Shackles or blocks?

[RayLCC]

I thought I had my Explorer all planned out but I'm wondering about the best (read, cheapest and still safe) way to lift the back end. I'm going to do a "TT lift" on the front for about two inches of lift and was planning on using lift shackles in the rear, probably WAR153's. The problem is, I've never liked the looks of a vehicle with lift shackles and I'd like to lift the rear up 2 1/2 inches to level the truck out appearance-wise. Most shackles I found only lift 2 inches. It seems most Explorer owners use shackles with an add-a-leaf to get the extra half inch lift, but it stiffens the ride. So I stumbled across an article for lift blocks and they seem to solve all the problems with appearance and ride quality. So I thought I'd ask everyone here what they thought was best. The blocks would be 2 1/2 to 3 inch and I plan on a 3 inch body lift as well with 33" tires.

 

[j602]

Explorers come stock with Spring Under Axle, which means you can't do blocks. They will lower the truck. You can do shackles or AAL's.

 

[Broccoli1]

http://www.4wheeloffroad.com/howto/3336/

 

[RayLCC]

ok, so that was dumb question. I should have known it wouldn't work when nobody did it. of course actually looking under the truck would have helped. so, how much lift would an SOA give me?

 

[j602]

About 5 or 6". So if you don't plan on an aftermarket lift for the front (which costs about $1500), then you definitely don't want to do that.

 

[osker75]

and if your willing to spend that much on the lift you minus well just do a sas up front