So I removed the 4x4 blocks on my truck, now I am going to put them back in and install some bilstein shocks all around.

I just did a bunch of searching, and couldnt quite find what I was looking for.

When I removed the rear block in the back, it was a b*tch to lift. I removed the nuts and the u-bolts on either side. And then we jerry rigged a jack to lift at the leaf springs so we could free up the block.

Is there another way to lift things so I dont have to jerry rig my jack. Normally, I put my jack right at the bottom mounting plate for the u-bolts when I have to change my wheels.

Where should I lift from when re-installing the blocks?

 

I'm not sure if this would work, but you could try lifting from the receiver under the back bumper and put some jack stands up towards the front a little bit....

Maybe?..._motes

 

I will have access to a heavy duty forklift too. So I was wondering if I could lift from the receiver with the forklift after having removed the u-bolts. Would that give me the kind of lift I need in the back to get the blocks back in?

 

When I removed my blocks, I raised the truck using the jack on the hitch. Once it was high enough to use up the suspension travel, put stands under the frame. I loosed the ubolts while it was on the ground and removed them one side at a time once in the air. Then used the jack to raise the axle enough to get the block out or in your case back in. It was relatively quick and very safe.

 

Inline6....I understand everything in your post....but i dont get the part about raising the axle to get the block out. Wouldnt you have to lower the axle to make room between the axle and the leaf springs?

 

Thanks KansasJoe - that makes sense!

I think I will loosed the nuts while everything is on the ground...use the forklift to lift the backend from the receiver (slowly) - insert the blocks and then drop it back down. So I am doing the same thing as KansasJoe but instead of raising and lowering the axle, I am raising and lowering the truck.

If anyone sees why this wouldnt work, let me know.

 

put a 4" x 4" piece of timber across under the spare, and jack up from there. You should be able to lift the truck until the axle just about comes off the ground, undo your ubolts, then lift enough to clear the 2" block, assemble and lower the jack out. If you use the 4"x4" wood and its still not tall enough you could put a cynderblock under the jack, or two length wise (end to end) and gain 6" of height

 

Oh, that sounds safe.

 

Cynderblocks!.. now i know why texans are okies...

 

Ive used cynder blocks several times, even with my lowered truck. Lay it down on its side, and try to center the weight of the jack across the center support.

You are supporting the end of the frame and the bed, probably less then 1,000 pounds total will be on the jack.

What do you think people hold up as supports on their mobile homes?
-Patrick

 

DO NOT LAY A BLOCK ON ITS SIDE! the block is much stronger standing up(holes up and down not sideways). and i dont think that OSHA would approve

 

ive done both ways, no problems, but its easier if you dont have a board to straddle the hole, to just lay it over