Blocks vs. Leaf springs for towing

Stumpuller6.5

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Well, check the ratings of the new springs compared to the old. Typically lift springs are not rated for the same capacity, and can give a good or bad ride. To keep stock capacity and prevent axle rap, block and swing arms is an option.

It would be good to talk to some one, or even ride in their truck if they have the lift springs, just to find out if the ride is comprimised. Of two of the trucks I lifted with SFA the fronts rode smoother but not the rears. :)
 

canuckz71

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There was a guy on fsc that got some springs online from a spring shop ill try and see what other guys are running but most guys on other sites run the 4 inch blocks with an add a leaf and call it good.

Ill try and dig up some more info this weekend but I definately don't want the ride quality to suffer if I go with lift springs and I want it to also be rated comparative to stock.

I know that my truck has the F44 package which includes a 14 bolt sf rear but I'm not sure if they have a 2500 leaf spring pack or not.
 

drperry

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There was a guy on fsc that got some springs online from a spring shop ill try and see what other guys are running but most guys on other sites run the 4 inch blocks with an add a leaf and call it good.

Ill try and dig up some more info this weekend but I definately don't want the ride quality to suffer if I go with lift springs and I want it to also be rated comparative to stock.

I know that my truck has the F44 package which includes a 14 bolt sf rear but I'm not sure if they have a 2500 leaf spring pack or not.


How big is your boat, and how much does it make your truck sink? :lol:
 

agjake11

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i wouldnt run a shackle flip if your planning on towing alot.

if anything use a small (2") block, your helper bags and then get upgraded springs (not AAL) and it should ride like stock. AAL will stiffen it up
 

canuckz71

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How big is your boat, and how much does it make your truck sink? :lol:

It's a 19 foot ski boat but I have no clue what it weighs. With the helper bags it will barely sink at all the truck seems to tow it fine.

i wouldnt run a shackle flip if your planning on towing alot.

if anything use a small (2") block, your helper bags and then get upgraded springs (not AAL) and it should ride like stock. AAL will stiffen it up

So a 2inch block and 4 inch springs would be the best way to go? How come shackle flips aren't good for towing?
 

Cowboy Cadillac

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This is how I have been lead to understand towing with flip shackles( note: Doesn't mean I'm correct:pfingers:)

shackle-flipped.JPG

This is how your shackles are now....when weight is added they swing back slightly.

ordflipmain.jpg

Here is a flipped shackle...notice how ( theoretically) when u add weight it will try to swing to the max before the springs pick up the weight.( because it is supposed to move so easily)

As a guy who loves 4x4s I've seen too many with lift blocks. They have a tendancy to have axle wrap and break spring packs or pinions right off diffs. I dont recommend anything over a 2" block for reliabilty.
 

buRRp

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I have 4" leafs with 2" blocks on the back of the burb. My lift is also for RC.
 

Stumpuller6.5

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A 19ft ski boat is quite light. You could put in soft lift springs and easily still handle that. :thumbs:
 

canuckz71

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I emailed Rough Country to see what they could do for me. I will most likely be going with a 2" block and then 4" lift springs to get the 6" in the rear. I was going to try and see if they would let me just buy the front lift parts but I'm not expecting much.
 

dirtyoldman

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My Burb has a 6'' lift with 4'' blocks in the rear and I have no sign of axle wrap.Also,when towing my toy hauler loaded and weighing close to 8,000lbs. it tracks straight and smooth.I normally keep the speed at 60 and have been up to 70+ with no ill effects.Perhaps being a 3/4t. truck with a FF rear axle has something to do with that :dunno:

BTW,it's a Pro Comp
 

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