whats the difference between lifting blocks and lowering blocks?
 

I have a set of 3" lowering blocks from my s-10 that i had a few years back. and i recently found them (they were at my ex g/f's house where her dad helped me take apart the truck). anyway, i was looking around and was wondering what the difference was between them. they look the same. i dont have a pic of the ones i have personaly, but here is a few examples

lifting

lowering

i know they arent the best for lifting, i was just wondering what the difference is? could a loweing block be used for lifting?

There are two common types of leaf spring arrangements used on pickups.

Leaf pack above the axle:
Installing or increasing the size of the block will lift it.

Leaf pack below the axle:
Installing or increasing the size of the block will lower it.

So, the concept is the same but the results are opposite.

Never stack blocks.
Blocks are made in different lengths/widths for different applications.
Aluminum lift/lowering blocks have been known to fail in off road conditions.
Taller blocks can aggravate problems with wheel hop.

ok gotcha,
http://www.nundamustard.com/Dan/04%2.../underbody.jpg
by the look of that picture the stock xlt has blocks on it already? also that is a spring over axle?

Rangers with factory raised suspension like Trailheads, 4x4s and all Edges have lift blocks that are around 2" tall. Every stock Ranger that I have seen is spring over.

I think the S10 where spring under. So a block made to lower a S10 could lift a ranger. If the block is taller then 2" you could replace it with the stock block. However much taller it is, is how much lift you would get.

I have never actually seen or heard of a block failing but if Bob says it thats good enough for me.

As Bob already said taller blocks will give you more axle wrap and axle hop, which is not good.

I would stick with the factory block or use something from a reputable off road supplier.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c2...R/100_0609.jpg

https://www.ranger-forums.com/forum2...ad.php?t=26509

That was running through my head when reading the thread... lol

^^me too^^

dayum. i think i will just hold on to them for when i do my mini tuck that is all droped....