Blocking the leaf springs for leveling

warrior · #1 (**permalink**) 12-30-2003, 05:48 PM

I will be getting some spacers to lift the front end of my truck and I have just planned on making the 1.25"/1.5" "blocks to put in the rear under the leaf spring. Those of you who have leveled their truck this way, can you let me know what the dimension (width/hieght) are on the ones you used? Are they identical width to the leaf springs? Do they just sit under the springs on top of the axle? Do they stock u-bolts have enough thread to add the blocks and not have to change out the u-bolts? How hard was it to install them? If I am not mistaken, they are just aluminum correct? If anybody happens to have some pic's and can send me a link to the pic's I would appreciate it. sorry for all the questions but the more info the better. Thanks

Zombie · #2 (**permalink**) 12-30-2003, 07:13 PM

Warrior,
Just for info, go to Tuff Country's web site and download their 4.5" lift installation manual. Near the end, it describes in detail how to install the blocks the safe way. Pretty simple really but you will probably need new U-bolts that are longer. I just installed the Kings on my 2001 4x4 limited with about 2 5/8" lift in the front. Nothing in the rear and it sits awesome on 33's.

warrior · #3 (**permalink**) 12-30-2003, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zombie

Warrior,
Just for info, go to Tuff Country's web site and download their 4.5" lift installation manual. Near the end, it describes in detail how to install the blocks the safe way. Pretty simple really but you will probably need new U-bolts that are longer. I just installed the Kings on my 2001 4x4 limited with about 2 5/8" lift in the front. Nothing in the rear and it sits awesome on 33's.

Thanks Zombie. I will actually be making three sets of blocks tomorrow at work (1.25", 1.5", and 2.0" tall) because I am not sure as of yet which ones I will need yet to level it out (hopefully it is one of those three

). I shouldn't have to do anything with the back shocks right? Should be abl;e to just block the leaf's and be done at the rear of the truck? Last question, think I could just get ahold of a local 4x4 shop to order in longer U-bolts? I did some measuring and those stock ones are definatly not going to work. Thanks again for the help.

Zombie · #4 (**permalink**) 12-31-2003, 12:40 AM

Yeah, I would imagine any reputable offroad shop should be able to get the U-bolts you need. With only an inch or so, the shocks would probably work. I would think anything more than that and they will need to be replaced. My truck came with the TRD offroad package with the Toyota "Bilsteins." I just put Rancho 9000's on the rear and it rides awesome now. They are nine-way adjustable at the turn of a knob and I felt the Bilsteins were too soft for my liking. How much lift are you going up front? I didn't need to do anything to rear to keep it level. The front Kings ride equally awesome and appear to be bulletproof. Very happy with this setup.

DevinSixtySeven · #5 (**permalink**) 12-31-2003, 12:04 PM

warrior, 2" of lift in front will level the truck--you only need to block the rear if you're lifting the front beyond 2".

-sean

warrior · #6 (**permalink**) 12-31-2003, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeepStealth

warrior, 2" of lift in front will level the truck--you only need to block the rear if you're lifting the front beyond 2".

-sean

DeepStealth,
You are most likely correct. Next week I am buying a set of E-Z lift spacers from another club member. If I am not mistaken, they are 2 3/4" instead of the 2.5" or 2" that Cornfeds or Daystars are. I was just trying to get my ducks in a row incase I do need to bring the rear up a bit. After thinking about it, I am not sure what would be easier. If the front end does come up higher than the rear, then I can just machine the spacers down and not mess with the rear at all, or I can block the rear. I am just not sure if messing with the front twice is easier than messing with the front AND the rear. Guess it is 6 of one, 1/2 dozen of the other. Any opinions on which would be easier? I am hoping that I just have to put the spacers on and be done, but with my luck it probably won't be that easy. I am going off the info from this thread :E-Z lift leveling spacers for tundra
Frank

Zombie · #7 (**permalink**) 12-31-2003, 12:49 PM

Warrior,
Maybe just put the front kit on and go from there. I didn't do anything to my rear with Kings in the front. It will probably sit just about right. If I was going to lift the rear I would use a block as a last resort. Putting an additional leaf in isn't all that much more involved. I lfted my front about 2.5" and it's now almost perfectly level. I am still contemplating the Tuff Country lift. I am going to start a thread and get some input from the other members. Hope this helps a bit.

warrior · #8 (**permalink**) 12-31-2003, 08:00 PM

Thanks guys. Yes, I will get the front end spacers in and go from there. Like I said, I just want to get my ducks in a row so that if by chance the front does go higher than the rear after the spacer install..

I am ready to lift the rear up as well and not have to wait and drive around with the older 4runner look until I had the parts for the rear lift. I do appreciate you guys pipping in and giving me suggestions/hints. You gotta love this site!!!

Anybody who reads this and is not a member, by all means, join up. Best thing (after actually buying the Tundra of course) for help keeping it running/looking great.

japes · #9 (**permalink**) 03-23-2004, 06:15 PM

Im one of the few that have the revtek kit but it worked real well for me gave me about 2.5" up front and I got AAL's from Gary at wheelers leveled out real nice..

I have some pics in my gallery if wanna take a look....