OEM Axle Block or Not?

[96-2D-Hoe]

Does anyone know if this is the OEM axle block? Or could it be a 2" lift? Original owner did mention this but he was talking about torsion bars and keys and I had absolutely no idea what he was talking about at the time. Now I'm not sure if it's lifted or just torqued. I think it's both, but wanted to be 100% certain.

Thanks

 

[Doubeleive]

I don't know I just know that sometimes the leaf springs are relocated above the axle for some lift applications

 

[96-2D-Hoe]

Pretty sure springs are above the axle on the Tahoe. It's whether there is actually a lift or it was just torqued up. I was under the impression it was 2", but as I already mentioned I'm not 100% certain.

Was thinking of replacing the too soft KYB shocks on the front back to Bilsteins but am not really sure how much lift I have. The KYB on the back made a decent difference, but the front drops and digs in too much. I almost think the 20+ year old Bilsteins were better than the new KYB. The Bilstein I took off was way shorter than the KYB and it almost seemed too short. I kept one of each as I wasn't sure what they were. Seems it's a 4600 but they are listed for a stock truck. I wanted to put the shocks purchase on last years taxes and so I made a rush purchase on Dec 31st. Wish I'd just waited and worked out what Bilsteins I needed now.



Realized I posted this in the wrong section. Perhaps someone can move it?

 

[iamdub]

Does anyone know if this is the OEM axle block? Or could it be a 2" lift? Original owner did mention this but he was talking about torsion bars and keys and I had absolutely no idea what he was talking about at the time. Now I'm not sure if it's lifted or just torqued. I think it's both, but wanted to be 100% certain.

Thanks

View attachment 218261

That is certainly a block used to lift the rear end. It has nothing to do with the springs as far as load capacity. The amount of lift it gives is almost equal to it's height. So, if it's 1" tall/thick, then it lifts the rear about 1". Judging by your pic, I'd estimate it to be about 3/4". Whether-or-not it's factory, I couldn't tell ya. But, the U-bolts look factory so I'd say the blocks are as well. Maybe the OP just had the front cranked up to better level it? When shopping for shocks, you wouldn't account for it being "lifted" since that block is part of what makes the truck it's factory height. If you crank the front up, then you could get slightly longer "lift" shocks to coincide. But the front is still within it's normal capabilities. Find out what is a direct replacement for your truck being stock and go from there. Shock companies should have their shock's compressed, extended and shock body lengths posted on their site. Find your OEM shock's measurements and compare them to the aftermarket's measurements. You want the same amount of travel or more than what your OEM shock has, none less.

 

[96-2D-Hoe]

Thanks for the reply. Original owner mentioned keys and torsion bars, this was almost 20 years ago so excuse me for being vague. I'm pretty sure he leveled the front at least, I just wanted to know if the rear has been lifted.

Anyone know what the standard height should be and where I should measure that from?

Thanks.

Edit.
Part of my concern is that I have the receipt for the shocks, although no shock model was mentioned, but the fronts are listed as 'custom valved' and cost him $150+ ea

 

[96-2D-Hoe]

Seems it's not OEM. If I found the right part it's listed as GM 15733654

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Genuin...928682&hash=item2cd8e1dd9f:g:5HMAAOSwat5bZOWL

I thought this was a simple question. Obviously not. I'll take a look at some Tahoe's I see

 

[iamdub]

Seems it's not OEM. If I found the right part it's listed as GM 15733654

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Genuin...928682&hash=item2cd8e1dd9f:g:5HMAAOSwat5bZOWL

I thought this was a simple question. Obviously not. I'll take a look at some Tahoe's I see

That's clearly an OEM part. Has "GENUINE GM" on part of the sticker, too. It doesn't look to be as thick as the one in your pic, though.

 

[east302]

My 98 two door doesn’t have it; note that the u-bolts extend through the nuts more than yours. I’d guess that they reused your stock bolts.



Stock ride trim heights per factory manual are below. Use the first listing, the L65 being the diesel versions. It doesn’t says what the ‘D’ dimension is supposed to be, but it would change slightly when the torsion bars are adjusted.








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[96-2D-Hoe]

Thanks east that's what I needed. So it looks to be 1" at the rear, and the front is probably leveled. Pretty sure the front is stock. It's a pain having a non stock vehicle when you're not sure what's changed.

 

[iamdub]

My 98 two door doesn’t have it; note that the u-bolts extend through the nuts more than yours. I’d guess that they reused your stock bolts.



Stock ride trim heights per factory manual are below. Use the first listing, the L65 being the diesel versions. It doesn’t says what the ‘D’ dimension is supposed to be, but it would change slightly when the torsion bars are adjusted.








Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Interesting!