Lift blocks and towing?

So what’s the deal with the suggestion to not use lift blocks if you plan on towing?

my guess that this is due to axle hop, or different handling (braking) characteristics as opposed to heavy duty leaf spring swap.

is there any anecdotal feedback or is this more of a perceived input?

obviously there’s going to be a difference in handling with a 2” lift block versus a 4”

what about airbags and blocks, where the bags are only used during towing?

I have a set of boss airbags 2503 triple convoluted bags sitting in my garage that I’ve been thinking about using more for about 1” or so of lift than actual towing, and haven’t made up my mind if it’s a good idea or not.

regular towing isn’t something I do, but always nice to have the capacity

 

Don't do it due to axle wrap/axle hop. This is a verified, very real problem.

You already naturally get axle wrap when towing, which increases with age of the spring. One of the 1st gen guys on YouTube shows this very clearly on his truck, axle wrap without anything, then with a block, and with AAL, and the AAL is the only one that didn't wrap when hauling heavy. I've seen one of the Tacoma dudes on there with a good video showing the natural wrap that happens as well.

Mind you, with a 1" block it's not going to be much different than stock, or the stock wedge on some models, but anything beyond that, I personally wouldn't do it if I was hauling anything significant (400-600lb or more).

 

shifty answers that pretty well here
https://www.tundras.com/threads/wha...-gen-tundra-today.2558/page-1706#post-3333894

 

Ok, so the factory leafs are already prone to leaf twist/axle hop before chucking a block in.

Add a leaf would be better as it can be overarched a bit to assist spring rate, thicken up the leaf pack to resist twist etc.

maybe a wider spring perch on the axle would have been of benefit as well

 

The OEM overload leaf basically serves that purpose, I believe?

The downside to AAL kits is some, taking the Icon 55110 kit as an example, require you to remove the overload leaf when installing their AAL kit.

EDIT: I'm struggling to find that 1GT video and it pisses me off, it covered the topic so well. Here's the Tacoma guy, he starts to break down your options around the 50s mark, showing pics of what to expect, and the pros/cons of each depending on your habits (he doesn't mention towing, but use your imagination):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6Y3WLKF8Q0#t=0m48s​

 

You probably don't need to for a 2" front lift, but your CV's will be happier.

It's just a matter of your CV's and CV boots lasting longer. Nothing you need right away but something to look at.

 

You may want to ask on the 2nd gen forum; they’ll know better than we will over here on the 1st gen forum.

With the 1st gen you can definitely get away with it. But you’ll likely sling some CV Axle grease.