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.

[rino351]

Explorers have the leaf spring under the axle. If you stick blocks in between the axle and leaf springs, you would actually be lowering it.
The only way to lift the rear without going SOA is to put shackles and aal on it.

[RayLCC]

Thanks. I've just discovered this cool invention. It has about six wheels or so and a board with a little pillow like thing at the top. Aparently, these things are called "creepers" and enable a person to roll around under a vehicle. Next time I'll try actually looking under the truck before planning. :roll: