Skyjacker 5" 2500/3500 Lift and Platinum Shocks?

[TBrennan]

Anyone have this lift kit (part# D4513K)? I think this year I would like to get this kit with their platinum shocks.



The Platinum series shocks have an external reservoir and schrader valve, which I assume allows you to adjust them as you desire. I read somewhere that Skyjacker got help with these from King Shocks but I don't know. Also, do the shocks on our suspensions act as the travel limiters? If that is the case, I wonder if we need strap limiters with the Platinum shocks to stop the axle from dropping too far.



Anyways any experience or comments on either would be appreciated.



Also, I'm really hoping to run 37" Goodyear MT/Rs on the stock rims with this setup even though Skyjacker claims a max of a 36" tire.

 

[Punkineater]

Skyjacker makes a great kit, but I would actually recommend the Bilstein 7100 shocks over the Platinum's that come with that kit.

 

[TBrennan]

Why? The Platinum has a 7/8 rod whereas the Bilstein 7100 only has a 14mm. The Bilstein 9100 series has a 7/8 rod, but since the 7100 costs more than the Platinum already, I know the 9100 is much higher.



So do you have experience with both? I want a shock that lasts, can be adjusted easily and being able to rebuilt is a big plus.



Anyone actually using the Platinums?

 

[XcumminsX]

anyone have a pic of the truck with this lift on it? id love to see it



Nick

 

[Punkineater]

Originally posted by TBrennan

Why? The Platinum has a 7/8 rod whereas the Bilstein 7100 only has a 14mm. The Bilstein 9100 series has a 7/8 rod, but since the 7100 costs more than the Platinum already, I know the 9100 is much higher.



So do you have experience with both? I want a shock that lasts, can be adjusted easily and being able to rebuilt is a big plus.



Anyone actually using the Platinums?

Why is the 7/8 rod so important to you? I really doubt if you will ever have a problem with the 7100 rods. I have friends running the 7100's and they offer one of the best ride's I've experienced in a lifted truck. The 7100's will take plenty of abuse without fail and are rebuildable. I'm waiting for Skyjacker to offer their 7" kit for the 3rd Gen's and then I'll go that route with 7100's all the way around.

 

[CBradford]

i'm pretty sure the skyjacker platinum shocks and coilover shocks are actually made by King..... these are what comes with the Trex kit and i think you would have a hard time finding a higher quality shock than this..... not saying bilstein is bad.....

 

[XJSuperman]

If many of us are fitting 35's on stock rigs... I think 37's should be no problem with 5" of lift.

You may rub the control arms at full steering lock... if you stick with stock rims... . unless the lift eliminates it.

 

[StephenThomas]

Superlift is also offering a 4" and a 6" kit for our 3G rams. What are the advantages/disadvatages (pros/cons) between the two systems - Superlift vs. Skyjack ?

 

[TBrennan]

The 7/8" rod isn't necessarily that important, but I think it gives some indication of how rugged the shock is, all other things being equal. I just haven't heard any reason that the Bilsteins that cost more are a better shock, mainly because apprently no one has any experience withe the Platinums.



I think the guys from T-Rex disputed the claim that the Platinum shocks are really King shocks. I'm sure they are not built as well as a full racing shock like T-Rex uses, but better than most aftermarket stuff. I suspect they are built for Skyjacker by someone else, with perhaps some input from King. This is all based on comparing price points so maybe I'm way off.



On the Superlift kit, they look very similar except that Superlift uses a 4" block in the rear (by default) while Skyjacker uses an add-a-leaf. Also, it just seems Skyjacker kits are more readily available and I've used their stuff in the past with no big issues.

 

[CIverson]

I've got the front box kit for this lift in my garage, it's waiting to get re-powdercoated and for me to finally buy my airbags before it gets put on.



Besides for parts being fitted specifically for the 3rd gen it's all the same parts that are in the 2nd gen kits, actually I think only the axle brackets, track bar drop, and lower control arms are different from the 2nd gen kit.

 

[jrobinson2]

Kent from T Rex made this comment about the platinum shocks in another thread

That kit from Skyjacker is pretty interesting. Because our shocks are similar in size and the way they mount, we get calls about it all day long. For the benefit of TDR folks, I want to take this opportunity to clear a few things up about the difference between Skyjacker and T. Rex.

I think you're incorrect when you say Skyjacker is using a 2" diameter shock. Unless they've changed it, I believe it's a 2. 5 King like ours. I know that at one time King was supplying shocks for their initial R and D, but I believe Swayaway may be making their dampers now. However, don't quote me on that. No matter what brand, Skyjacker uses an "emulsion" shock - meaning the nitrogen is mixed with the hydraulic fluid and therefore cannot be made to perform to the level of a reservoir shock. The shock mounts low in the spring bucket so, to get at least OE axle travel, Skyjacker must lift the truck. Also, look at the shock travel (the amount of shaft protruding from the shock body). It doesn't give you any more articulation, even though the shock is very, very long.

Link to full post The original questions from Hohn are a few posts above on the same page.

 

[GBrzezinski]

How do Doetsch 9000 or M2 series add up?

 

[Spooled-up]

Could someone please post a pic of a 5-6" lifted truck? I think that would look cool with 35" tires on a wide (at least 9. 5") rim.



This is the look I'm going for with my 3rd gen. I realize this is a 2nd gen, but it has that look that I'm after. It is Mudinchev's truck. I love the way this thing sits. It has a 4 or 4. 5 inch lift and I believe 35's.