Calls, Searched, no info on spring rate of SkyJack. Lift

[ColeTrickle]

Hey guys, I've been doing alot of research and cannot find the info, I'm seeking.
I was going to go with the SkyJacker 4", mainly based on member's testimony.

However, I want to know all aspects of the equation before I shell out $1000.00.
First, called Skyjacker asked what their spring rate was..."well its 10% of OEM". O.k., I say...what is the weight for it to be 10% of? "I don't know but you can call National Spring of CA and check the rate".
Nonsense & BS, they should have that info, on hand wherever they are in their million dollar warehouse at the touch of a button.

O.k., second choice was Rusty's 4", $499.00.
Front springs: 310lbs., Rear springs: 400lbs.
4 Front springs, 6 Rear springs, etc, etc.
Are these rates within 10%?

Obvious choice...right?

All I'm lacking is the OEM spring rate of my '79 J10 ShortBed. I know that I won't get an OEM ride. I know that these suspension manufacturers increase the strength of their springs for the lifts.
If anyone can point a finger in the right direction, I'll appreciate it.

Well back to work on the 'ole rolling money pit.
Thanks Again.

[JohnnyJ]

Well, at least we know that National makes the springs for Skyjacker..

Sorry, don't the know the spring rate. I can put it on my list of stuff to look up when I get home. It might be in the 4x4 catalog..

[ColeTrickle]

Well...just got off the phone with National Spring in CA.
They didn't have the OEM spring rate. However they told me to weigh the vehicle and that's where they "custom" make the springs. This was more precise and what I like to hear.

As for the manufacturing of SkyJacker springs he was a little hesitant and said yes that they had made a few for SkyJacker's and that they (SkyJacker)sort of copied the design.

Lift is definately on hold....

[JB]

Cole for about half that price you can get the rough country 3 inch suspension lift includes both front and back springs..

[JeepFreak]

JB sweet looking rig bud! I love it when someone has the guts to cut fenders! So do those 35's rub?

[JB]

JeepFreak , I rarely ever catch it rubbing, sometimes if im angled correctly and the wheels are turned to the extreem left.. it might catch the leaf springs a little, other than that I was very happy with the rough country install , no other mods were necessary.. I did have to reverse the direction of the shims in the rear (fat part of the shim towards the center of the vehicle) this is opposite of what the kit suggested..

[ColeTrickle]

Hey JB, thanks for the heads up. Unfortunately, I'm set on the 4".

[JohnnyJ]

Wow, I actually remembered to look this up. Here's the info from the Standard Catalog of 4x4s. I know they aren't always right, but here's what I could find:

standard front:
L6: 196 lbs/in
V8: 215 lbs/in

heavy duty front:
L6: 215 lbs/in
V8: 260 lbs/in

rear:
standard: 165 lbs/in
heavy duty: 245-265* lbs/in
J-20: 340 lbs/in
J-20 heavy duty: 510 lbs/in

* depends on year

[ColeTrickle]

Hey JohnnyJ, thank you for your time and reply back. That info. helps me put some pieces into my equation.
Thanks Again.

[Big J]

You may also want to look into BDS springs. I just started driving my rig yesturday after installing front 4" BDS springs and a 3" rear block and it rides just as soft as my brothers GW with Skyjacker's springs. They don't give by any means a "harsh" ride.

I haven't found out the name of the company that makes these springs for BDS yet, but I believe they are made in Canada due to the "Canada" stencil on them, which is a requirement when exporting product into/out of Canada or the USA.

They have 6 leaves rather than the five in the Skyjacker front springs. They are tapered, but they aren't tapered nearly as much (read: thin on the ends) as Skyjackers springs.

Just make sure someone doesn't try to send you Trailmaster springs tagged as BDS springs (it's a long story!)

I'm not necessarily "pro" BDS... how can I... they don't even make the springs, they just package the stuff. But my impressions are positive towards the ride of the springs.

Anyway, good luck in your search for some good springs.

[jasonthomasfrance]

I've got BDS front and rear springs. Cost me about 800. That's all I know. tongue.gif Rides great for me!!

[RustyJeep]

BDS and Trailmaster are the same critter. Just look at their addresses once...both on Jay St. in Coldwater Michigan....hmm....

[Big J]

It's a really confusing world out there... BDS is located in the same building as a company called Truck Masters. Truck Masters is the company that sells/distributes BDS. Truck Masters also sells/distributes a lot of other aftermarket products for trucks. Retail stores buy from Truck Masters. Nobody actually buys from BDS.

Fun stuff eh!

[dennis w helt]

hey i have a skyjacker 4 inch lift and its soft drives real good on the highway wheels even better good articulation but since their so soft i get a lot of axle wrap and that is bad so if you wheel you need a track bar

[River Beast]

I too have the Skyjacker 4" softride.... axle wrap was a BIG issue with BIG tires... I agree Dennis... but with a 33 or 35 it's not noticeable from what I remember... I also had the Swamper TSL's.. 39.5's... axle wrap was intense with only 9 PSI!!!.. I now have the 38 PJ Dirt Grips aired to 28 PSI and I cannot feel the axle wrap now...even with the anti-wrap bars I fabbed... I feel a BIG difference in the tires.. going from TSL bias plies to the PJ Radials.... a MASSIVE improvement in ride quality and handling... I may take off the axle wraps I made and see if there is a big change or not from what I can remember.

A lot of people tend to install lifts without pre-loading.... this is an important step in ANY install...

All the suspension parts.. mainly those with bushings... spring eye bolts and shackle bolts should be left loose until you lower the vehicle back off the stands... then jump on the rig.. side to side then the bumpers. Then torque the suspension to specs... this actually settles the suspension to actuall lift and ride. IF you tighten everything up at full droop...it will ride like a brick.

[ColeTrickle]

That's some good information, River Beast. I probally would have tighten everything while it was still in the air. Thanks for the heads up.

I have decided on the the lift...Rusty's.
Just a matter of dollars and sense.

Ordered it today and we'll be seeing it in a week or so. I asked if I could upgrade my shocks to Rancho 9000's and they(he) said, wouldn't be noticeable.

I do have a question though. What is that stuff ya'll use on the U-bolts to help penetrate the crude?

Thanks for the responses so far...ya'll have been a tremendous help.

[dennis w helt]

to remove all bolts i used a torch in the kit they sent new ones

[Fireman]

The stuff is called PB Blaster and you can get it at Pep Boys or O'Reilly or probably most auto stores.

[ColeTrickle]

Yes, that's it...PB Blaster. Thanks Fireman. I tried calling the other night, I'll try again tonite.
Helt, I hope it doesn't come down to that, but...

Thanks guys for the fastresponses.