Skyjacker Softride opinions?

[Loyalpoke]

Thanks in advance for any insight you guys can give me...

Been researching/pondering for a long time about how to get a better ride on my stock '83. This is a DD, I have lots of other 4WD capacity here on the farm, so this is a "drive to town, enjoy the ride" vehicle, don't need heavy suspension for the trails.

My goals, in order: better ride, easy install, least cost. Been considering YJ springs but starting to lean toward Skyjacker Softride.
The reason is, it appears that they will just bolt in with no mod's needed (changing shackles, moving hangers, etc.). Is that right?

It looks like Skyjacker is min of 2.5" lift. Does that literally mean frame will be 2.5" higher than stock? Will it require any mods(pitman arm drop, longer, brake lines)? I don't know how much my original springs are sagging. I attached pis of it like it sets and also lifted at bumper 2.5". I wasn't looking to lift it, but actually like the look of it 2.5" higher than it is now.

What are opinions of Skyjacker softride?

 

[Loyalpoke]

Pics didn't attach for some reason, i'll try again.

 

[AK-RWC]

Thanks in advance for any insight you guys can give me...

Been researching/pondering for a long time about how to get a better ride on my stock '83. This is a DD, I have lots of other 4WD capacity here on the farm, so this is a "drive to town, enjoy the ride" vehicle, don't need heavy suspension for the trails.

My goals, in order: better ride, easy install, least cost. Been considering YJ springs but starting to lean toward Skyjacker Softride.
The reason is, it appears that they will just bolt in with no mod's needed (changing shackles, moving hangers, etc.). Is that right?

It looks like Skyjacker is min of 2.5" lift. Does that literally mean frame will be 2.5" higher than stock? Will it require any mods(pitman arm drop, longer, brake lines)? I don't know how much my original springs are sagging. I attached pis of it like it sets and also lifted at bumper 2.5". I wasn't looking to lift it, but actually like the look of it 2.5" higher than it is now.

What are opinions of Skyjacker softride?

I did these on my '85 CJ-7. I would describe it as bouncy. And yes, it will actually bolt in, and cause the frame to sit 2.5" higher. If you get a complete kit (shocks and u-bolts), no other mods are needed. I didn't change steering, brake lines, or anything else.

With the CJ-7, I did end up with a serious driveline vibration, but I also am running longer rear shackles. I fixed that by getting a CV driveshaft.

 

[Polarfire]

You might check out OME springs. I've heard they are some of the best riding but I don't have first hand knowledge. They are expensive too.

 

[AK-RWC]

You might check out OME springs. I've heard they are some of the best riding but I don't have first hand knowledge. They are expensive too.

OME springs require conversion shackles and relocating the hanger; they never made a front CJ spring.

They rode EXCEPTIONALLY well. Until they bent. But I had them SOA, so it was my own fault.

 

[LetchcoreCJ7]

I have the skyjacker 2.5 on my scrambler. Rides really soft. Maybe too soft. The front has sagged with no winch on the front and 200 miles.

 

[Loyalpoke]

Thank you for the feedback. It looks like the way to go.

Now I need to decide what shocks to pair with them. It probably sounds crazy, but I'd rather not have to look at "red" skyjacker shocks for the next several years. The red will clash with the Orange/Grey/Black color scheme I have planned. Most shocks is see on jeep related sites seem to be designed for off road function. I want stability and ride. What is wrong with Monroe or Napa?

 

[gazzo]

I think decent shocks should take care of a bouncy ride shouldn't they?
Also remember that the 2.5" lift is from stock height so that may be 4" from where yours sits now given it is sagged down as you say
This is a fresh 2.5 lift to give you an idea. Perfect in my opinion

 

[Loyalpoke]

Thanks Gazzo, that is very helpful!

 

[Loyalpoke]

That is a great looking rig! I really like the black accent along the bottom and front edge of the hood, I don't know if I have ever seen that before.

What size tires do you have?