So I removed the 4x4 block on my truck. The truck rides great, but lately the rear end has been feeling real soft. There is this large bump in the road that would cause a rubbing sound when I went over it, but that was with my summer wheels that are 20x9 with a 305/50/22 tires....so I figured they may be hitting in the wheel well somewhere. But now I have my stock 18s on for the winter and have been noticing that rubbing noise when I go over this bump. And I have noticed the suspension altogether seems soft, and I would say "nervous" on bumpy roads.

Would this be fixed by replacing the shocks? If so, what would you recommend for a 4x4 with the blocks removed in the rear? Its mainly a street truck.

Thanks!

 

It sounds like the problem s your shocks. They are collapsed past their point of normal travel. When this happens the shocks aren't producing normal pressure to control the ride. How tall was the block? Try getting shocks that are shorter by the height of the block. I had a jeep that this happened to only it was the opposite.... going up instead of down.

 

The block was 2"

I am just wondering if it would be better to either put the block back in and go new 4x4 shocks all around. Or to leave the block out and get new 4x4 shocks in the front and 4x2 shocks in the rear. I like the look with the block removed.

Would it cause any problems to run mixed shocks: 4x4 in front and 4x2 in rear?

 

I don't see a problem running different shocks. Do you plan on towing/ hauling anything? If so, you will need the extra height in the rear to prevent sag. If you sell the truck I would return it to stock configuration. Some people actually use a truck for what it is meant to do.... tow and haul. I would be a little upset if I bought a used vehicle and it wouldn't do what it was advertised to do. I think about putting a leveling kit on my truck all the time.... until I drop my travel trailer on it and it is dead level. Then that thought goes away!

 

Blocks wont prevent sag, b,c he didnt change the spring rate at all. All he did was take a 2" solid piece of metal.....

anyways there is no problem running two different shocks, and that is actually what i would recommend for your application, just remember if you want to put the block back in, you will need longer 4x4 shocks.

did you also put 2wd U bolts on it too, with shorter threads?

 

If you tow a trailer and it drops the rear by 2" and you remove the rear block that is 2 inches, then you will be 2" lower in the rear. You headlights will be pointing into the trees and you will not have a stable combination. If he's not towing/ hauling then he'll be fine with 2 different shocks. That is the point I was making. Even 2WD trucks have blocks in them for load purposes.

 

I'd run the 4WD shocks in the front and the 2WD shocks in the rear. I'd go Bilsteins personally but thats up to you.

No they dont, at least not in 2004+ F-150s.

 

Yes but the term sagging is refering to the spring sagging down to much, usually b.c the truck is at or over its payload/tounge weight. You could put 8" block in the rear and the springs will still sag at the same weight.

And yes hopefully he has adjusted his headlights with the blocks out

 

I have adjusted my headlights, and I did use the 2wd U-bolts.

I am debating if I want to put the 2" block back in. No matter what, I want to upgrade my shocks. Thanks for all the help guys - much appreciated.

Where is the best place to get the replacement bilstein's? I dont want the 2" lift ones.

Also, what can I expect to pay for installation?

 

Installation is a piece of cake. If you were able to remove the blocks by yourself then you can change out the shocks. It is 4 bolts. As for finding them.... do a search for Bilstein and it should dump out a bunch of sites that have them. Find the best $$$$ and order them.

 

Is it just 4 bolts for the rear shocks? What about the front shocks?

 

The front shocks will be a little more difficult and you'll need a spring compressor. I'd take them off and bring the springs and shocks to someone that that can use a spring compressor on them unless you already have one.

 

Thanks guys!! I appreciate all the help!