 98-04-10 12:12:21 EDT, you write:

> 
>  I think a 1" block will fit, but a 2" will probably interfere.  With a 3"
>  block, you just swap the cable to the underside of the spring.  I have a 
>  pair of cast-iron TrailMaster tapered rear blocks (3") that I'd be quite
>  willing to part with (you pay shipping and they're yours) but I don't have
>  any usable U-bolts to go with them.
>  

I have the same ProComp blocks in right now, but thatnks anyway.  I guess I
will just stick with the blocks I have and just do the torque bar thing.  
I really get great travel with the blocks I have now & the only negative part
is the axlew wrap.  The torque bar will solve that so I guess I shouldn't
bother with all the mods.
I eally don't want to go screwing with what I have now since it just plain
works.  I would be willing to be that ad-a-leaves would reduce my present
articulation.  I may get a set of slightly longer shackles to see if they
really do increase travel.

thanks

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
David Moore                                 DRM033@aol.com
                          TLCA #5662 
           Traxx In Motion 4 Wheel Drive Club
              http://www.netmatter.com/traxx
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

============================================================================
Toyota 4x4 page: http://www.off-road.com/4x4web/toyota


Date: Fri, 10 Apr 1998 10:09:18 -0600 (MDT)
From: Scott Ellinger 
Subject: Re: rear blocks

> Will I have to make my own 1" blocks, or does someone know where to find some
> pre-made?

Most parts store have lift/lowering blocks, as does Summit Racing (race car
mailorder place) pretty cheap.

> What is the largest block that will fit without interferfering with the E
> brake cable?

I think a 1" block will fit, but a 2" will probably interfere.  With a 3"
block, you just swap the cable to the underside of the spring.  I have a 
pair of cast-iron TrailMaster tapered rear blocks (3") that I'd be quite
willing to part with (you pay shipping and they're yours) but I don't have
any usable U-bolts to go with them.

> What are the shackle lengths people have found (over stock) and what is the
> actual lift they give?
> 
I have a pair on my truck that is about 2.5" longer than stock, and they 
gave about 1" to maybe 1.25" of lift.

- --scott
Scott Ellinger   ellinger@holly.colostate.edu   Larimer County 4WD Club

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Date: Fri, 10 Apr 1998 15:28:33 -0500
From: Jack Alford 
Subject: Re: rear blocks

>> 
>>         Downey off-road sells trick billet aluminum  1" rear blocks for
$65
>>  and they come with heavy-duty u-bolts.
>>  
>
>I think I will be making them in that case...   :)  ($65 - ouch!!!)

Who needs aluminum blocks anyway, many times the aluminum will fatigue
and split. You can make steel ones for less than $5 and they want ever
fail.

 - jack


============================================================================
Toyota 4x4 page: http://www.off-road.com/4x4web/toyota

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Date: Sat, 11 Apr 1998 00:09:17 EDT
From: DRM033 
Subject: Re: rear blocks

In a message dated 98-04-10 16:45:37 EDT, you write:

> A set of longer shackles alone will not really increase travel. Think of
>  how a set of longer shackles will decrease your shackle angle (from
>  leaning back less). Some perceived articulation might be gained from the
>  extra ride height gained from longer shackles but more travel from shackles
>  doesn't really happen. It might allow a slightly longer arc range since the
>  shackle will be longer but minimal at best in my experience. Unless you
>  go to some really long shackles like the 7" center-to-center ones I have
>  but I use them in conjunction with springs that are longer which allow the
>  shackle to still be kicked back and not standing straight up.

ok then, that agrees with everything I thought, but is contrary to the popular
thought on the list.  I keep hearing people say shackles increase articulation
better than blocks, but I have always failed to see how you could gain much.
Even longer shackles could not help me easily get to 4" of lift & still flex
well.

After looking at all the info I have come across, I still see that my 3.5"
rear blocks with stock springs (overload leaf still there) flex extremely
well.  A torque bar would get rid of the only problem I have come across -
which is axle wrap.  I also like how the springs ar up higher & out of the
way.  If my springs start to sag - a set of used stock springs are way cheaper
that new lift springs.  I just can't figure out why people keep saying blocks
are so bad.  If someone has some input on this please reply.

I guess I am still looking for someone to convince me to tinker with things,
but that old "if it ain't broke..." saying keeps popping up.

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
David Moore                                 DRM033@aol.com
                          TLCA #5662 
           Traxx In Motion 4 Wheel Drive Club
              http://www.netmatter.com/traxx
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  

============================================================================
Toyota 4x4 page: http://www.off-road.com/4x4web/toyota

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