How to Install 2" Block and U Bolt Kit on Silverado

By Body Armor 4x4 | Published: 2026-10-23

Category: How-to Guides

Step-by-step guide to installing a 2-inch block and U-bolt kit on a 2014-2024 Silverado/Sierra 1500. Includes common mistakes and checkpoints for a safe, level ride.

Quick answer

Installing a 2-inch block and U-bolt kit on your Silverado or Sierra 1500 is a bolt-on job that levels the rear with the front. Follow these steps to avoid misalignment or stripped hardware.

Why a 2-inch block kit instead of a full suspension lift?

A 2-inch block and U-bolt kit is a budget-friendly way to level the rear of your truck without changing the coil springs or ride quality. It’s ideal if you’ve added a front leveling kit or bumper and just need the rear to match.

The trade-off: blocks raise the axle housing, so you lose a small amount of downward travel. For daily driving and light off-roading this is rarely noticeable, but hardcore rock crawlers may prefer a full leaf-spring replacement.

What to expect from a bolt-on installation

The Body Armor 4x4 2-inch block kit uses the factory U-bolt locations and does not require cutting, welding, or spring disassembly. You can return the truck to stock by simply removing the blocks.

One common oversight: the U-bolts must be torqued in a cross pattern to prevent the axle from shifting. Also, always replace the U-bolts—never reuse old ones—because they can stretch and lose clamping force.

Installation steps

Raise and support the rear axle: Jack up the rear of the truck and place jack stands under the frame rails, not the axle. Let the axle hang freely so the leaf springs are unloaded. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Use stands rated for the truck's weight.
Remove the wheel and old U-bolts: Take off the rear wheel. Remove the old U-bolts and the factory block (if present). If the leaf spring centering bolt is loose, tap it back into place. Check the leaf spring centering bolt before proceeding—if it's missing or broken, the spring can shift during installation.
Position the new 2-inch block: Place the Body Armor 4x4 block on top of the axle housing, aligning the centering hole with the leaf spring bolt. Make sure the block sits flat—no debris or rust underneath. A crooked block will cause the axle to sit at an angle. Clean the contact surface with a wire brush if needed.
Install the new U-bolts and hardware: Slide the new U-bolts over the axle, through the block, and onto the leaf spring plate. Add the washers and nuts. Tighten all nuts by hand first to avoid cross-threading. Apply anti-seize compound to the U-bolt threads. This prevents galling and makes future removal easier.
Torque the U-bolts in a cross pattern: Use a torque wrench to tighten the U-bolt nuts in a crisscross sequence to the manufacturer’s specification (typically 90-120 ft-lbs for 1/2-inch U-bolts). Do not impact them down without a final torque check. Over-torquing can strip the threads or crush the block. Under-torquing lets the axle shift. Always use a torque wrench.
Reinstall the wheel and lower the truck: Put the wheel back on, torque the lug nuts to spec, and lower the truck to the ground. Roll it forward and backward a few feet to settle the suspension before measuring ride height. Check the final height after a short test drive—blocks can settle 1/8 to 1/4 inch as the suspension cycles.

Product used in this guide

2014-2018 GMC/CHEVROLET/ 2019-2024 SILVERADO/SIERRA 1500 2WD/4WD 2" BLOCK AND U BOLT KIT: Designed for 2014-2018 GMC/Chevrolet and 2019-2024 Silverado/Sierra 1500 2WD or 4WD models. Provides a rear leveling solution with bolt-on installation that maintains stock ride quality. You get a 2-inch rear lift without changing your springs, so the truck handles the same as before—just sitting level.
2014-2018 GMC/CHEVROLET/ 2019-2024 SILVERADO/SIERRA 1500 2WD/4WD 2" BLOCK AND U BOLT KIT