Lowering Blocks with Fitting Position Front Axle, Rear Axle

Lowering blocks are one of the simplest ways to reduce rear ride height on a leaf sprung vehicle. They fit between the rear axle and the leaf spring, changing where the axle sits relative to the spring and lowering the rear of the vehicle without replacing the springs themselves. Fulcrum's range includes rear lowering block kits in several sizes, each supplied with the U-bolts and hardware needed to fit them. Use the vehicle search to see the kits listed for selected vehicles or check the dimensions on each product page.

What Are Lowering Blocks?

A lowering block is a solid spacer, typically made from aluminium, that sits between a leaf spring and the axle. On a standard setup, the axle sits on top of or underneath the spring pack and is clamped in place with U-bolts. A lowering block repositions the axle relative to the spring, so the body of the vehicle sits lower over the axle.

Leaf spring lowering blocks are commonly used on utes, vans and older passenger vehicles with leaf sprung rear ends. They are often chosen to level a vehicle's stance or for a lower look, without the cost of lowered leaf springs or a full suspension change.

How Do Lowering Blocks Work?

Lowering blocks work on vehicles where the axle sits on top of the leaf spring (spring-under-axle). On a spring-over-axle setup, a block between the spring and axle would raise the vehicle instead. Placing a block between the spring and the axle mount pushes the axle further away from the spring, which brings the body closer to the axle. The result is a drop in ride height roughly equal to the height of the block.

Because the block adds height to the stack being clamped, longer U-bolts are needed to hold the spring, block and axle together securely. This is why lowering blocks are usually sold as a kit rather than as blocks alone. Lowering blocks don't change the spring rate, but they do change the vehicle's ride height and suspension geometry, so it's worth understanding the trade-offs before fitting a set.

Choosing the Right Lowering Blocks

Many lowering blocks fit by dimension rather than by vehicle, so a kit may suit more than one vehicle. Each product page lists the key specifications to check:

• Block height: the approximate amount of drop.
• Pin size: the diameter of the locating pin on the block, which needs to suit the centre bolt or locating hole on your spring.
• Hole size: the locating hole that aligns the block with the axle seat.
• U-bolt size: the thread diameter and length of the supplied U-bolts, which need to suit your axle and spring pack.

Start with the vehicle search to find kits listed as confirmed fitments for your vehicle. If your vehicle isn't listed, compare these dimensions with your existing spring and axle setup before ordering, or ask a qualified technician to measure it for you. Any modification needed to make a part fit is the responsibility of the purchaser or installer.

What to Consider Before Lowering a Leaf Sprung Vehicle

Lowering the rear of a vehicle changes more than its appearance. Before fitting lowering blocks, consider these factors:

• Suspension travel. Lowering reduces the distance between the axle and the bump stops, which can affect ride comfort and may cause the suspension to bottom out more easily.
• Load carrying and towing. A lowered rear end has less room to compress under load. If you regularly carry heavy loads or tow, discuss your plans with a technician first.
• Clearance. Check clearance between the tyres, body, exhaust and tailshaft at full compression.
• Driveline angles. Changing ride height can change pinion angle and tailshaft angles, which can contribute to vibration on some vehicles.
• Condition of existing parts. Worn or sagging springs, worn spring bushes, or tired shock absorbers can affect the result. Inspect them before fitting blocks.

Have the vehicle inspected and the installation checked by a qualified technician. A wheel alignment after any ride height change is recommended.

Are Lowering Blocks Legal?

Rules on lowering vehicles vary between Australian states and territories. They can include limits on how far a vehicle can be lowered, minimum ground clearance, and which lowering methods are allowed. Some modifications may also need to be declared to your insurer. Before fitting lowering blocks, check the current requirements with your state or territory road authority, or a vehicle engineer, to make sure your planned setup complies.

Fitting with Click & Fit

Choose Click & Fit at checkout to buy your lowering block kit online and have it fitted at a Fulcrum workshop. Your parts are delivered to the workshop and an installation date is booked with you. If you'd like an assessment of your current suspension first, book a free suspension check.

Buy Lowering Blocks from Fulcrum

Lowering blocks are one part of setting up a vehicle's ride height and handling. Explore the wider suspension parts range, including suspension bushes for leaf spring eyes and shackles, and sway bars. For coil sprung vehicles, browse coilovers. Start with the vehicle search to find the lowering block kits listed for your vehicle.