a liftkit question (making front blocks)
Question:
I believe front blocks to be illegal almost everywhere. Here in Oregon they can be legal only if welded on… not that it makes it much safer. Kenny http://users.bendnet.com/nibbsmtn/GMC/1961GMC.html http://users.bendnet.com/nibbsmtn/GMC/forsale/forsale.html for 4×4 parts for sale
Response:
Ever notice that none of the trucks in the magazines have blocks on the front? Most magazines won’t even consider doing an article on trucks with front blocks.
Response:
I own a 1987 GMC 1/2t 4X4 and have been planning to buy a 2-4 inch liftkit for it, coming up with the cash for the lilft and new tires at the same time is my problem.. one day I thought about what the lift consists of for my truck (front springs,rear blocks and rear springs as a added option) Heres my question I have and would like some imput from anyone with some exp in this line. Can I machine a pair of front lift blocks 2"-3" with center pin like they already have..maybe make it 10"-12" long to avoid forward or backwards axle wrap? From what I can estimate is that the leverage at the shackle points would be the about the same as if useing a re-arched spring…the only added stress I would expect is in the mounting area of the block/spring/axle, Would a new set of Ubolts handle the stress of a max of 2"-3" of length ..if not, would haveing them heat treated again work? Would machining my blocks wider and putting holes for a second set of Ubolts help?… Welding my blocks to the factory mounting pads then using Ubolts to attach blocks to the axle? Thanks Dion
Response:
Dion, Don’t even think of using blocks on the front of any truck. They are dangerous and illegal. You best bet is to wait until you have the cash and buy an engineered lift kit from a reputable company and have it professionally installed. Many 4×4 shops earn most of their income doing exactly that. Dean – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I own a 1987 GMC 1/2t 4X4 and have been planning to buy a 2-4 inch liftkit > for it, coming up with the cash for the lilft and new tires at the same time > is my problem.. > one day I thought about what the lift consists of for my truck (front > springs,rear blocks and rear springs as a added option) > Heres my question I have and would like some imput from anyone with some exp > in this line. > Can I machine a pair of front lift blocks 2"-3" with center pin like they > already have..maybe make it 10"-12" long to avoid forward or backwards axle > wrap? > From what I can estimate is that the leverage at the shackle points would be > the about the same as if useing a re-arched spring…the only added stress I > would expect is in the mounting area of the block/spring/axle, > Would a new set of Ubolts handle the stress of a max of 2"-3" of length ..if > not, would haveing them heat treated again work? > Would machining my blocks wider and putting holes for a second set of Ubolts > help?… > Welding my blocks to the factory mounting pads then using Ubolts to attach > blocks to the axle? > Thanks > Dion
