I realize this is an old thread, but I finally got around to compiling a before and after video comparison. Details of the project re-summarized below and in the YouTube description. I relied on the forums and input to help me decide on this path, so if this makes it easier for even one person, then it was worth it! I want to give back to the community that helped me!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HX7nOY4SV64&feature=youtu.be
Truck info: 2002 Ford F-350 7.3L Powerstroke Diesel, 4x4, crew cab, long bed, 8” lift on 37” BFG mud terrains
I wanted to put together a good before and after comparison of axle-wrap on my lifted truck in the hopes that it might help someone who is struggling with the same issue. I did a TON of reading before moving forward with the One Up Offroad (OUO) traction block system. Owner David Hoppert was very helpful.
I installed the kit in October 2014. I routinely tow a 20,000lb fifth wheel trailer, and the One Up Offroad system combined with new inboard-mounted Ride-Rite p/n 2550 air bags and existing Kelderman 2-Stage Rear Air Suspension is working flawlessly (now April 2015). The Kelderman system takes the “chop” out of the ride on freeways while the OUO system completely eliminates the axle wrap. The Ride-Rite air bags allow the truck to take the heavy pinbox weight of the 40ft toyhauler trailer without straining the leaf springs. The OUO block has a heavy gauge “landing pad” to make use of an inboard style air bag kit so you don’t see the ugly hardware at the outboard side (I like a clean install).
Note that prior to the “Before” video (and the reason I had to revisit axle wrap to begin with), I had a stacked lift-block setup with home-brew traction bars. This worked well to eliminate the axle wrap, but that was before towing so heavy. My garage design proved to not be durable enough, and the torque ultimately fatigued my ill-designed front mounts and broke them off (one completely, one was cracked and ready to come off).
Before: Kelderman 2-Stage Rear Air Suspension, stock F-350 spacer block (3.5”) and aftermarket tapered lift block (3.25” – 3” in front, 3.5” in back), for total centerline lift block of 6.75”. No traction bar at this time (see above note regarding their demise). Note that I do not know if the Kelderman system induces additional axle-wrap in a lifted application without some kind of traction bar solution – it does seem to be pretty extreme. It would seem reasonable that the air bag lets things “float” unrestrained a bit more. Also note that I wasn’t really pushing it hard, because the amount of wrap was really worrying me and I didn’t want to break anything.
After: Kelderman 2-Stage Rear Air Suspension, One Up Offroad traction block setup with 8” blocks (so, about 1”+ more lift height – I was running a little low in the rear before). Height is measured at the centerline.
Sorry for the shakey mounting in the Before videos. Found a much more solid mount for the After!
As you can see, there is virtually NO rotation of the pumpkin/driveshaft (axle wrap) with the OUO traction block system, even when doing a power-braked start.
As far as I’m concerned, this is THE setup for this application. Save yourself time, frustration, and ultimately money by doing it right the first time.
Prices at the time I did this project:
- Ride-Rite p/n 2550: $311 on Amazon Prime
- One Up Offroad Traction Block system with 8” blocks: $1,565 shipped
- Kelderman 2-Stage Rear Air Suspension: I don’t remember. I would consider this optional anyway.
