Lift blocks?

I used lift blocks and shackles to get 5.5 lift in the rear.

Let us just say that my saggy springs got a lot worse in a very short time.

Look up bastard pack and do it right the first time.
 
A lot of people run a 1 inch or so lift block with no problems. Once you get more block than that, it starts to cause axle wrap.
 
Remember that the lift block acts as a lever for the axle so the same amount of torque on the axle will twist your springs more (axle wrap like cal said)... make an informed decision.
 
The last thing you want on old saggy somewhat soft springs is much of a block. The XJ OEM springs tend to be soft for a good ride. Go fresh and much stiffer if you want to do a tall block
Many pickups run tall blocks with no problems. But there OEM springs are often many times stiffer right from the factory and don't flex for poop to. .
 
Ok, So whats a good bastard pack for 3-4"? And what springs should I use in the front, I was thinking ZJ's to keep a decent ride but I will need 2" spacers with it to get 3-4" correct?
 
i have bad enough axle wrap without a block with antiwrap perches

i would never run a block
 
the advantage of running the blocks and longer shackles that it give lift without putting more arch in the spring which hurt the flexability

however still need to do something about the weak leafs, then can try to lift with blocks and shackles then run some anti-wrap bar(s) to control the wraping of the spring.
 
i ran blocks for maybe 3-6 months on my xj, the main problem i ran into was remembering to check the u bolts cuz they tend to loosen or stretch, so if you didnt tighten them it gave them the potential to spit them out. and the new aluminum ones arent very strong, when i removed my blocks to put in my bastard pack i noticed the stud that goes into the block/ axle perch broke free and when i took the block out the stud stayed stuck in the perch... just something else to look out for

also the dodge dakota leafs net you 4 inches i went to the JY on half priced weekend and found a set of 88 dodge dakota leafs, i had 4 in my pack including the overload spring, all i had to do was break apart the pack, fit up the dakota main leaf to the xj main leaf(used the center pin to snug it down), marked and cut off the dakota leaf spring eyes right where they were pretty close to the center of the bolt on the xj main leaf, then i took the overload spring, cut it to the size of the axle perch and used it as basically a 1" lift block. i didnt have to trim any other leafs, i took all 5 leafs total including the xj main leaf and fit them together using the center pin. keep in mind that the xj center pin is smaller than the dakota center pin and you will need to get a new set of center pins to fit the new bastard pack

idk if this helped or if you even cared for the added info. but if you have any questions shoot me a pm
 
Is there a downside to using lift blocks on an XJ?...

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I remember that, 2 years ago at NWF. Folks were running back to Yakima for parts, Jeep sat at the rocks for a loooong time. IIRC, the owner had to catch a plane which I believe he missed and they got the Jeep back to camp at around 1 a.m.


Lift blocks add maintenance in that you have to check them periodically to see if your u-bolts are staying tight and nothing is shifting around. I would forego the blocks and just build a bastard pack or buy a full leaf pack from an aftermarket company. National and Deaver are two of the highest rated companies, Rubicon Express leaves are pretty well regarded and not quite as expensive. Bastard packs can be built pretty cheaply as the guy a few posts above did, and generally work very well if built with the right combination of leaves.
 
The person who posted that picture is the owner. ;)

yup, and he will never run lift blocks again. ; P

granted, the situation was circumstantial, and they had been fine for a year or more.

however, under a bit of stress, both of my lift blocks exploded at the same time..

..as mentioned, it was a pain, but good people like dustin saved the day.
 
The person who posted that picture is the owner. ;)

I figured as much, didn't get a chance to meet him out there that year. I heard the stories after the fact during the day and around the campfire. Glad it all worked out in the end, props to you Dustin for stepping up.:)
 
i ran blocks for maybe 3-6 months on my xj, the main problem i ran into was remembering to check the u bolts cuz they tend to loosen or stretch, so if you didnt tighten them it gave them the potential to spit them out. and the new aluminum ones arent very strong, when i removed my blocks to put in my bastard pack i noticed the stud that goes into the block/ axle perch broke free and when i took the block out the stud stayed stuck in the perch... just something else to look out for

also the dodge dakota leafs net you 4 inches i went to the JY on half priced weekend and found a set of 88 dodge dakota leafs, i had 4 in my pack including the overload spring, all i had to do was break apart the pack, fit up the dakota main leaf to the xj main leaf(used the center pin to snug it down), marked and cut off the dakota leaf spring eyes right where they were pretty close to the center of the bolt on the xj main leaf, then i took the overload spring, cut it to the size of the axle perch and used it as basically a 1" lift block. i didnt have to trim any other leafs, i took all 5 leafs total including the xj main leaf and fit them together using the center pin. keep in mind that the xj center pin is smaller than the dakota center pin and you will need to get a new set of center pins to fit the new bastard pack

idk if this helped or if you even cared for the added info. but if you have any questions shoot me a pm
So whats a good pack for 3in? I want to do 3.5 in the front maybee by ZJ coils and a spacer and 3-3.5 in the rear.
 
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