So I really want to level this truck and I’m thinking of adding a one inch block to the front and rear on the low side.
On the rear, first three pics, can I discard the spacer above the nut and washer on the U bolts to gain the U bolt length I will need or do they serve a critical purpose? Also, is the 3.5” spacer block solid or does the centering pin run up through it?
On the front I will need new, longer U bolts. Again, what about the centering pin? There’s 1/2” protruding above the top plate. Adding an inch will leave it barely into the top leaf. Will that be ok?

 

Is this piece between the spring pak and the U bolts necessary? I could remove it instead of the lower spacers and have enough thread on the bolts to make it work. I don’t want to do anything that would compromise the integrity of things.
Also, would it be better to make a 4.5” block for the rear instead of adding a 1” block to the 3.5” block that is there now?

 

Do NOT use blocks on the front axle. That is a major no-no. In most states, it's also illegal.....

No idea what the spacers on the u-joints are for, they almost like like rubber, or urethane, which also is a really bad idea..... u-bolts also look pretty new.... I would be curious as to why they got replaced.

If you want to adjust the ride height of the truck, buy new springs. Not cheap, but, that would be 'doing it right'.

The center pins do not go up thru the blocks.

 

@Hey You the spacers on the U bolts are steel.
Why are blocks in the front a bad idea. Just curious as to the science behind it.

 

@Hey You the spacers on the U bolts are steel.
Why are blocks in the front a bad idea. Just curious as to the science behind it.

 

The front axle experiences side loads that could displace the spacers, leading to a loss of control. All in all, a VERY bad thing. WAY to much excitement generated there.

Spacers on the u-bolts were probably used so the nuts didn't have to be threaded on further than his deep-will socket could reach.

 

@Hey You Right or wrong I’m still trying to fenangle a way to do this without replacing the springs. What are your thoughts on adding a taller block to the rear and longer shackles on the front?

 

I don't like blocks in back.... not even the stock ones, they act as a lever arm against the spring, which promotes axle hop. Taller block means more leverage, which makes the problem worse.

Finding correct length shackles might be fun.... There are likely adjustable ones out there... I think that would be a better alternative.

Or... If there is a spring shop around you, have your stock springs re-arched?? Not sure if that would be any cheaper than new springs though. Might be worth checking into.