SamoyedSled
02-27-2002, 08:41 AM
I've had the lift and tires for over a week. I'm very happy with it.
Some pics (but it looks a lot taller in person):
http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/samoyedsled/lst?.dir=/My+Photos&.view=t
Cost $950 from Nat'l Tire for 4 springs, new u-bolts, dropped pittman, sway bar extentions, 4 hydro shocks, and steering stabilizer. Shipping was something like $60 from WV to TN.
I paid a local shop $300 including our wonderful 8.25% sales tax (still getting used to this since moving to TN). Went very well except my steering wheel is at 11. (issue addressed in another post) Only comment shop made was that it took them 45 minutes longer than expected cause the rear springs seemed a bit on the long side, but once it bolted up, everthing was good.
Had another shop put on the new BFGs, and gave them free reign at changing u-joints and tie rods. Came back with nothing wrong. (185,000 miles, so these must have been changed in the past) I'll be giving these guys more business.
With lift and new 31X10.5 BFG ATs I have 6 1/2 inches of lift over old springs and worn out tires. My old springs did not appear to be sagging. With me in driver seat it's 1/2 inch lower on driver side. I was surprised that each corner was almost exactly same height. Pictures don't do it justice. It appears much taller sitting in parking lot next to cars or other stock 4X4s. Roof height is same as newer 4X4 Dodges, etc.. but there is alot more space underneath i.e. ground clearance.
The ride is stiffer than stock, but not jarring on road. When it hits a pot hole, the initial spring movement is really smooth, but then the spring rates must go up quickly. I think the teflon inserts they have between springs work to smooth out initial spring compression. Notice slight porpoising (bouncing) over dips at speed, but shocks quickly kill that. Does great at speed on gravel fire roads. Haven't done any rock crawling, and don't have sway bar disconnects yet. Did run over some small stuff and rear end seemed to articulate well.
I like the BFG AT Ko's. They make a little road noise, but not bad in my opinion. At highway speeds I notice wind noise from my passenger vent window, and the rattling roof rack much more than the tires. Tires have good grip on wet pavement, as found during recent panic stop in the rain.
Fixed two huge vacuum leaks this weekend, and amazed at how better it idles, and no dieseling when I turn her off.
Need to fix an exhaust leak at the air pump manifold check valve (which is broken in half). I tried to remove so I can swap in a good check valve, but it's stuck good. Will soak with PB blaster and hope for the best.
Otherwise, I highly recomend the Skyjacker lift. I went with this because I thought the Rusty's lift sounded like it had a harsh ride and I needed spousal approval, which I now have. That alone is worth the added expense in my household.
Jeff
p.s. my 5 year old girl and 7 year old boy love the new lift.
Some pics (but it looks a lot taller in person):
http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/samoyedsled/lst?.dir=/My+Photos&.view=t
Cost $950 from Nat'l Tire for 4 springs, new u-bolts, dropped pittman, sway bar extentions, 4 hydro shocks, and steering stabilizer. Shipping was something like $60 from WV to TN.
I paid a local shop $300 including our wonderful 8.25% sales tax (still getting used to this since moving to TN). Went very well except my steering wheel is at 11. (issue addressed in another post) Only comment shop made was that it took them 45 minutes longer than expected cause the rear springs seemed a bit on the long side, but once it bolted up, everthing was good.
Had another shop put on the new BFGs, and gave them free reign at changing u-joints and tie rods. Came back with nothing wrong. (185,000 miles, so these must have been changed in the past) I'll be giving these guys more business.
With lift and new 31X10.5 BFG ATs I have 6 1/2 inches of lift over old springs and worn out tires. My old springs did not appear to be sagging. With me in driver seat it's 1/2 inch lower on driver side. I was surprised that each corner was almost exactly same height. Pictures don't do it justice. It appears much taller sitting in parking lot next to cars or other stock 4X4s. Roof height is same as newer 4X4 Dodges, etc.. but there is alot more space underneath i.e. ground clearance.
The ride is stiffer than stock, but not jarring on road. When it hits a pot hole, the initial spring movement is really smooth, but then the spring rates must go up quickly. I think the teflon inserts they have between springs work to smooth out initial spring compression. Notice slight porpoising (bouncing) over dips at speed, but shocks quickly kill that. Does great at speed on gravel fire roads. Haven't done any rock crawling, and don't have sway bar disconnects yet. Did run over some small stuff and rear end seemed to articulate well.
I like the BFG AT Ko's. They make a little road noise, but not bad in my opinion. At highway speeds I notice wind noise from my passenger vent window, and the rattling roof rack much more than the tires. Tires have good grip on wet pavement, as found during recent panic stop in the rain.
Fixed two huge vacuum leaks this weekend, and amazed at how better it idles, and no dieseling when I turn her off.
Need to fix an exhaust leak at the air pump manifold check valve (which is broken in half). I tried to remove so I can swap in a good check valve, but it's stuck good. Will soak with PB blaster and hope for the best.
Otherwise, I highly recomend the Skyjacker lift. I went with this because I thought the Rusty's lift sounded like it had a harsh ride and I needed spousal approval, which I now have. That alone is worth the added expense in my household.
Jeff
p.s. my 5 year old girl and 7 year old boy love the new lift.