Steel blocks vs.Aluminum blocks

[DallasCowboys]

Going with 3" lowering blocks and want aluminum. Any advice on this? :driver:

 

[Gadget]

There is nothing wrong with aluminum blocks.

The problem is the construction of them.

There is a lot of junk blocks on the market, like the ones you can get from AutoZone for $19 complete with junk U bolts.

These blocks are hollow aluminum extrusions, hollow like a beer can. If one of the sides twists or buckles at all the whole block crushes like an empty beer can. Now you have a lose axle floppying around that could come off of the truck.

A solid billet block is the only way to go. It does not matter if it is steel or aluminum. Solid won't crush or fail.

Gadget

 

[wshsbears]

dang.. good write up. i never knew they were hollow extrusions.. i've had aluminum blocks from autozone for almost 2 years, no issues, but i don't think i want to wait til the first one comes about..

 

[Stevenredx]

There you go, thats a damn good explanation Gadget. :top:

I think this thread needs to be a sticky. :biggrin:

 

[project-c2]

I went with the DJM steel ones, because I couldn't source the solid ones locally.

 

[DallasCowboys]

Yes Gadget, Thanks for the thorough explanation. DJM sells some and will be buying today. :top:

 

[Coopstain]

So where is the best place to get Steel full blocks or sold aluminum block and good U-Bolts that wont kill your pocket ( i know.. i get what you pay for)

 

[utixrunner]

So where is the best place to get Steel full blocks or sold aluminum block and good U-Bolts that wont kill your pocket ( i know.. i get what you pay for)

talk to michael we got 2" steel blocks and u-bolts for $30 I think

 

[Matt's06]

I don't think DJM steel blocks are solid. IMO they are still the best blocks out there. Also the ones that come with the SOS kit are nice. They are solid aluminum

 

[Twisted Creations]

We can have the aluminum blocks made to order, but they are pricey due to the low volume production. If there is enough interest, the more we have made the less expensive they will be... :top::top: We can also pair these with grade 8 U-bolts.

 

[rich017]

I got steel blocks from autozone for $27, but then Michael bought additional U-bolts that are steel

 

[richie_rich]

i bought BellTech lowering blocks, are those good? I know they are a big brand name, so I picked them up over a cheaper set...

 

[Yallrun]

i bought BellTech lowering blocks, are those good? I know they are a big brand name, so I picked them up over a cheaper set...

From my experience (not with the X) yes belltech is a top notch product. Used them on a Nissan and then on my Ranger. Both rode and drove excellent never having a problem. :top:

 

[project-c2]

I don't think DJM steel blocks are solid. IMO they are still the best blocks out there. Also the ones that come with the SOS kit are nice. They are solid aluminum

Yeah, they are like extruded with the ends welded up to "cap" them. That's what mine look like. I like the wrinkle powdercoat finish though.

 

[nylesnakamasan]

same here, couldn't find solid blocks locally...

so i got aluminum extrusion kind...but you can see how it can just crumple up like a beer can...

 

[skilledbum23]

dang.. good write up. i never knew they were hollow extrusions.. i've had aluminum blocks from autozone for almost 2 years, no issues, but i don't think i want to wait til the first one comes about..

ditto but only had mine for 2 monthes

 

[skilledbum23]

hey here is a good question sense i am looking at solid blocks whats the diameter on the alignment pin..... 1/2 inch??

 

[Gadget]

I hope you are not going to work to hard reinventing the wheel here.

I am sure all this stuff is already on the shelf somewhere ready to go complete with HIGH STRENGTH U-Bolts.

Call a couple of off road shops, like Demello Off-Road, Total Chaos Fabrication, Corn Fed Suspensions, and so on. Tell them Gadget from URD sent you. I will bet they have the stuff ready to go.

Off road guys put the blocks on top of the axle where you guys put it under the axle, it is all the same damn thing. Off road stuff has to be tough so I am sure that it will work for what you need.

Gadget

 

[evilk401]

drop kit

wat is tha best drop for my xr for a good price drop low and smooth ride if i get tha auto zone stuff is that ok wat would i need its my first trucc i did tuner rice roccet b4

 

[Stevenredx]

wat is tha best drop for my xr for a good price drop low and smooth ride if i get tha auto zone stuff is that ok wat would i need its my first trucc i did tuner rice roccet b4

Maybe one of these threads will help you :top:

http://www.xr-underground.com/vb3/showthread.php?t=9379

http://www.xr-underground.com/vb3/showthread.php?t=8443