What do you mean it does not fit? U bolts to short?

 

Hey You, that is what I thought too....but when I set the new spring in there on top of the axle, I had to lower the axle more than the other side just to get it in there and that was without the block. Got the holes lined up and put the bolts through without tightening anything and it looks like it will be higher than the drivers side that I didn't take apart yet. Re-checked part # and it is the 2" lift so it is the right part. Also, did put on ground next to each other and the new spring is much more arched but didn't actually measure. Looked like about a couple inches difference.

 

Your old springs have probably sagged some. I am going to guess you actually do need the blocks...

 

i think the new spring (+2 inches) is based on using the block, otherwise it would have to be +5 inches which is an awful lot.

are you installing one side only just for trial/mock up? i don't think you'll be able to install the lifted side while the old side is still attached. disconnect the old side so the axle can drop enough to get the new side on.

my limited experience in changing leaf springs is to put the truck up on tall jack stands, then put a jack (or two is better) under the axle to control it. its heavy. unbolt u-bolts first to separate axle. unbolt leaf springs last and swap out.

the alternative is to reverse the order and unbolt the the 4 leaf points first , and then swap the leaf off the axle perch last. this requires you to move around the entire axle with springs attached, which i think is bigger, heavier, and a little harder since you're trying to line up 4 points on the leaf springs.

see what others think.

however you go about it, make sure the truck is secure and that you don't jerk or ****** in a way that pulls the truck off the stands.

 

OK, finally was able to finish up this project yesterday(did not need to move the gas tank). Seems like my truck has been on jack stands forever. Put everything together without the blocks and low and behold, I have about 3" lift from previous measurments. Got about 2" lift from new coils in front. It looks great. I am going to bring it to local spring shop to fabricate new u-bolts because I bought the universal replacement kit from advance auto and I am not confident in the fit and quality. Thanks for the replies. I will hit you guys up whenever I get to the next mod because I just can't leave well enough alone.

 

I have the same springs, but w/ 3"+...

I didn't use the block.. but that was after trying it with, with two stacked, with one big one, and back to none.. I decided any height that gives more ground clearance was a good thing (i.e. tires), but anything more was silly.. Just a personal opinion, though..

the leaves ride good without the blocks, though.. it will come down to how high you want it, and likely in relation to the front.. i have an advantage you don't in that regard: torsion bars that can be minutely adjusted.. of course, you have an advantage I can't touch: solid front axle and coils.. I'd swap quick like if I could!

 

it's a disease...

 

incidentally, the springs themselves give the extra lift.. they have more leaves and different arch.. they are better than OE springs in that they have linear compression for the first couple inches of travel, but they ramp up progressively after that.. when you're just driving, it behaves nicely- when you're hauling or towing, it handles being loaded better..