Skyjacker Knowledge Base

Kit vs System - What's right for me?

Hydro, Nitro & Platinum Series Shocks - The advantages of each

Skyjacker Product Features - A breakdown of the components that make up your lift kit

Tech Terms - Defining common suspension terms

Kit, System..... What's right for me?

With all the options Skyjacker offers, it's easy to get confused about what options you may need for your vehicle. You'll notice throughout the Skyjacker section, that there are Kit and System options available for most applications. Here's the low down.

Skyjacker Kits:
Suspension Kits feature Blocks & U-Bolts and/or Rear Add-A-Leafs to achieve rear lift. (read more)

Skyjacker Systems:
Systems come complete with Replacement Rear Softride® Leaf Springs. (read more)

Hydro, Nitro & Platinum Series Shocks - The advantages of each

Skyjacker® Hydro and Nitro Shocks Skyjacker® Suspensions offers you a high quality shock absorber with true velocity sensitive valving. Shock absorbers, or spring dampers as it is called everywhere else except in the U.S., control the rate at which suspension springs compress and rebound. As the shock is pushed together, this is called bump or compression. As the shock expands, this is called rebound or extension. Absorbing the ‘shock’ of bumps and suspension loading is actually performed by the springs in the suspension. Controlling the energy stored in the spring is the shock’s real job.

Performance. The performance specific internal components of Skyjacker’s shocks respond to the on-and-off-road conditions instantly. Whether you are going over rough or smooth terrain at slow or fast speeds, the true velocity sensitive valving produces a stable, controlled level of resistance for better handling, improved stability, and maximum comfort. The technological innovations of these durable, long lasting shocks from Skyjacker® deliver a noticeable advantage over the original equipment and other shock dampeners. Skyjacker’s shock absorbers deliver a safe, comfortable ride with improved handling and stability. They keep the tires in contact with the terrain and put you in control of the road ahead.

HYDRO H7000 Series Shocks are recommended for multiple shock applications and mild to moderate off-road use.

HYDRO 7000 FEATURES

• Hydraulic Action
• Multi-Stage Velocity Sensitive Valving
• Twin Tube Construction
• Bonded Iron Piston
• Chromed Piston Rod with Micro Pores
• Red Polyurethane Bushings
• Includes Red Boot
• Limited Lifetime Warranty

NITRO N8000 Series Shocks are recommended for full-size vehicles and moderate to extreme off-road applications.

NITRO 8000 FEATURES

• 150 PSI Pressurized Nitrogen Gas
• Multi-Stage Velocity Sensitive Valving
• Twin Tube Construction
• Bonded Iron Piston
• Chromed Piston Rod with Micro Pores
• Red Polyurethane Bushingss
• Includes Red Boot
• Limited Lifetime Warranty

PLATINUM Series Mono-Tube Gas Shocks Integrity & Strength to perform at the highest level possible... these are the characteristics of a winner. Skyjacker® has developed a real winner with these excellent Mono-Tube Shocks. The PLATINUM Series provides the ultimate performance for off-road use that still delivers comfort and stability on the highway. These precision-engineered shocks withstand desert racing, hard-core crawling, heavy-duty towing, high-output torque of performance engines plus the ‘starts & stops’ of daily driving.

Platinum Series Coil-Overs Skyjacker® has created a Shock & Coil unit that will take your extreme off-road experience to the highest level. PLATINUM Series Coil-Overs are available as part of a Skyjacker® Suspension System or separately as an Up-grade your existing system.

Platinum Coils Only 5160H alloy material is used to ensure the consistency of all the PLATINUM Series Coils. Each spring is preset to solid to add memory and eliminate settling. They are then load tested at 100% curb weight. A fi nal height rate test is used to certify the consistency of the pound rate through the complete travel cycle.

Platinum Coils wrap the Platinum Coil-Over Shocks which Feature...

