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Germ
Dodge Dakota
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6/29/2004
09:25:58
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 Subject: Block or Leaf Lift?
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I don't think my last post worked. I want to get a body lift for my 2000 4.7L clubcab auto. 4x4. I was lookin at 2"-2.5" block lifts, and crank up the torsion bars, but now I see these add-a-leaf lifts. Has anyone used the add-a-leafs? Any suggestions on what to go with? I'm basically looking to give my truck a more aggressive look.
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.boB
Dodge Dakota
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6/29/2004
10:59:26
| RE: Block or Leaf Lift?
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Add a leafs increase the spring rating for heavy loads. You'll ned up with a harsher ride, and probably worse street performance, since the back end will be bouncing around.
2-3" blocks are a quick and easy way to raise the back end.
Optimally, you want to change the rear springs to something that's close to factory the rating but has a little more curve to raise the rear. It's more work and more money, but a better outcome.
Which do you need? Depends on what you're going to use it for. If it's just for looks, use lift blocks. If you're going to put some serious off road use to it, swap the springs. If you're going to tow or haul heavy loads, get add a leafs.
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Germ
Dodge Dakota
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6/29/2004
14:47:00
| RE: Block or Leaf Lift?
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Yea, thanks. I'm prolly just gonna do it mainly for looks, and a lil offroad use. But the offroadin I'll be doin can be done with a stock truck, nothing really hardcore. Yea I was thinkin about just stickin with the blocks. If I put those in though, am I going to have to get something to extend my steering, tranny, and 4x4 transfer case?
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.boB
Dodge Dakota
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6/30/2004
10:54:16
| RE: Block or Leaf Lift?
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Blocks will only lift it 2-3", that's generally not enough to worry about that sort of thing. Since the front is a torsion bar, you can only get a couple of inches there without spending big bucks.
If it were me, I would crank up the torsion bars to a comfortable level, and see how much lift you get in the front. Then use blocks in the rear to match it.
2-3" doesn't sound like much, when folks here are constantly talking about 6-8" lifts. But you'de be surprised how much of a differance it makes.
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Germ
Dodge Dakota
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6/30/2004
16:51:22
| RE: Block or Leaf Lift?
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Yea I just want it to look more aggressive, so I figured that 2 inchs was perfect. I was on Performance Accessories site, and on their FAQ section, they were saying some of the 1-3 inch lifts need extensions for stuff. All I want to do is like my buddy did to his Nissan, just put blocks in the back and crank up on the torsion bars. I'm hopin I won't have to mess with any extensions for stuff. I guess I'm gonna have to move the bumpers up as well, correct?
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.boB
Dodge Dakota
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6/30/2004
17:42:57
| RE: Block or Leaf Lift?
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If all you do is add blocks and crank the torsion bars, you wont's have to mess with moving the bumpers or extending anything. I would suggest a front end alignment. But other than that, I can't see any problems.
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Germ
Dodge Dakota
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6/30/2004
19:19:44
| RE: Block or Leaf Lift?
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Cool cool. Is there anyway to do blocks in the back AND the front? I was just worried that I'm going to mess something up by cranking on the torsion bars. Is there any other sort of body lift besides the block ones?
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.boB
Dodge Dakota
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7/01/2004
00:20:40
| RE: Block or Leaf Lift?
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Wait a minute, I thinking you're getting things mixed up here. Or maybe I am. Probably the latter.
Lift blocks go between the leaf springs and the axle, to raise the suspension. It's not a body lift. A body lift is a lot more complicated and expensive, and takes a lot longer to install.
The front suspension doesn't have any springs, it has torsion bars.
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Germ
Dodge Dakota
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7/01/2004
19:58:36
| RE: Block or Leaf Lift?
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Oic. I thought a block lift was a body lift. So basically, if I get a block lift, it lifts my suspension up? Just in the back though, then I gotta crank the torsion bars? Wait a sec, aren't the suspension lifts more complicated and expensive? The suspension lifts are like $1500. I'm confused now.
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.boB
Dodge Dakota
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7/01/2004
23:26:07
| RE: Block or Leaf Lift?
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Suspension lifts can be expensive, depending on your goals. If you want 6", you're going to pay a couple grand for it. And you'll spend a few days installing it. What you'll get is a truck high enough and sturdy enough to run the Rubicon.
But if you want 2" for good looks on the street, there's no need to spend all those bucks, and make all those significant changes.
Raising the rear leaf springs is easy, just two alum blocks between the spring and the spring perch, and 4 new U bolts. Kit's are generally less than $30 The blocks are the same size as your springs perches. Installation takes less than an hour with hand tools. Add a leafs do the same thing, but uses an additional spring leaf instead of an alum block. This gives you a stiffer suspension, and greater towing/hauling capacity. Kit's are about $100-150, I think; but don't quote me on that.
The front is a little more complicated, since Dodge uses torsion bars instead of springs. But you can get 1.5 - 2" of lift without spending a dime.
Body lift kits are cheaper than a full suspension kit, but they can be difficult to install. You have to lift the entire cab, fenders, inner fenders, grill, etc, up off the frame, insert the blocks, and lower everything down. You have to pay attention to things like steel brake lines, steering column, wiring, etc. It takes time and the right equipement to do. And then you have to do something about the bumpers.
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Germ
Dodge Dakota
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7/03/2004
17:30:16
| RE: Block or Leaf Lift?
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Alright then. Then I'm looking to do the block lift. That's what my friend did on his Nissan, put the blocks in the back and cranked the torsion bar up front. Cost him $30 from Advanced Auto. Coo coo. Now if I run 2" blocks like that, can I run bigger tires with no rubbing?
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.boB
Dodge Dakota
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7/03/2004
19:17:59
| RE: Block or Leaf Lift?
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Yes, you can. You can go 2" taller in the back - from a 31 to a 33.
The front is a little more complicated because the tire has to turn. I have heard you can, but you better measure, or ask someone who's done it with the particular tire you have in mind. Tire width is important as well as height.
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Germ
Dodge Dakota
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7/03/2004
19:37:51
| RE: Block or Leaf Lift?
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Cool. Yea I was thinkin like 33's or maybe like 32's. I just wanted to keep my options open. I'm gonna try that tho. Lift the back 2" and crank the torsion bars 2" to level it all out.
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Germ
Dodge Dakota
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7/03/2004
19:48:51
| RE: Block or Leaf Lift?
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Another question I got is what about coil spacers? Are they any good? Could I use those to lift my front end instead of the torsion bars?
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.boB
Dodge Dakota
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7/04/2004
12:46:33
| RE: Block or Leaf Lift?
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No, because you don't have coil springs.
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Germ
Dodge Dakota
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7/04/2004
14:59:18
| RE: Block or Leaf Lift?
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Hahaha. Yea, I had the picture of my old Bronc in my head yet. Duh, sorry 'bout that.
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