Bigger lift block or add a leaf? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

cochino12 · 02-12-2008, 12:52 AM

The 85 I just bought sits about 1-1/2" taller in front than in back. It has a 4" block in back right now what would be the best way to level it out? I realize springs would be best but I dont have that much money to spend on it right now. Are 6" blocks ok? or would I be better with an add a leaf or maybe a shackle flip? Thanks for any advice

Adam

mod58 · 02-12-2008, 02:13 AM

I would go with a 2" add-aleaf,It might be a bit stiffer but you wont get any xtra spring rap that you would get from a taller block!!!!!!!!!!

ton*loc · 02-12-2008, 02:14 AM

6 inch block just seem un safe to me i would look into the add a leaf idea. i know there was a tow/haul package offered from the factory that had a few extra leaf on the rear springs (made it sit higher too). if i were you i would call a few salvage yards and see if you could get a set for $50 or so

**N2TRUX** · 02-12-2008, 02:14 AM

Most people don't care for 6" lift blocks due to the leverage factor involved. On the other hand, add-a-leafs make it ride rough.

If your not doing any serious wheeling, I would go with the block until your budget can afford a quality rear springs lift.

piecesparts · 02-12-2008, 02:19 AM

Go to the salvage yard and purchase a couple old spring packs from a truck like yours, they are cheap. Take the pack apart and look at what your pack is like and then take the thickest spring out and torch it down to about 12" long. Add this spring to the bottom of your pack, so that when it sits on the spring perch, the spring will actually add to the height of the truck. A 1/2" change at the axle perch will make a 3/4" to 1" change at the back end of the truck bed. I have done it several times and it works well.

79Silv4x4 · 02-12-2008, 06:26 AM

Go to Offroad Design and get one of their shackle kits.

http://offroaddesign.com/catalog/shacklekit.htm

piecesparts · 02-12-2008, 09:58 AM

Since the shackles go upward from the frame to the end rear springs and not downward, that may not work. Lengthening the shackle will only lower the truck. To raise, you will have to make space at the axle.

**N2TRUX** · 02-12-2008, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by piecesparts

Since the shackles go upward from the frame to the end rear springs and not downward, that may not work

Good answer 79Silv4x4. The kit that he listed reverses the shackle and adds lift. It's not as cheap as blocks, but it's not bad at $189.00.

02-12-2008, 12:52 AM	#1
cochino12 It followed me home? Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Yup Posts: 5,751	Bigger lift block or add a leaf? The 85 I just bought sits about 1-1/2" taller in front than in back. It has a 4" block in back right now what would be the best way to level it out? I realize springs would be best but I dont have that much money to spend on it right now. Are 6" blocks ok? or would I be better with an add a leaf or maybe a shackle flip? Thanks for any advice Adam __________________ Adam That's why they call it a shortcut Kyle, if it was easy it would just be the way. 86 c-10 SWB 85 CCSB 90 GMC K30 Crew SRW 1985 C30 Dually

02-12-2008, 02:13 AM	#2
mod58 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Hammonton,NJ Posts: 152	Re: Bigger lift block or add a leaf? I would go with a 2" add-aleaf,It might be a bit stiffer but you wont get any xtra spring rap that you would get from a taller block!!!!!!!!!!

02-12-2008, 02:14 AM	#3
ton*loc Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: sioux city iowa Posts: 178	Re: Bigger lift block or add a leaf? 6 inch block just seem un safe to me i would look into the add a leaf idea. i know there was a tow/haul package offered from the factory that had a few extra leaf on the rear springs (made it sit higher too). if i were you i would call a few salvage yards and see if you could get a set for $50 or so __________________ 1986 chevy c10 in the "build" process as we speak 358 flat tops, vortec heads, .500 lift cam, NOS power shot plate system, yada yada yada MMA PIX http://www.clgpix.com/MMA/Fighters/F...C/CoteTony.htm MMA RECORD 24-5

02-12-2008, 02:14 AM	#4
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: Bigger lift block or add a leaf? Most people don't care for 6" lift blocks due to the leverage factor involved. On the other hand, add-a-leafs make it ride rough. If your not doing any serious wheeling, I would go with the block until your budget can afford a quality rear springs lift. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

02-12-2008, 02:19 AM	#5
piecesparts Parts and more parts Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Lebo, Kansas (middle of nowhere Posts: 6,821	Re: Bigger lift block or add a leaf? Go to the salvage yard and purchase a couple old spring packs from a truck like yours, they are cheap. Take the pack apart and look at what your pack is like and then take the thickest spring out and torch it down to about 12" long. Add this spring to the bottom of your pack, so that when it sits on the spring perch, the spring will actually add to the height of the truck. A 1/2" change at the axle perch will make a 3/4" to 1" change at the back end of the truck bed. I have done it several times and it works well.

02-12-2008, 06:26 AM	#6
79Silv4x4 Workaholic Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Katy, TX Posts: 1,589	Re: Bigger lift block or add a leaf? Go to Offroad Design and get one of their shackle kits. http://offroaddesign.com/catalog/shacklekit.htm __________________ 1979 K-10 Silverado (work in progress) 1991 V1500 Subruban 1999 Suburban LT 4x4 2006 Suburban LTZ (daily driver)

02-12-2008, 09:58 AM	#7
piecesparts Parts and more parts Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Lebo, Kansas (middle of nowhere Posts: 6,821	Re: Bigger lift block or add a leaf? Since the shackles go upward from the frame to the end rear springs and not downward, that may not work. Lengthening the shackle will only lower the truck. To raise, you will have to make space at the axle.



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