• Massive 2-2.5˝ O.D. Steel Cylinder Honed to +/-.001˝
• 7/8˝ High Carbon Induction Hardened, Micro Polished Steel Shaft
• Heat-Treated Stainless Steel Valving for High Temperature and High-Pressure Operation
• 7075 Aluminum Alloy Rod Ends Fitted with Tefl on Lined Stainless Spherical Bearings
• Piston is Made from A 7075 Alloy and Fitted with a High Temperature Viton Wiper Seal
• Each End has a 7075-Aluminum Alloy Rod End Fitted with Tefl on Lined Stainless Spherical Bearings

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Skyjacker Product Features - More information on the components that make up your lift kit

Read More about the following components:
Softride Leaf Springs | Blocks & U-Bolts | Add-A-Leafs | Steering Components | Spacer Kits | Assorted Polyurethane | Brakelines | Steering Stabilizers | Control Arms/Links

Skyjacker Softride® Leaf Srings (Featured in Systems)

Softride® By Skyjacker® Softride® springs use only American steel and the individual leafs of each spring are shot-peened with hard steel pellets at very high velocities. This shot-peening compresses the surface of the steel thereby increasing the tensile strength of the spring. Without this shot-peening procedure, the maximum wheel travel and ride quality could not be achieved without sacrifi cing the life of the spring. Softride® springs use ‘bolt’ style spring clips, eliminating friction. Other spring designs use the ‘cinch’ style bend clips which bend tightly over the spring leafs causing binding and friction. Skyjacker® Softride® springs taper over the entire length of the leaf creating more fl ex at the leaf ends. This tapering distributes loads more evenly over a greater area and reduces the tendency for one leaf to dig into the leaf above it. Rear Softride® springs are used to complete the “SYSTEM” in a Skyjacker® suspension lift.

Skyjacker Blocks & U-Bolts (Featrued in Kits)

Skyjacker® Blocks & U-Bolts Skyjacker® utilizes Blocks and U-Bolts in its Kits to provide rear lift. The Skyjacker® U-Bolts are e-coated for corrosion resistance. These U-Bolts are offered in various shapes and sizes such as square, round, and semi-round in lengths ranging from 1.75˝ - 19˝. The Blocks used in Skyjacker® Kits are Ductile iron with fixed center pins. They are also tapered to correct pinion angle and prevent driveline vibrations.

Rear Block & U-Bolt Kits are usually used to make a ‘KIT’ in a Skyjacker® suspension lift. But a “KIT” could also be a combination of Blocks & U-Bolts AND Add-A-Leafs.

Skyjacker Add-A-Leafs Springs (Featured in Kits)

Skyjacker® Add-A-Leafs Skyjacker® offers a diverse selection of front and rear add-a-leafs. Skyjacker® add-a-leafs insert directly into your factory leaf spring providing lift and added strength. Softride® Add-a-leafs use only American steel and are shot-peened with hard steel pellets at very high velocities. This shot-peening compresses the surface of the steel thereby increasing the tensile strength of the leaf. Without this shot-peening procedure, the maximum wheel travel and ride quality could not be achieved without sacrifi cing the life of the leaf. The Skyjacker® add-a-leafs are pre-drilled for the center pin. Pin location varies with each application. Most have long tapered ends for a progressive affect and ride comfort. Rear Add-A-Leafs are sometimes used to make a ‘KIT’ in a Skyjacker® suspension lift. But it could also be a combination of Blocks & U-Bolts AND Add-A-Leafs.

Skyjacker Steering Components

Skyjacker® Steering Components Skyjacker® knows the importance of steering correction after lifting a vehicle and we have an extensive line of steering components to prove it. From drag links to a variety of steering arms, Skyjacker® has the steering components to steer you straight. Check out our complete list of steering components on-line at skyjacker.com to see what Skyjacker® has designed to fit your needs.

Skyjacker Spacer Kits

Spacer Kits are in high demand and produce optimum results for the amount of money spent. Specifically designed for an array of vehicles, these Spacer Kits add 2-2.5˝ of lift to the struts or coil springs. Skyjacker® offers Poly Value Kits with polyurethane spacers & red powder coated steel fabricated units like for the Honda Ridgeline. They include all the parts & hardware necessary to bolt-on this simple, but effective lift. No cutting or welding is involved and standard tools gets the job done.

