I've always noticed it looks like it has a small life to it compared to the front. Does the 96, and any other models that look like this have a factory t-bar crank? Or just some sort of factory life to it?
If the front had the same amount of lift to it, I would put bigger tires on.

 

I think you mean lift, not life... Anyway, are you stating that the back is higher than the front or the opposite way around?

 

Haha, yeah, I even said it more than once..

The rear looks like it has more of a lift to it. I've never took the time to measure it, but it's noticable.

 

The rear on all Blazer's is like an inch or 2 higher...

 

Yeah, thought so.
Why is that? Extra strength for the leaf springs if you're carrying/pulling something heavy?

 

engine weight.

 

That's what I used to figure, but I thought it couldn't possibly be that heavy. I guess so then.

 

The front of my Blazer is about 200 - 250lbs heavier than the rear, if I remember right...

Plus, the IFS is pretty soft...

 

It's a pretty large engine on a not that big a truck, so I can understand how there's a large weight difference.
I guess it looks cooler, though.