Lift blocks or shackle lift?

devlsh1

Active Member
Joined
Jan 10, 2007
Location
High Point NC
I bought this lift used for my 85 4runner as a temporary solution. Eventully I will go RUF and Chevy 63's. Want to get the tires, gears etc set up first....
http://www.roughcountry.com/toyota_4wd_79-85_3.html

The rear stock leafs were re-arched with helper installed about 3 years ago. Now would I be better off using longer shackles to even out the rear or the 2in blocks that came with the kit???
 
Stay away from the blocks. The blocks add more leverage to the axle increasing axle wrap. Longer Shakles will give you 1/2 of the additional length in lift. ie, 2" longer shakle will give you 1" of lift roughly.
 
So if springs lift front 3 inches, I would need 6 in shackles? Certain shackles recommended? Local distributor?
 
avoid the lift blocks. I read tons warning against it, finally had to experience it myself before I was convinced. 2" block in my XJ wrapped the stock srings wicked bad, broke the pinion yoke and driveshaft.
After that, I re-arched my springs...they arent keeping the arch. I think I just need to get/build stiffer lift springs.
 
devlsh1 said:
So if springs lift front 3 inches, I would need 6 in shackles? Certain shackles recommended? Local distributor?
Click to expand...

It's more liek 5" for 3" lift, but it all depends on angles and the spring rate of the springs.

But this comes w/ others costs, for example your pinion angle will change, putting it out of alignment w/ the output shaft. also w/ shackles that long (remember you are adding 5" to something that is alsreay, what,4.5" long?) any bushing play will mean a longer side-side travel of teh back end of the spring - good for flexiness on te htrail, but adds instability, esp fast turns on the road.

Soem good reading here:
http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/Shackles.shtml
and he sells them too.

That's a pretty long shackle, and you're still dealling w/ old worn leafs.
IMO you're better off just buying new leaf spring, the 4" Pro Comps are only $100 each.

Buuuut - if you want a reeeeaaallly cheap fix, google "zuk coils".
Basically squeeze some TJ coild springs between the leaf and bump stop as a "helper". I got soem take-offs for a beer and a handshake.
It's an OK cheap fix at the expense of compressive flex.
 
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