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Skyjacker lift installed!

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by CJjunk, Aug 13, 2007.

  1. Aug 13, 2007
    CJjunk

    CJjunk < Fulltime 4x4

    El Centro,CA
    Joined:
    Dec 26, 2005
    Messages:
    259
    Well, last Sat. a friend helped me install the 2" Skyjacker springs and shocks. I went with the Nitros after reading about the body roll. I knew they may be too stiff but I have a van that I can put them on if they don't work out. I figured a little stiff would be alright and I'll see how they ride after I put the Meyers top on this fall.
    Much better than stock and total lift was almost 3 1/2" b/c the old ones were so worn with a broken leaf on either side of the rear axle. No body roll. Everything went smooth with the install and it only took about 5 hours. We torched the old U-bolts and had an impact wrench for the rest. Re-used the greasable shackle and spring eye bolts I installed last with the 1/2" longer shackles.
    So what's the break in for a DD that goes to the desert a couple w-ends a month? Mostly prospecting and general moderate recreational driving.I have about 120 miles on it right now.
    And thanks to all for your advice and input, Art
     
    CJjunk, Aug 13, 2007
    #1
  2. Aug 13, 2007
    bkd

    bkd Moderator Supreme Staff Member 2022 Sponsor

    K-Town Tenn.
    Joined:
    Apr 29, 2007
    Messages:
    3,294
    C'mon man there's no way you can post this without pics:)
    Good job on install, I'll be doin the same soon.
    Jim S.
     
    bkd, Aug 13, 2007
    #2
  3. Aug 13, 2007
    lynn

    lynn Time machine / Early CJ5 HR Rep Staff Member

    Huntingdon PA
    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2002
    Messages:
    3,437
    I really liked my Skyjacker Softride 2.5". Over a couple years, it sagged in the rear due to my heavier-than-stock rear weight (heavy bumper, swingout, 33" tire on steel, hi lift, etc). I compensated for that by adding ConFerr shackles in the rear, 1.25" longer than stock... which brought the rig back to level.
    Adding a steel hardtop will fatigue your springs over time, and you'll have to do the same thing I did.
    As for the shocks, I used Rancho 9000 adjustables. Set them on 1 or 0 for offroading, when combined with the flexy Skyjacker springs it gave a ride as smooth as a TJ. Onroad, I set them to 3 to control suspension rebound and body roll.
    You'll see alot more body roll with the hardtop installed. I hated that, sold the hardtop and never regretted it (but then I seldom drove my CJ in the winter :D )
     
    lynn, Aug 13, 2007
    #3
  4. Aug 20, 2007
    scuter83

    scuter83 Member

    Ann Arbor, MI
    Joined:
    May 25, 2007
    Messages:
    93
    I have a '74 CJ5 also and am looking into a small lift kit. The stock suspension is leaning all over so it is time. Which kit exactly did you go with from Skyjacker (link would be great if you could), and why did you choose it? It sounded like you wanted little body roll, which I want also. Also, did you get the drop pitman arm with this kit?

    Thanks,
    Scott
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Aug 22, 2007
    scuter83, Aug 20, 2007
    #4
  5. Aug 22, 2007
    CJjunk

    CJjunk < Fulltime 4x4

    El Centro,CA
    Joined:
    Dec 26, 2005
    Messages:
    259
    I got the kit from 4WD Hardware. It has U bolts, shackle and spring eye bushings and bolts and leafsprings. I went with the Nitros because I have a Meyers top and didn't want a lot of body roll. Everything is settling in and I think it'll be fine after this winter. I have almost no body roll and I'm putting off new body mounts 'til I see how the lift works out. I want to go with rubber instead of polyurethane for a bit softer ride. I have wore out OEM body mounts right now.
    I know I could have gotten a more complete kit for less money but I have some friends running SJ products with good results so I went that way. To me everything is a compromise, you never really get it all. I want less body roll with my tin top and if it's a bit stiff the rest of the year, fine.
     
    CJjunk, Aug 22, 2007
    #5
  6. Aug 22, 2007
    jpflat2a

    jpflat2a what's that noise?

    Hermosa, SD
    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2003
    Messages:
    8,525
    I'd recheck all the nuts/bolts in a couple hundred miles if it were me.
    I'de recheck again in 1000 miles just because of your dirt washboard roads
    especially the ubolt nuts
     
    jpflat2a, Aug 22, 2007
    #6
  7. Aug 22, 2007
    CJjunk

    CJjunk < Fulltime 4x4

    El Centro,CA
    Joined:
    Dec 26, 2005
    Messages:
    259
    Just retorqued them after 150 odd miles, getting ready for dove season.:)
     
    CJjunk, Aug 22, 2007
    #7
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