Rear 1" lift block for towing

I'm considering a 1" rear lift block. My 2005 Tundra is to tow a 5500 lbs boat. Is it safe with a 1" rear block? Has anyone done that?
I'm currently using Hellwiz Helper Springs, but they make my ride harsher.
Thanks.

 

Block will make it ride even worse. Use some shackles to lift it some and it will ride much better.

 

Have you used it on the Tundra?

 

Lift shackles on a first gen don't exist.

@stevechumo you would probably be fine, but keep in mind that using a block when you have spring over axle can promote axle wrap under torque loads. Go easy on the throttle and you should be alright, one inch isn't much.

A better direction to take would be a heavy duty 3 leaf pack and retain your overload spring. You'll get 1.5"+/- lift, you won't get axle wrap, and you won't be riding super stiff. Fairly cheap too, in the ballpark of $160 including the new set of u bolts.

 

May want to call SOS Performance 850-769-3465
2 years ago, I had them make a custom lowering shackle. They would make what I needed to lower at least. I just wanted 3/4" lower.
Dont remember but was not expensive.
Just guessing if they will make what you want to lower then also maybe higher.

 

You can't make a lift shackle for these trucks because we have an inverted shackle design. To make a lowering shackle is easy, you just make a longer shackle. Total Chaos makes a 3/4" lowering shackle that is meant to correct the angle on aftermarket SUA leaf packs.

To make a lift shackle you would have to shorten the shackle significantly, that would unfortunately reduce the swing that the shackle gives and limit your suspension travel.

When I replaced my leaf springs I had a set of TC lowering shackles on hand in case I got more lift than I wanted. I compared them to stock and it became pretty obvious why nobody makes a lift shackle for us. There is a shackle flip kit, but it isn't nearly as cheap or easy to install as a 3 pack leaf kit.

 

@OP, a 1" rear block will be just fine for towing. I've towed heavier than 99% of the people on this forum (10,000lbs) with my 2" block perfectly fine. the block made no real-world difference. Just make sure your u-bolts are nice and tight and you'll be just fine.

 

I tow all over the US lifted with a 3 inch block. No issues.

 

Id look at an air ride system that can be installed. Consist of air bags mounts, lines to plumb, check valves and air compressor, storage tank if needed and some gauges for the psi/ pump pressure. Many manufacturers make them. I had one on a F-150 and I was able to haul many things and hold more weight that Normal. But all things have there threshold of break downs. I wouldn’t put blocks in,
Also wondering if @Coachbuilder1 may be able to help out with this, he’s a magic man. Good luck.

 

+1

These trucks are already high in the rear when unloaded, a lift block will exasterbate that. An air ride system would maintain the ride height & comfort when unloaded, and keep the truck level when loaded.
You could get by without the pump, gauges, and valves. The basic kit (about $300) from Airlift and Firestone just have Schrader valves you can fill with any compressor, or even a bike pump.

 

Wow! I'd say that you tow 999% more than anyone with this 1st gen Tundra. How's the ride when there's no load and no tow? Is it similar to factory ride?

 

Yep, the block has no effect on the ride of the suspension.

also, I should note that I don’t condone towing that much with these trucks. I only did it because I was in a tight spot and needed to, and I couldn’t get higher than 50mph or the trailer would push me all over the road.

 

A 1 inch block will be just fine. Another cost effective option would be the add a leaf from toytec or wheelers. You will get approximately 1.5 inches maybe 2. A rule of thumb I go by is to not use a lift block over 2 inches.

 

Our trucks are rated to tow Max. 5900lbs.

Personally, I wouldn’t recco towing more than 4k lbs based on my years of towing. Double Axles with brakes tow better. Single Axles need proper weight distribution. Be safe!

 

Just trying to give options, as it sure was nice to flip a switch and not go through all the nonsense about getting air from a different source IE: gas station where you have to pay for air, or having to store a bike pump some where in the truck or at home. You can even put a secondary on /off through an additional Tee, valve on the system with short pigtail to blow up anything else, like tires, rafts, or your buddy’s tires ,un limited uses where air pressure is needed.
Ya it’s cheaper, but most people might want an up grade, install once, cry once. Lol

 

Depends on the year and cab. Some were rated up to 7,000 with the tow package.

 

Yeah. Tow Package here and no way I’d go that weight. The truck can drive 6-7klbs. Its the stopping thats sketchy. Anyways, just thought I’d throw that on here so others can read. The block thing is foreign to me so no comment there.

 

Tow rating for the V8 equipped Access cab in 2000 was 7100#. I've towed every bit of that in the form of a 28' travel trailer. I used a weight distributing hitch, a trailer brake controller and add on tow mirrors. This truck was very uncomfortable towing that much weight compared to using my father-in-law's 2006 GMC with the 5.3. Power was fine, brakes are woefully inadequate and required the trailer brakes to do more than their fair share. Trailer brake failure would be catastrophic with this setup. Overall the truck just felt squirmy and not planted. I towed at 55mph max with OD disengaged.

Original question- 1" block safe? No personal experience with this setup in these trucks. Lots of trucks use lift blocks in the rear, up to 6" even, and still achieve towing of things. There are some negative possible situations, not sure how often they actually occur. I would imagine like the whole wheel spacers debate, the actual failure rate is infinitesimally low. A properly installed 1" lift block should not give you any problems, you will need new longer U bolts, highest grade hardware is best. My question for you is why the lift block? Is it to combat rear end squat when towing? or just for looks when not towing. It will not help with your towing scenario in any way. Rear end squat when towing should be addressed with helper springs, new leaf packs or air bags. Does not increase the amount of weight you can tow, but handles the payload better without bottoming out on the axle bump stops. Helper springs or leaf packs will likely give a harsher ride when unloaded as the spring rate is now higher. Air bags will be more expensive, but ride like butter in comparison and are fully adjustable.

 

interesting to hear that it was squirmy even with a WD hitch. Good to know.