All spring lift vs front springs and blocks rear

[CG]

Been reading through the 4x4 section and didn't see an answer. Ive only ever used all spring 2.5 lifts. Is it worth the savings to use front lift springs and lift blocks in the rear? Is the ride better or the same with an all spring lift. Any dangers with lift blocks in the rear especially when its a small lift? I know blocks in the front is a no no.

[dieseldawg142]

i've had 3" blocks in my crew ...forever...
i did use a pair of lift springs in the rear once, but hauling my camper and other junk sagged them out fast.
now i use a shackle flip and blocks and stock HD springs and no more saggin' out

[b454rat]

Blocks are fine. GM used them on early 4wd's, and even the early dually 1 ton 4wds.

[Richard]

As far as the ride being better or worse that would depend on the replacement springs. Same would go for load capacity. The biggest drawback to lift blocks is increased axle wrap. Pushing the axle farther away from the spring amplifies the torque from the axle to the spring. Think of getting a longer wrench to break a bolt loose. A short stiff spring with blocks will be less prone to wrap than long soft springs.

[1-ton of fun]

all spring lift is generally better, but you can use blocks with little issue. if you are running a lot of power, you will need some sort of 'traction bar' or similar device to help keep the springs from wrapping up on a hard launch. i am using all spring lift on my '59 project.

i actually have 7" lift blocks on the rear in my 1-ton ford diesel van, with 30k on that setup, and zero issues. Although it doesn't spool the turbo hard enough off the line to even spin the tires with all the weight on them...and the blocks have tangs on them that the u-bolts pass through to keep them from being able to come out or move at all...but i still think about replacing those with some springs with the lift built into them...

[CG]

Nothing fancy power wise. No crazy off road antics. Just looking at ways to save a little money.

[Mike C]

35" tires, built 327 and the granny gear 4 speed in mine was hard on things with the blocks. Both spring perches bent and I ditched the blocks after that. I would encourage all spring lift, but they sell both types so you make the call.

[Willowrun]

I’ve done several 2.5” lifts both all spring and with blocks. If you aren’t big power blocks are fine. A plus to blocks are you can dial in the front/rear heights easier as many of the all spring lifts will sit nose high. If you’re doing 2.5” front springs I’d start with 3” rear blocks with a slight taper to correct pinion angle.

[1-ton of fun]

also, some blocks (i use the ones from PM Fab) have adjustable pin locations so you can move the axle forward or aft up to an 1" to get wheel placement just right.