Jakit leveling kit questions

[Bigsaint]

Is it necessary to replace the OEM shocks when using a 2" front leveling kit, such as the one made by Jakit ??? TIA



I tried a search but didn't find the answer.



Scott W.

 

[Beast2B]

shock extensions

I can't remember exactly where I saw them, but I would expect most of the lift kit companies to have them. They are just a male/female extension for the stock shock made in the same length as the lift springs or spacers.

Skyjacker, Superlift, Daystar, Rancho, Explorer ProComp, Fabtech, etc, etc

 

[Rob Thomas]

BIGSAINT, I didn't, I put 2. 5" coils on it with the stock shocks,there was plenty of travel in them.



Even my aftermarket shocks are the stock height.

 

[Bigsaint]

RAMTHIS1... you used larger coils for your lift ??? Perhaps a better choice rather than the Jakit kit or more a matter of personal preference ? Forgive my ignorance, just trying to do it right the first time. I have no idea what is the best approach, I want to level the front so that I can add a set of 255's when I do the next tire swap.



Scott W.

 

[Rob Thomas]

Bigsaint,



Yep, thats the only way to go in my book,not much more $ to do the springs,plus you get added travel,so now I don't bottom out on sissy little bumps It takes about 1. 5 hours if your even slightly talented. They cost me around $200 for the pair. Click on my pics to see them,I have 315's on it so the tires you want... ... ... no problem!



Rob

 

[pwknapp]

What kind of 255's are you putting on??

 

[CCahill]

Scott... Tell us more... I'm about ready to replace my second set of tires @ 37K... . Thinking about 3. 15's, or 255's... What have you found out with your research?

Thanks,

Colin

 

[Bigsaint]

Thanks again guys. I really want a set of these BFG's, TMTT has them and I have been envious ever since...



#ad




Rob, where did you buy the coils ???



The pic. above is from etires.com



Scott W.

 

[Rob Thomas]

I got them from a local guy here,I heard you can buy them from summit racing,not in the book though, gotta' call 'em.



Thats the same tire I have,love 'em got over 40,000 on the last set!



later, Rob





One other thing, KAT posted a real cool set of tires the other day,not sure where,I'm sure if you look back in the posts the last couple days you'll see 'em. They're 10 ply, load range E !:--)

 

[SS]

Scott,



My experience with 3" spacers is that the stock shocks are too short. I was able to easily reach the max extension with normal driving. Some aftermarket shocks made for the stock application may have more travel. I have never been able to bottom out, even on some fairly aggressive off-roading with speed.



When you do the lift make sure you loosen/retighten all of the control arm bolts to allow the bushings to neutralize in their new position - makes a big difference. You'll also probably have to compromise a bit between caster and front driveshaft angle. Remove sway bar links and a couple of control arm bolts if necessary for installation - I think it's easier and safer than a spring compressor.



Steve

 

[CCahill]

Don't forget!!

Youse guys that are jackin' will need a longer or adjustable track bar... lest you end up with your front axle way over on the pass side. .



Colin

 

[CMacKenzie]

For the springs in Summits online catalog do a search for SJA-D25.

Summit SJA-D25

 

['956Wheel]

Will these SJA-D25's work on a 2WD with IFS? I would like to get that "stink bug" look out of my 3500! Thought about spacers, but they're just a short cut, mickey mouse way of doing things... IMO.



Mike

 

[Rob Thomas]

Ccahill,





Wrong, check the hieght on the 3/4 ton Dodge gassers,2" differance. My opinion is that thay use the same springs on both types gasser and diesel,I don't care what the spring tags say. My truck drives and rides flawless,and every things in line. Agian STOCK SHOCKS WILL WORK!



Rob

 

[Ted Constantine]

I know this has been talked about before but does any one know what stiffness the Sky Jacker 2. 5 coils are?





When I took the topper off the other day a was struck with the realization that the truck just looks funny. There is almost 4 inches different wheel well to ground front to back.



It sits at stock ride height with the DOR bumper but the geometry is changed and makes it look more nose down.



Ted

 

[Ted Constantine]

One more question. Do any of you have any concerns about the axle sitting to far back with a spacer or 2. 5 spring? The 2. 5 lift kits from sky jacker come with lower control arms to relocate the axle. We are just talking about using the springs from that kit.

 

[drwish62]

2.5 spacers

I have to agree with ramthis1 I put daystar in mine and my buddy put jackit in his and we both havn't had any problems, I was told stock or factory shocks are ok for normal driving but if you take it off road get a set of after markets. question ramthis1 very nice looking truck sharp as he!! but what up with the tilt bed.

 

[Rob Thomas]

drwish62,



What you don't like it? Don't be mistakin' it's not one of those silly dancin' beds, this is my work truck. I do alot of remodeling,saves me from gettin' out at the landfill, yuk, that place just flat out stinks,don't wana even touch the ground! Also it makes it nice for cleaning the salt out in the winter,changing the fuel level sender,doin' exaust work,or anything else that you wish you could take the bed off to do! You should be jealous by now. :-laf :-laf :-laf





Rob

 

[Rob Thomas]

Ted,



No I don't have any concerns about it sitting to far back, it's not really lifting it up that much. The 2. 5" after install yeild only 2",thats nothin' to worry about.



Rob

 

[CCahill]

ramthis... . Not sure how that relates... what I'm saying is, that if you raise the front of your truck... with the stock track bar , the axel moves ever so slightly to the pass side... now if you lift your truck... say..... 8 in. , and use the stock track bar, you'll find that the axle has shifted to the rt a fair amount... so you'll need an adjustable length, longer, track bar..... did that make sense?



Colin