rear leaf springs instead of block spacers when lifting your bronco???

[1967Blackbronco]

whats the pros and cons of having the rear leaf springs instead of the spacer blocks on a 5in lift kit?? thanks yall!!

 

[broncodriver99]

Lifting with springs will keep your driveshaft from breaking as soon as you push the gas pedal. I wouldn't run more than 1" of block. With spring wrap and the short wheelbase of the bronco you would be changing ujoints or replacing driveshafts on a regular basis with 5" of block.

 

[dixieboyz13]

I have Duff 3.5 with the 11 pack leaf spring that i replaced blocks with and the ride quality is day and night better than with blocks. I know its more expensive, but its well worth it in off road ride quality and stability in turns on pavement.

 

[AaronWelch]

not to mention blocks are just plain UGLY!!!

 

[TwoDalesDad]

A few years back I was in Baja for the 1000....I ran across a lifted Chevy with Mexican plates that was sporting WOODEN BLOCKS......I THOUGHT I HAD SEEN IT ALL.

 

[bronconut73]

Just got my WH 3.5" leaf packs a month ago.
What a great ride. Didn't know my eb could ride so nice.
As was stated these 9, 10, or 11 leaf packs are expensive when you compare them to the price of a block.
It is a big difference. But the ride quality is a big difference too.

 

[Rustytruck]

5" lift blocks will usually be machined with a taper to help realign the driveshaft once it is lifted. With 5" lift springs be prepaired to buy tapered wedges to realign the drive shaft. As for lift blocks destroying u-joints thats not necessarly true. I put my 3 inch blocks in over 30 years ago to run 33" tires. This past winter I had to replace my first u-joint. I also have an automatic transmission which is much easier on the driveline. I also grease my driveline each spring before the summer season. With the new technology in springs I dont advocate lift blocks but for mild lifts I see no issues. But 5" is not a mild lift.

 

[Myllo73]

Blocks are only good if you're going for height. When you start adding traction bars, replacing u-joints, and possibly other parts then changing the entire spring pack isn't to expensive. The PO of mine had blocks for 5 1/2 inch lift. I put springs and tract bars because I still had some axle wrap. Later on I had to change the entire 3rd member due to the pinion bearing housing be broke. I don't care for blocks.

 

[turbotim2]

Depending on where you are, blocks are illegal unless they were stock.

 

[C Saporito]

Illegal on the front in NJ. Lots of trucks come from factory with blocks on the rear, I've seen them up to 3.5". Problems start when they are too high, don't fit right and you use the truck off road. I've seen dummy's even stack them!

 

[Joker11]

The torque that is created by a lift block can break off some weak u bolts.

That being said, I used lowering blocks on my mini truck years ago. Never had a problem.
Then I went to relocating the spring perches up higher. Then de-arched leaf springs. Then to a mono leaf and hydraulics. What a great time in life.

But I digress.

Even for street use, don't use blocks to life a bronco. They already have enough problems with axle wrap from the factory.