Difference between coils and blocks? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

72gmcshorty · 02-17-2010, 08:45 PM

I am wanting to lower the back of my truck about 6". I know there are drop coils and drop coils plus blocks. Whats the difference between using just coils and coils plus blocks?

SCOTI · 02-18-2010, 01:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72gmcshorty

I am wanting to lower the back of my truck about 6". I know there are drop coils and drop coils plus blocks. Whats the difference between using just coils and coils plus blocks?

4" coils plus blocks allow running a standard length shock w/factory brackets. 6" drop coils alone are going to be too much drop & will typically require other mods: modifying the OE shock brackets; using 'drop' shocks; or replacing the OE brackets w/a shock relocator kit.

Of the trucks I've ridden in, 4" coils w/blocks rode better vs. 6" coils. They weren't 'apples to apples' set-ups (different manufacturer springs & shocks) so it's just a subjective opinion.

sv10001975 · 02-20-2010, 07:54 PM

there are also so other advantages to using the blocks, but I have heard that the 4" spring and 2" block can cause some problems on a 15" wheel. you also get the advantage of keeping you instant center of you suspension in a better location vs. the 6" lowering spring. i have 6" springs and will changing to 4" springs very shortly. all i am waiting on is trying to confirm the 2" block and 15" wheel interference issue.

SCOTI · 02-20-2010, 08:30 PM

The 'interference' issue w/2" blocks is the bottom edge of the shock mount & u-bolts are just past the scrub line of the wheel. In the event of tire failure @ speed, there is a possibility of the mount or bolt contacting the road which can lead to loss of control.

1.5" blocks work w/15" wheels.

sv10001975 · 02-20-2010, 09:23 PM

do you happen to know the length u bolt needed for the 1.5" blocks? this way I can go ahead order the bolts while I make my blocks.

SCOTI · 02-21-2010, 04:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sv10001975

do you happen to know the length u bolt needed for the 1.5" blocks? this way I can go ahead order the bolts while I make my blocks.

I can go measure just as easily as you can. Put a tape to your current ones & add 1.5". Done....

If there's some reason you cant measure yours, let us know.

72gmcshorty · 02-22-2010, 07:29 PM

would 5" spring and 1" block have any issues?

**N2TRUX** · 02-22-2010, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72gmcshorty

would 5" spring and 1" block have any issues?

They might not have an issues, but I have found the more drop you can gain from "static" changes the better off you are. Ok, let throw a disclaimer and say in "most" cases.

What that means is try for the best option other than spring drop. Anything more than a 2" spring up front and a 4" spring in the rear and the ride quality starts to degrade.

robzilla · 02-22-2010, 08:51 PM

does anyone have some pictures of the setup? i'm looking to do the same with blocks and coils.

thanks

02-17-2010, 08:45 PM	#1
72gmcshorty Registered User Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: North Delta, British Columbia Posts: 1,344	Difference between coils and blocks? I am wanting to lower the back of my truck about 6". I know there are drop coils and drop coils plus blocks. Whats the difference between using just coils and coils plus blocks? __________________ 1992 Gmc 2wd 1972 Chevy Blazer 2wd

02-20-2010, 07:54 PM	#3
sv10001975 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Macon,GA Posts: 62	Re: Difference between coils and blocks? there are also so other advantages to using the blocks, but I have heard that the 4" spring and 2" block can cause some problems on a 15" wheel. you also get the advantage of keeping you instant center of you suspension in a better location vs. the 6" lowering spring. i have 6" springs and will changing to 4" springs very shortly. all i am waiting on is trying to confirm the 2" block and 15" wheel interference issue.

02-20-2010, 08:30 PM	#4
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,068	Re: Difference between coils and blocks? The 'interference' issue w/2" blocks is the bottom edge of the shock mount & u-bolts are just past the scrub line of the wheel. In the event of tire failure @ speed, there is a possibility of the mount or bolt contacting the road which can lead to loss of control. 1.5" blocks work w/15" wheels. __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.* Last edited by SCOTI; 02-20-2010 at 08:30 PM.

02-20-2010, 09:23 PM	#5
sv10001975 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Macon,GA Posts: 62	Re: Difference between coils and blocks? do you happen to know the length u bolt needed for the 1.5" blocks? this way I can go ahead order the bolts while I make my blocks.

02-22-2010, 07:29 PM	#7
72gmcshorty Registered User Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: North Delta, British Columbia Posts: 1,344	Re: Difference between coils and blocks? would 5" spring and 1" block have any issues? __________________ 1992 Gmc 2wd 1972 Chevy Blazer 2wd

02-22-2010, 08:51 PM	#9
robzilla Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: castlegar,b.c Posts: 277	Re: Difference between coils and blocks? does anyone have some pictures of the setup? i'm looking to do the same with blocks and coils. thanks



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