Skyjacker Leveling Kit and Bilstein Shocks

[TurboSandman]

I am preparing to install the Skyjacker 2-1/2" leveling springs along with Bilstein shocks. After several searches of archived posts, I am still confused (no surprise to those who know me) as to whether I need to lengthen the shock studs to compensate for the taller springs. I originally planned to simply add "shock stud extenders" but they were SAE fine threaded and the Bilsteins turned out to be 10mm METRIC!



Ever resourceful, I ordered the metric equivalent of grade 8 coupling nuts and studs from MSC. Turns out that for it all to fit together in such a manner as to give me what I want, I need to chop 3/4" from the Bilstein shock studs.



Every time I get ready to slap those BRAND NEW shocks in the chop saw, the IDIOT WARNING alarm goes off in the back of my fevered mind and I can't go through with it.



Has anyone else used this combination of lift and shocks and if so, how did it turn out? Do I need to lengthen the shock or should I just install all the stuff in the box, curl back up in the fetal position and Fugged Aboudit?

 

[TomGolden]

I'm very happy to see I'm not the only person with this same question. I haven't actually purchased as yet, but am going to be doing this in January or February, and want to use the Bilsteins rather than the Rancho's if at all possible.



I'll be watching this thread very closely.



Tom

 

[Bob Wagner]

Ask the distributor

24V-DSL added the 2" leveling kit www.jackit.com with the Bilstein shocks



Call 1-800-341-7757 and they can give you the best advice



Off Road Warehouse sells the Skyjacker lift and Bilstein shocks

www.offroadwarehouse.com

 

[ikold]

Why Bilstein over Rancho ?

Why do you prefer the Billstein shocks over the adjustable Rancho's ?



Just curious

 

[TurboSandman]

ikold;



I don't know that I prefer the Bilsteins over the Ranchos, it's just that I teetered on the fence for several months and read many posts extolling the virtues of each before I finally put my nickel down. It seemed to me that it was pretty evenly split between Bilstein and Rancho, so I figured either one would be fine. I guess I will find out when I finally get the Bilsteins installed, although that won't be a comparison against the Ranchos, just the stockers. In any case, I already bought the Bilsteins (before the group buy, of course. )



Problem is, few of us can afford to buy both and compare one against the other; most of us just have to read what everyone who has already tried them posts on the board and then try to extrapolate to their own situation. That's what makes this board so valuable; those with knowledge and experience (everyone but me) makes that information available to those without knowledge and experience; primarily me.



Which do you prefer?

 

[TurboSandman]

By the way, thanks Bob; your suggestion is quite sensible, probably why I hadn't thought to do it already.

 

[SS]

Can't seem to find technical specs on-line for Bilstein or Rancho, but I know the hard copy of the Rancho catalog gives collapsed and extended lengths for all of their shocks. This would allow you to choose the shock based on the length you need, not their suggested application. Most Bilstein dealers only list shock for stock suspension, which is the shock I presume you have.



If that is the case, they will *probably* be too short with a 2 1/2" spring spacer. My stock shocks were so I shortened the shock towers. If you can determine the collapsed and extended length required (best way is on an RTI ramp, but you could estimate by shock length + distance to bump stop + amount of new lift) you could choose a shock meant for another application. (Even if it is for a brand F. ) I've done this on a Jeep and it turned out great. You could try to call them for assistance - sometimes they can be helpful, other times they can only quote from the catalog.



Good luck.