Assorted Polyurethane

Polyurethane Skyjacker® carries a very large line of Polyurethane products to fi t your vehicle’s needs. The list includes Bump Stops, Bushings, Cab Mount Kits, Clearance Kits, and an array of Bushings (Spring Eye, Frame Shackle, Radius Arm, Track Bar, Caster) for various applications, makes and models. Polyurethane is a superior material that has a higher load-bearing capacity and can better resist the dynamic torque-like twisting and turning forces of suspension components as they go through their normal operation\travel movements. It is also an improved sound\vibration dampening material.

Stainless Steel Braided Brakelines

D.O.T. Certified Stainless Steel Braided Brake Lines Skyjacker® has gone to ‘extended lengths’ to accommodate our four wheeling friends and to improve your 4x4s braking performance. All have been tried and tested in some of the most severe conditions four wheeling has to offer in virtually every corner of the world. They all passed the test and are proven in their quality of engineering, workmanship and finish. Skyjacker® brake lines conform to all federal requirements of FMVSS106, making them D.O.T. Certified and T.U.V. Approved in Germany.

Skyjacker Steering Stabilizers

Skyjacker® Steering Stabilizer A steering stabilizer is a dampening shock for your steering system. It dampens out the harshness of the highway, the ‘shimmy’ from running the additional weight of larger tires & wheels and places control back into the driver’s hands. Stabilizers also reduce the fatigue of the driver on a personal level by reducing the amount of physical strength it takes to guide those larger tires on and off the road. Changing the weak stock unit for a better performing replacement or adding dual steering stabilizers is an inexpensive but worthy investment.

Skyjacker Control Arms / Sway Bar End Links

Standard Link Control arms are fitted with greaseable polyurethane bushings on both ends of each link end. Single Flex (Flex Series & Value Flex Series) Control arms fitted with a spherical rod end on one end and greaseable polyurethane bushing on the other. Double Flex (Flex Series) Control arms that are fitted with a spherical rod end on both ends of each link end. Single Flex Long Arm (Value Flex Series) Available in the 6˝ Value Flex Series, these control arms that are 80% Longer than stock and are fitted with a spherical rod end on one end and greaseable polyurethane bushing on the other. Double Flex Long Arm (Rock Ready® Series) Available in the 4˝, 6˝, 8˝ and 10˝ Rock Ready® Series, these control arms that are 80% Longer than stock and are fitted with a spherical rod end on both ends of each link end.

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Tech Terms - Defining common suspension terms

The Steering is a very crucial part of your vehicle. It has to be addressed when lifting the vehicle to ensure proper alignment, handling characteristics, and safety. Skyjacker® addresses these issues with every suspension lift we design. In many cases, there are options and variable combinations depending on the lift height, specific vehicle, price range, etc. to achieve the proper steering geometry. Build it right the fi rst time because improper steering geometry can result in wandering, bump steer, linkage binding, and increased wear on components (i.e. tie rods, ball joints, pitman arms, draglinks, steering arms, etc.).

The Pitman Arm is a steering component that transfers gearbox motion to the steering linkage/drag link. In several cases when a lift is installed, a longer drop pitman arm is supplied to correct the drag link angle and eliminate bump steer. (Highlighted in Red)

The Drag Link transfers the motion from the pitman arm to the steering knuckle on the axle. It connects the pitman arm at the steering box and the steering arm at the axle. This drag link is adjustable so that turning radius can be adjusted evenly to center steering from left to right. (Highlighted in Yellow)

The Steering Arm transfers motion from the drag link to the steering knuckle. It attaches to the steering knuckle on the axle. Raised steering arms are available for the ´73-´87 Chevy to correct the drag link angle. (Highlighted in Blue)

The Sway Bar, also known as an Anti-Sway or Anti-Roll Bar, is a device used along with shock absorbers to provide additional stability. A sway bar is a metal rod that spans the entire axle and effectively joins each side of the suspension together. It attaches to the suspension via sway bar end links. When the suspension at one wheel moves up and down, the sway bar transfers movement to the other wheel. When a vehicle is turning left or right, weight is transferred to the opposite side of the vehicle. The sway bar helps to limit the vehicle sway or body roll during cornering and creates a more level ride.

