Rear lift blocks?

So I know there can be issues with axle wrap but are there any other downsides to a modest rear block lift, like ToyTec's 1.5 aluminum block? Will aluminum hold up, is it durable?

Thanks,
Tim

 

I had aluminum 1.5" blocks on my 2nd Gen, held up just fine. But, do to experiencing axle wrap, I swapped out with shackles. Zero issues after that.

 

Thanks for the feedback, Midway.

Tim

 

Could you please explain axle wrap? I have 2 inch blocks currently. Thanks.

 

My understanding is that axle wrap is a result of increasing the distance between the springs and the axle thru the block lift. It makes it easier for your vehicle to over torque the axle against the compliance of the leaf springs because of the increased leverage between the springs and axle. I've read that this is typically not an issue with smaller blocks (less than 2") and is exacerbated by more powerful engines and positive traction situations where the tires easily grab or lock up with the ground. If experienced, it can increase stress on the block itself and/or u-joints....theoretically. I've also read that it's not as big of a problem as some people make it out to be. Just something to be mindful of.

 

Axle wrap is the axle wanting to twist in place when you jam the gas. We have a ton of torque and only a couple main leaf springs. So with a lift block you are giving extra leverage to that twisting motion. It will distort the leaves a little under hard acceleration.

Imagine the bar resting on a weight rack. Twist it with just your finger tips and it is tougher. Grab it with your arm extended and it twists very easily

If you drive soft it likely won’t be an issue. Lift blocks over an inch aren’t a good long term idea though

 

Are Coachbuilder +3 (1.75 lift) shackles the only ones that will get me closest to the 2 inch lift that I have in the rear now? My ultimate goal at some point is to replace my ReadyLift 3/2 with Toytec Boss coilovers set at 3" and I want to keep my ride height where it is now. Its a 2013 2wd with the 4.6.

 

The CB shackles will tighten up your suspension a little.

You could run +2 and a 1 inch block if you want to keep the same height, or run the +3 and only drop a half inch or so in the back

 

I probably wouldnt even notice a half inch. The Toytec and the +3s would keep me pretty level? It sounds like I would be better off with no block at all? I need to pull my Bushwackers off and find level ground so I can see where i measure currently.

 

I wouldn’t stress out about if it measures perfect level. Half inch is gonna be pretty small difference

 

Thicker leaf packs will resist axle wrap

 

Pro form fab shackles super heavy duty $60 shipped I have the 2” ones can’t beat them check my build out for pics here’s a link to buy.
These are 1.5” but you can get 2” option that’s what I have
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2007-2018-...ft-Shackle-Kit/192930818424?fits=Model:Tundra

 

Any issues with them?

 

Nope super heavy duty and fit perfect gave me exactly 2” of lift

 

Hows the ride? I have 1” blocks that i think make bed bounce, unless its in my head and was always like that.

 

Small blocks like 1" or 1.5" are common with spacer leveling kits and are perfectly fine. The amount of torque added over 1" is very small and typically not noticable. I would not run 6" blocks, but likewise 6" shackles are not a thing either - at that point you would look at a different spring setup.
So, shackles might be better in theory, but small blocks are okay.

 

I don't think there is any logical explanation why a 1" block would cause bed bounce.

 

Well there is a freeway near my place that basically has what seems like slits in it for a few miles, causes a less than desirable ride. Rear end bouncing up and down. Not sure if the blocks make it worse or if it makes no diff.

 

I just don't see how the block can cause that. I am engineer so I look at things analyticaly instead of just opinion, and looking at the suspension system with and without blocks there is just no reason why the blocks would make any difference.

 

I had 1” block before my shackles and it’s noght and day difference feels like I’m On a cloud now

 

Those heavy duty sha shackles are what I plan for. Unless I go nuts one full blown bracket lift

 

Did you change bushings? Or just replaced the shackles? Those things look to be bomb proof lol

 

I didn’t plan on doing bushing but I found my shackle bolt was basically rust welded to the stock bushing so I had to torch and pound them out and I replaced with poly. I got the passenger side out with a ball joint press but the driver side wasn’t having it

 

You will probably wanna do shackles anyway with a bracket lift. Reduce the block size or give it some rake.

 

Did they come with hardware?

 

No hardware I just went to the local hardware store and got new stuff wasn’t much maybe $10?

 

Shackles!!!!!!

 

Did you end up installing your Toytecs? Too many threads to keep up with lol.

 

@Tundra234 I was able to swap out the Eibach coilovers for the BOSS coilovers and installed everything last week. It was a long day but well worth it. It turned out great!!!