I thought I would add this as a separate thread for those who didn't read my original thread of 4WD Block removal pics and as an FYI. I had an annoying rearend clunk on acceleration from a stop, and a slight driveline vibration between 55-60mph. Well after going for a post block removal test drive to test everything out, I noticed that the clunk and vibration have completely disappeared! I guess the stock pinion angle was a bit too much and as a result, caused these two annoyances. Whatever the case, I'm a happy man. My Truck seems to really feel and run tighter now.

 

can you explain the steps and difficulty of removing the blocks?

 

you never know your idea might be wroth some$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

 

Actually, very simple, just took my time and practiced safety first. I jacked up the rear of the truck under the rear differential and placed jack stands underneath the frame on both sides as close the rear as I could. Let the jack down enough to have the truck on the stands, but leaving the differential supported by the floor jack. Remove the 4 U-Bolt nuts on both sides, take off U-Bolts and set aside. Next remove the 2 center pin nuts on both sides and U-Bolt holding plates. Set aside. Slowly let the floor jack down, enough to get the blocks out. Reverse steps with a set of 2WD U-Bolts. Good to go. Obviously, I didn't do this to solve the issues I had, simply cosmetic. The fact that this eliminated the clunk and vibration was a value-added surprise!

 

Thanks for the install details. I can't decide whether to do this, or do a leveling kit in the front. Either I could do myself (except alignment). Removing the rear blocks would be so much cheaper and also I don't have to worry about getting an alignment and someone screwing up my truck.

edit: ooops, I'm logged in as my dad.

SteveVFX4

 

well, that didn't take long, within a half hour, I just bought some 2wd u-bolts from member "hwm3" who just lifted his 2wd truck with a leveling kit and rear blocks.

 

Sweet bro! You are gonna love it! I don't regret my decision at all. Went out in the garage this morning to check out the truck, and damn, I must say it looks awesome. Very glad I did it, only cost me in overnight shipping to swap the hardware.

 

Also, sorry forgot to say this, make you get the U-bolts and centering pins (bolts) and nuts. I'm not sure if the centering bolts are 4WD proprietary or not, so we swapped them to be on the safe side.

 

he said he is sending me the u-bolts, nuts, and axle plates. Should I ask him about the centering pins?

 

U-Bolts nuts interchange as well as the axle plates between 4x2 and 4x4. The centering pins are probably the same for both 4x2 and 4x4, but since I wasn't sure, we went ahead and swapped them anyway to be on the safe side. I would have him/her include them in the swap. Hate to see you stranded without having all the parts you need. Good luck Steve, and post some pics when your done!

 

How did you find out that he was selling his? I need some of these!

 

This is funny. A year ago everyone was looking to put on a leveling kit. Now, it seems, alot of people want to lower the rear.

 

Matt, there was a thread related to this that a poster said he was looking for someone to swap U-Bolts with. I replied to him that I was interested, but then he was on the fence about it. Another guy replied and said he wanted to do the swap. The rest is history! I did though, post a classified in the accesories wanted section asking for the swap. Maybe you could throw out a post to see if anyone wants to swap!

 

Of course, I'll be happy to take credit for it!

 

I just saw his picture the post the other day that he lifted his 2wd with rear blocks. So I just emailed him to see if had his U-bolts available and he agreed to sell them to me.


There have been a few on here even in the beginning (late 03, early 04) that were removing their blocks as well. But nobody was posting pictures to show how good it looked leveled off.

I hope to get mine removed next weekend, and I'll be sure to post pics!