Alright guys, I know lifts and the blocks have been talked about a lot on here. But I couldn't find an answer for my question with searching around. I'm sure it's here, I just didn't see it. I do promise you that I looked for it before posting though.

Basically, I just want to know what the deal is with the rear blocks - are they good or bad? I have an '07 XL 2wd, so it is coil sprung. I've been reading about lifts while I decide which route I eventually want to take. Originally when I started looking into it I saw a lot of talk about swapping in the OEM Ford 'lift blocks' out of a fx4 into the 2wd. My understanding is that the 2wd doesn't have any from the factory where as the 4x4 packages do. From my understanding trucks up to '08 had a 2.5" block and above '08 had a 1.5" block. I know I would need to get the appropriate length U-bolts to go with the block of choice, which is no big deal. But once I got back on here and started brushing up on the rear end again I've read nothing but the rear blocks are bad and to use pretty much any other method. So what's the deal with that? Are the Fx4 blocks still a viable option or do I need to look into other options. I'm looking for about a 2.5" lift in the rear, and I thought the block was going to be the perfect answer. But now I'm starting to fear I might need to find another option. From what I've read the Belltech 6400 are claimed at 2" but really net about 1.5" in real world lift. I want to do this once, and I want to do this right. That's why I've been taking my time to do the research, and that's why I'm here to ask the experts. Again, I know anything lifts have been beaten to death on here, and I fear I have just missed the answer. But since I have been searching for the answer, please spare me.

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2007 Ford Ranger XL. 5 Speed MT. 2wd. 15x8 wheels. 235/75r15 tires.

yippee,

What was it about the rear lift blocks that you were reading that made them a bad choice?

I know that lift blocks can induce axle wrap under heavy acceleration but that's about all I've ever heard about them other than don't stack them which is common sense. And the taller the block the more leverage they put on the spring to cause axle wrap. However there's no guarantee that they will cause axle wrap either. I have had numerous trucks with OEM lift blocks and only one of them had bad axle wrap (my 2006 F350 6.0). The others never had the trouble.

For the 4" lift I'm doing on my 2003 XL, I'll be using 2" lift blocks, 2" shackles and brand new leaf springs in the rear to net me a small rake. However, if I had the cash I would have gone with a good set of arched Deaver leafs and may yet still depending on how it rides.

Or, you can run Chevy 64" springs or F150 springs that will net you a small lift but you'll have to move the front spring mounts more forward since those springs are longer. Others have done it. I didn't opt to do that in my lift because I want the truck to ride as stock as possible and the F150/Chevy springs I suspect will be much more firm.

Hopefully others will chime in.

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2003 Ranger XL | 2.3L | 2wd | 5spd manual | standard cab | short bed | 112" wheel base | 3.73 rear (open diff) | no power windows or locks but at least it's got A/C!

If lift springs are the Cadillac of rear lifts, then blocks are a Prius. They're cheap and get the job done, but aren't real pretty.

The major drawback to blocks is that they cause axle wrap. Large blocks can also make the rear end feel a little "loose". Also, when blocks get stacked, things get down right scary.

I run a 3" block in conjunction with expo springs. It works, and I've had no issues. But, the next time the ass end of the truck is torn apart, those blocks aren't goin back in.

So no, lift blocks are not the devil. They work alright (IN MODERATION!) but there are much better options out there.

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I have a 2007 XL 2WD as well. Ran the 4x4 Ranger 2.5 blocks for a year, I think. More or less, and I honestly didn't notice a single change with them and without them.

Mine are currently sitting in the bed of my truck if you're interested in purchasing them. Just shoot me an offer and they're yours.

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2007 Regular Cab - 2.3 DOHC - 5 Speed Auto - 4.10 Gears - Maxtrac 7" Lift - Fiberwerx 3" Fenders - Bilstein 5100 Series - 15x10 Ultra 164's - 35x12.50x15 Red Letters - Custom dents

That was the problem, I never really found solid answers on why not to use them. Most of the posts were vague and just said they were bad or not to use them. If anything, I saw a couple post saying they can/will cause axle wrap. If I go with blocks I'll just be doing a single 2.5" block on each side. No stacking, nothing larger. Just something to match to the 2.5" on the front.

I have considered the Deaver Leafs. The only thing that concerns me is they say not to be used for hauling or towing. I don't do a ton of hauling or towing (it is only a 2.3 after all), but I do a little of both. I don't know what the reason or the "limit" is for either. I just don't want to limit the capabilities of using the truck to do normal stuff, or to wear out the springs prematurely. I guess that's another question - is this really a concern or am I overthinking it?

Alternatively, I was also originally considering running the 6400 shackles (and still haven't ruled it out completely. I'm lifting the front 2.5" and would like to lift the rear an equal 2.5". Unlike most, I like the natural front to rear rake of trucks. In turn that means I want to lift the front and rear an equal amount to retain the original rake. I read that the 6400 advertise a 2" lift for us Ranger folks, but realistically net less than that due to the leaf spring extending further back. I think it was more like a 1.5" lift or something, right? That would still leave me lacking about an inch in the rear.

What is the major cause of axle wrap?

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2007 Ford Ranger XL. 5 Speed MT. 2wd. 15x8 wheels. 235/75r15 tires.

The only time blocks get sketchy are when you stack blocks and when you run a large block. Running a stock 2.5 or 1.5 youll never notice the difference.

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I've been doing some looking around, but I keep finding conflicting info. I was also looking at the Deaver F31 Leafs. What is the best way to mount these? Some say mount them like the stock leafs. Some you need to move the rear mounts back, flip brackets, different shackle configurations, etc. So, If I buy the Deavers and put them in my stock configuration rear end in the stock location will they work well? Or is that not really going to net me any performance?

Also, They say "Most Deaver springs are not designed for heavy hauling and heavy towing." What is the threshold for this? I don't by any stretch use the Ranger for any serious hauling/towing, but I just want to know what the cutoff for this would be as I do still like to haul/tow things once in a while. Do they say this mostly because the springs aren't meant for that therefore wear them out prematurely or because they aren't built to handle the extra weight and sag/don't perform well under the load?

Lastly (at least for now), Are the Fox 2.0 front and rear able to be used without any modifications? I was looking at the part numbers 980-24-649 and 980-24-648. On the Fox website they say "Direct replacement for stock and aftermarket lifts kits." Does this mean I can use them without having to modify them to fit my truck? From my understanding they are a better upgrade over the Bilstein 5100 shocks, is this a fair assessment? How is the on road and off road performance of either one? I want something that will perform well off road but also want something that will be livable on road.

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2007 Ford Ranger XL. 5 Speed MT. 2wd. 15x8 wheels. 235/75r15 tires.