Lift Blocks

[mvitale27]

I have a set of 78 3/4 ton axles to go under my 56 4X4 conversion. I just orders new 2" wide spring perches as that is this width of the stock springs, hangers, shackles, etc.

I believe I am going to need 4" lift blocks in the rear to level out the ride height similar to what Orrie did in his build.

I have been searching part stores and online for 4" lift blocks that are 2" wide but I can only find ones that are 2.5" wide. Anyone know where I can find these? If they come with u bolts that would be a plus.

[OrrieG]

I used the 4" Rancho Kit for 74 axles which looks like it is 2.5" wide, it stick out a little bit on each side of the spring. I drove the truck about 7K miles per year for 15 years without any problems. Mine came with the U bolts, and nuts. the blocks come with a builtin wedge on the bottom that tilts the pinion up for a better driveline angle. FWIW my shocks and brakes lines where for the same application 74 K10 with 4" lift.

[mr48chev]

A two inch lowering block turns into a 2 inch lift block when the axle is under the spring.

After doing a search you may have to make them to get them right.

These sure look like they were made of thick wall 2x4 rectangular tubing set on end with caps welded on and a pin welded in place. http://www.ebay.com/itm/DJM-Suspensi...-/331184903222

[OrrieG]

The Ranchos come machined with the hole and pin, unfortunately a lot of home made ones eliminate that part relying on tension to keep everything aligned.

[mvitale27]

Originally Posted by OrrieG

I used the 4" Rancho Kit for 74 axles which looks like it is 2.5" wide, it stick out a little bit on each side of the spring. I drove the truck about 7K miles per year for 15 years without any problems. Mine came with the U bolts, and nuts. the blocks come with a builtin wedge on the bottom that tilts the pinion up for a better driveline angle. FWIW my shocks and brakes lines where for the same application 74 K10 with 4" lift.

Thanks for the reply. Are your perches and springs 2" or 2.5"?

Also, did you buy new u-bolt plates to match the wider u-bolts or re-use the originals?

[mvitale27]

I took some quick pictures of the stock set up. First 2 are the rear and the 3rd is the front.

Orrie, I found the Rancho kit you were referring to for 88 bucks, looks good.

I am just wondering what else I will need to mount these axles. Do I need new mounting plates for the rear? I am figuring for the front I will need new u-bolts and mounting plates?

I want to grab all the hardware in one shot so I can get these under the truck.

[mvitale27]

here are the pics

[mr48chev]

Originally Posted by OrrieG

The Ranchos come machined with the hole and pin, unfortunately a lot of home made ones eliminate that part relying on tension to keep everything aligned.

There is always that chance that someone would try to short cut things when they built their own block but those are usually the guys who shortcut everything else too.

Mvitsle27 you might want to go to a local 4x4 shop if there is one close enough that is a serious well stocked shop. They may have blocks designed for something with 2 inch springs or have an idea of what you can use.

[buggy5872]

There is not a lot out therd for the 2" springs. NAPCO blocks are the only ones I have come across that are the correct width. You don't want to pay what people get for them.....I think your besty bet is like mr48chev said....go to a local 4x4 shop.

[mr48chev]

I looked through the regular lowering block sources and didn't see any 4 inch x 2 inch wide lowering blocks but they may exist.

[OrrieG]

Originally Posted by mvitale27

I took some quick pictures of the stock set up. First 2 are the rear and the 3rd is the front.

Orrie, I found the Rancho kit you were referring to for 88 bucks, looks good.

I am just wondering what else I will need to mount these axles. Do I need new mounting plates for the rear? I am figuring for the front I will need new u-bolts and mounting plates?

I want to grab all the hardware in one shot so I can get these under the truck.

I will take some photos and post them later, I actually am busy at work today!!!

[OrrieG]

Here is photo of the 2" spring, 2.5" block and axle seat, and the overall showing the 74 top bracket. Like I said before I probably put 80-100 K miles on the truck from 85 to 2000 with this set up with no problems. I think having the wider block on the same width axle pad gives it more stability. I also like having just the loops on the bottom and nuts on top, less stuff to get hung up on rocks, etc.

[mvitale27]

Thanks guys. I really appreciate all the info. I am going to see if I can find a 4X4 shop with some 4 x 2 blocks. If not, I will get some 2.5" spring perches and go the route Orrie went.