Question about leaf spring suspension.

[Gamble]

I am on a pretty good roll today of thinking of questions related to my truck, I am trying to make some cheap plans for things to do once it gets back from the shop.

My truck is an 04 with a leaf spring front end, I was just curious if they were like the old trucks and could be leveled out just by throwing in some 2"-3" blocks up front, without it throwing everything outta whack. My dealer owes me an alignment so I thought I may throw some blocks under it first and then have it aligned. I just didnt know if there were any "necessary" drop brackets or anything of that nature that would be needed. I havent had the truck home long enough to examine it, so thats why I am asking. thanks.

[PowerStatement]

Hey that's a pretty good question. It makes sense if you can lift the rear with a block you could do the same in the front with larger u-bolts. Hopefully someone will know the answer, but if nobody else is doing it, there might be some good reasons. I think I'll look into a hanger kit next.

[Gamble]

i think it could be done, and done relatively safe. I mean I wouldn't want to place any 4"-5" inch blocks under there, but realistically, I dont think a 2" would be that bad, and I can make my own relocation brackets if I need to, I just dont remember what all has to be relocated, if anything.

[cartmanea]

Most will tell you its a very bad idea to use blocks in the front. The closest thing to a block I would recommend would be the 2" mini spring packs, like those from Icon and others. You shouldn't need any steering changes, just an adjustable trac bar to get your axle centered where it should be.

[03f250stroke]

my buddy made a leveling kit himself. he bought some steel and welded it together to make a block. it was about 2inches. worked fine without any problems. I believe he needed bigger U bolts though. that was it

[dayusex]

not only blocks in the front are scary as hell but also illegal, jsut go with a shackle kit or a mini spring back but dont use blocks in the front.

[Gamble]

Originally Posted by dayusex

not only blocks in the front are scary as hell but also illegal, jsut go with a shackle kit or a mini spring back but dont use blocks in the front.

hmm. I will just buy a bigger lift, I dont see the point in spending hundreds of dollars for just a leveling kit, I know a lot of old trucks had blocks up front. my old gmc did. never had any problems out of it, so thats why I was asking. I dont understand whats so different from the back having them and it being ok to the front having them and it being illegal. Its a solid axle either way...with the same basic setup. I am just rambling thoughts from my head, but I would like more info on what makes it bad.
Dont get me wrong, I understand that the front does all the steering and needs to be precise.

[cartmanea]

Originally Posted by Gamble

I dont understand whats so different from the back having them and it being ok to the front having them and it being illegal. Its a solid axle either way...with the same basic setup.

The difference is you steer with the front. Blocks can be used in the back because the rear axle doesn't see high side loads like the front does. Put too much side load on the front with blocks and it could spit one out the side, then you wreck, and that's why they're illegal in some states.

[Gamble]

Originally Posted by Gamble

Dont get me wrong, I understand that the front does all the steering and needs to be precise.

like I said. I figured it was something to that nature, just didnt realize it happened that often. but makes good sense to me. thanks guys.

[letitsno]

You should never ever use blocks in the front for a lift only in the rear.
They could come out much easier than when used in the rear. Every article I have ever read has said never ever in the front.