Leaf spring raising blocks

zeebests

I'm thinking of adding blocks (maybe up to 4") under my leaf springs on an iveco daily to give more clearance at the tail hitch. Just wondering how this would affect the shocks as presumably they would be stretched longer by the same amount. Also, I guess I would have to adjust the load sensor arm for the rear brakes. Is there anything else that I would have to consider?

swarlb

zeebests wrote: »

I'm thinking of adding blocks (maybe up to 4") under my leaf springs on an iveco daily to give more clearance at the tail hitch. Just wondering how this would affect the shocks as presumably they would be stretched longer by the same amount. Also, I guess I would have to adjust the load sensor arm for the rear brakes. Is there anything else that I would have to consider?

Can you not adjust the hitch ? I would have thought trailers are built to a standard height to accommodate most vehicles.
The springs are located at each end by bolts and bushes... where exactly do you intend to fit 'blocks'.... hopefully not between the chassis and spring !!
Doing this will cause the van to 'bottom out' and you could be risking de stabilising the van, with a greater risk if you are towing something...

zeebests

It's not so much the hitch height as the whole chassis extension behind the rear wheels that's the problem. Because of the length of the box the rear end can travel very low and bottom out when going up an incline or over a ramp. I was planning to put the blocks between the chassis but don't see why this would cause the van to bottom out as it would raise the chassis higher off the ground. It's apparently a technique used frequently with pick up trucks etc

colm_mcm

You can fit airbags in the back.

zeebests

Hmm, wasn't planning on spending quite that much. My initial query was regarding the shocks and how they might respond to being stretched a couple of inches

zeebests

Clarification: the blocks will go between the bottom of the spring and the axle (contained within the u-bolt clamp)

doctorchopper

yes you will need longer shocks, 4" is a lot

zeebests

What kind of change of distance can shocks handle?

doctorchopper

zeebests wrote: »

What kind of change of distance can shocks handle?

2" would probably be the max, i lifted my Navara 3" but the kit came with shocks, they were noticeably longer and stock wouldn't fit

CJhaughey

I'd fit airbags personally.
The advantage is that you can adjust the ride height as you need to, with blocks its a pretty crude way of getting extra height.
Airbag kits aren't that expensive for what they are.
https://www.sospensionieasytop.it/en/catalogue/iveco

zeebests

CJhaughey wrote: »

I'd fit airbags personally.
The advantage is that you can adjust the ride height as you need to, with blocks its a pretty crude way of getting extra height.
Airbag kits aren't that expensive for what they are.
https://www.sospensionieasytop.it/en/catalogue/iveco

Thanks, those airbags are actually quite a lot less than when I was looking last time. With these do you still have to adjust things like brake load sensors and shocks?

CJhaughey

zeebests wrote: »

Thanks, those airbags are actually quite a lot less than when I was looking last time. With these do you still have to adjust things like brake load sensors and shocks?

I don't think so, you aren't lifting it a huge amount they are saying max height 280mm and minimum 110.
In any case you won't be running at max all the time, only when you need to either raise the rear to clear something or have a heavy load and are going back to normal ride height.