cracked lift block

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i noticed one lift block was cracked when i was changing my axle last weekend
the subsequent failure of the block can be dangerous

i used lift blocks to make my jeep sit higher
they helped me gain the clearance necessary for my larger tires

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you can see the lift block below
its the silver square block between the axle and leaf spring
two lift blocks are used - one on each side of the rear axle
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i didn't want this to happen again
you can see the broken lift block in the foreground
when the block broke, the axle was no longer bound to the body

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a few summers ago my lift blocks broke while i was in the mountains on a rugged trail

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i used my winch to lower my jeep after anchoring to another vehicle above the obstacle
another winch simultaneously pulled my rear axle backwards to keep the it aligned
CLICK IMAGE BELOW FOR ANIMATION
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leveling the jeep allowed easier assessment of the situation and made making repairs safe
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we discussed and exhausted all possible trail fixes
i needed new u bolts to secure the axle to the suspension
we even tried using a receiver mount recovery point as a substitute for the shattered blocks..
..this was too sketchy!

i got a ride to get new parts (1 hr of rough trail + 1 hr of highway)
we installed the new lift blocks and u-bolts on the trail.
i am so thankful to have such helpful jeep friends!

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that was 2 summers ago...

the proper way to gain the clearance for larger tires is through fully re-arc'd leaf springs.
they are longer and custom-built to lift the vehicle higher without the need for lift blocks.

i bought new springs immediately after my misfortune on the mountain.

to install them, you simply take out the old springs and put in the new.
i was unable to get my spring hanger bolt out which holds the springs to the frame.

online i found out that this is a common issue, and tends to have negative outcomes.
often times, the bolt breaks off in the frame, and you have no way to put springs on at all.
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after noticing that cracked lift block, i decided to have a shop put my new springs in for me.
kent four wheel drive in kent washington just south of seattle helped me out!
they did end up snapping that same bolt off in the frame!
good thing i had the professionals handle it.
they had the tools and experience to fix the problem.

lift blocks
new springs
you can see the rear end sits a little higher

the jeep rides great with the fully arc'd springs!
although, it has increased the rake a bit.. ..i kinda like it.
they should settle a little as they get broken in.