In some applications, Skyjacker® offers stronger, heavyduty replacement sway bars to farther increase the vehicle’s handling characteristics. Skyjacker® also offers Quick Disconnects Sway Bar End Links to allow the vehicle’s suspension to articulate or fl ex independently.

The Torsion Bars are spring steel rods that operate by twisting and untwisting to provide coil-spring-like performance. One end of a bar is anchored to the vehicle frame. The other end is attached to a wishbone/A-arm, which acts like a lever that moves perpendicular to the torsion bar. When the wheel hits a bump, vertical motion is transferred to the A-arm and then, through the levering action, to the torsion bar. The torsion bar then twists along its axis to provide the spring force. A torsion bar design can be found on Independent Front Suspension (IFS) vehicles (ex. ´88-´06 Chevy/GMC Pickups, ´97-´03 Ford Pickups, ´86-´95 Toyota Pickups & SUVs). These vehicles use a torsion bar design as opposed to a coil spring, or strut design.

A Track Bar, also known as a Panhard Bar, is used to hold the axle centered under the frame/body. Without a track bar, the axle would be able to move side to side. A track bar can be found on the front and/or the rear of many vehicles with a solid axle and coil spring suspension. Many OEM has utilizes this design at one time or another (ex. Jeep TJs, Cherokees, Dodge Pickups, Ford Pickups & Broncos, Chevy/GMC SUVs, H2, Escalade, etc.). When a lift is installed, depending on the height, the track bar must be relocated or replaced by a longer track bar to keep the axle centered under the body.

Wheel Alignment consists of adjusting the angles of the wheels so that they are perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other. Each vehicle carries a distinct alignment specifi cation. If the alignment is out, it can cause excessive tire wear and steering (i.e. ball joints, rod ends, etc.) or tracking problems. The purpose of these adjustments (Camber, Caster, Toe, and Tracking) is maximum tire life and a vehicle that tracks straight and true when driving along a straight and level road.

Camber is the angle of the wheel, measured in degrees, when viewed from the front of the vehicle. If the top of the wheel is leaning outward of center, then the camber is positive. Leaning inward, then the camber is negative. If the camber is out of adjustment, it will affect the way a vehicle handles & cause tire wear on one side of the tire’s tread. If the camber is too far negative, for instance, then the tire will wear on the inside of the tread. Too positive will wear the outside of the tread.

Caster is the forward or backward tilt of this steering axis, measured in degrees, when viewed from the side of the vehicle. The steering axis is a line through the upper and lower ball joints. If the top of the axis is leaning toward the rear of the vehicle, then the caster is Positive. Leaning toward the front, the caster is Negative. The diagram shows a 70’s model Ford with Positive caster. Positive caster improves straight line tracking because the steering axis intersects the ground ahead of the area where the tire contacts the ground.

Toe-In or Toe-Out is the measured difference in the distance between the front of the tires and the back of the tires. It is measured in fractions of an inch in the U.S. and is usually set close to zero that means that the wheels are parallel with each other. When the distance between the front portions of the tires is closer than the rear portion that is known as Toe In. When the distance between the rear portions of the tires is closer than the front portion that is known as Toe Out. Toe is always adjustable on the front wheels and, on some vehicles, is also adjustable for the rear wheels.

Tracking means that each of the rear wheels is an equal distance from the centerline of the vehicle; therefore, when the vehicle is moving straightforward the tracks of the rear tires should be parallel to the vehicle’s centerline.There are two main types of 4-wheel alignments. In the first type, the rear toe and tracking is checked, but all adjustments are made at the front wheels. This is done on vehicles that do not have adjustments on the rear. The second type is a full 4-wheel alignment where the adjustments are first made to true up the rear alignment, and then the front is adjusted. Correct Track Bar alignment is a factor in many solid axle vehicles with coil spring suspensions.