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Ditching Rough Country For Skyjacker Softride Springs, Right Choice?

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by Michael Huck, Aug 28, 2022.

  1. Aug 28, 2022
    Michael Huck

    Michael Huck New Member

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    Hello all, After about 15 years of putting up with the rough riding rough country (RC) 2" lift I bought a skyjacker 2" soft ride lift. RC had 8 and 9 or so leaves and full military wrap. SJ has 4 and 5 leaves, no wrap.

    Two issues, one SJ did not include the right diameter or width u-bolts. I need 2 1/2" rear and 2 1/4" front. They sent 2 3/4" and 2 1/2". They said they include the u-bolt kit for the most common sizes. I think they are being lazy. Kit is advertised for 55-75. Have others encountered this with SJ or BDS?

    Second issue, there are no degree shims on the SJ springs like the RC. Do I need them? SJ shows degree shims and 4 leaf clamps per spring on their website. The springs I received have one leaf clamp per spring and no orientation marks.

    So far I'm not impressed with SJ. I had them on a cj-7 with rancho 9000's years ago and remembered the great ride and wanted something softer for trail riding.

    So now I need to order a set of u-bolts ($100) and possible degree shims ($50) I'm going to talk to SJ tomorrow as their pictures and wording on their website are pretty misleading. A 2" lift kit should be able to be installed without having to source other other parts that are advertised to be included.

    Am I right??
     
  2. Aug 28, 2022
    homersdog

    homersdog Tulsa, Ok 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Tulsa, OK
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    For stock width springs, if you have the offset axles like a typical early CJ5, one of the U-bolts goes over the differential casting, so it is an odd size. Maybe that is what they are thinking?
     
    Beach66Bum likes this.
  3. Aug 28, 2022
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
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    There are different combinations of u-bolts used during ‘55-‘75. Tapered rear axles used 2 1/2” u-bolts and flanged rear axles (70 1/2-‘75) used 2 3/4” u-bolts. 25/27 axles used different u-bolts than Dana 30’s. So there can be several combinations with the likelihood you would receive at least some u-bolts that aren’t right. It’s a common issue. Best bet is to order the springs without the u-bolts and order those separate for your application. Do you know for sure you will need the shims? Or what degree shims you will need?
     
    colojeepguy likes this.
  4. Aug 28, 2022
    SIDSCJ

    SIDSCJ Jeep addict

    14th State
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    Where in the 14th State are you?
     
  5. Aug 28, 2022
    duffer

    duffer Rodent Power

    Bozeman, MT
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    NAPA will likely have the right U-bolts-if you can find them on their site. I "think" the d25/d27's used 2 1/4", and as per Nick, the 2 piece d44's use 2 1/2". All those are 7/16 diameter. A little rat tail file work on the spring plates would likely allow you to use 1/2" diameter U-bolts. The degree shims usually end up vehicle specific and even if they were included in the kit, they may not be right. You need to determine what you actually need for those.
     
  6. Aug 28, 2022
    Michael Huck

    Michael Huck New Member

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    I do have offset axles (dana27/dana 44) but they sent all the wrong size. Sounds like the ones for '70 1/2- '75
     
  7. Aug 28, 2022
    Michael Huck

    Michael Huck New Member

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    Looks like they sent the ones for the flanged rear axles. Had I known that the ubolts were potentially the wrong size I would have ordered them separately. Doesn't look like I would have saved any money, just the headache. Thanks for your clarification. I'm not sure if I need the shims or not. I'm going to guess not as it's only a 2" lift and I'm using off road only but any suggestions are welcome.
     
  8. Aug 28, 2022
    Michael Huck

    Michael Huck New Member

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    Mount Holly, VT
     
  9. Aug 28, 2022
    Michael Huck

    Michael Huck New Member

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    Thanks for the suggestion. I'll try Napa. As for the shims the goal is to keep the driveshaft yokes parallel, correct?
     
  10. Aug 28, 2022
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
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    On the rear yes. On the front caster angle is the overriding factor. You want 5-7* positive caster in the front. There has been a LOT of discussion on this so if you have questions start by doing a search then asking anything not understood or covered.
     
  11. Aug 29, 2022
    GillaFunk

    GillaFunk I'm the Dude, so thats what you call me. 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Graeagle Calif...
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    go to a local suspension shop with the measurements you need. They can VERY easily supply you with the right -bolts for a nominal fee. I had the EXACT same u-bolt issue with my RC suspension. Its a common issue, even 'earlycj5' on youtube mentioned it.
     
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