2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Skyjacker Springs

[Turbo Tim 1]

Well, you guys made me do it! About 10,000 miles ago I put an Edge Comp in the truck, then yesterday I got my BFG 255/85 MT's put on (had those on my last truck) Now I've got a set of Bilsteins coming and a set of Skyjacker +2" springs sitting in the kitchen. My question is, what kind of a job is it to install them yourself? My jackstands only stand about 2' high maybe, is that enough? Is it easier to let a garage do it? I know I can do the work, I have swapped out injection pumps on my old truck so technically it is easy. What did they charge if you had it done? Well thanks for the help in advance.

 

[KHaeckler]

Tim,

I found a shop where I live that only charged me about 100 bucks to do the swap (included alignment). They ended up not finishing my truck that day and I had to pick it up the next day around noon. I think it was more of a job than they expected. Personally, I'm glad I didn't try messing with it myself. Good luck...



Karl

 

[brandonwhite]

Swapping the springs is as easy as falling off a log. It took me about 1. 5 hours and I wasn't working to hard at it. I used a hilift jack to lift up my front end , and a floor jack to suspend the axle. The main thing that helped me was using a small bottle jack to lower the axle. You will really like the new springs.

 

[Clinton]

Not too bad

Replacing the coils is not too bad a job. I was definetly over 1. 5 hours and I did work pretty hard at it, but not too long either. You need a couple of different jacking and holding devices to make it a little easier. I had a pair of stands under the frame, a floor jack, and a smaller stand under the side I wasn't working on. I even used the bottle jack for a minute. You'll need longer shocks up front.



$100 for the swap WITH an alignment? That was a good deal.

 

[TPlasek]

do the new spring ride any better or are they just taller???

 

[brandonwhite]

I added rancho shocks when I did the swap and the ride is definitely better. I am sure the shocks and springs both contributed to it.



I was using air tools when I did the swap so that might have helped. Also I did not remove the shock towers in the engine compartment as I did not see a need to. I am sure this save some time.

 

[thekidfan]

ITS A EASY JOB JUST TAKE IT SLOW AND EASY. TO GET THOSE SPRINGS IN YOU'LL NEED A SPRING COMPRESSOR AND LUCK (LOTS OF IT) OR UNDO THE TRACKING BAR AND GET THE TRUCK WAAAY UP. SEND THE WIFE AND KIDS INSIDE AND GET SOME 4X4'S TO USE AS BLOCKS AND DONT FORGET TO KEEP AS EYE ON THE BRAKE LINES EVEN WITH THE ONE BOLT BY THE LOWER SHOCK TOWER OUT. DID YOU GET LINK ARMS (CONTROL ARMS) OR JUST THE SPRINGS? THE SHOCKS PROBABLY WONT LET THE AXLE DROP FAR ENOUGH AS WELL AS THOSE LINK ARMS IF YOU DO BUST THOSE LINK ARMS LOOSE MARK THE CAM ALIGNMENT SO YOU CAN GET CLOSE FOR THE TRIP TO THE ALIGNMENT SHOP.

 

[krs]

You won't need a spring compressor, you need to put the truck on stands, disconnect the sway bar at it's bushings on the frame, and use a small jack to push the axle downward, using the built on brackets behind the axle, as far as your brake line allows. (bottle jack is good but I use the little scissor jack that came with my wife's Subaru Outback). One side at a time, when the axle is jacked down as far as you can you'll be able to lift out the old and put in the new spring with room to spare.



It's right that there's no reason to undo the shock towers - just unbolt everything and get the shock up out of the lower bracket and you can bring out the shock still inside the spring.

 

[Sky]

Originally posted by brandonwhite

Swapping the springs is as easy as falling off a log. It took me about 1. 5 hours and I wasn't working to hard at it. I used a hilift jack to lift up my front end , and a floor jack to suspend the axle. The main thing that helped me was using a small bottle jack to lower the axle. You will really like the new springs.

Ya it sounds like "swapping the springs is as easy as falling off a log" All I need to do is go out and buy 5 different jacks and spring compressors and a bunch of tools. Or I will pay $100 to have it all done for me with out lifting a finger. And yes I did call about pricing and that is what they charge.

 

[KHaeckler]

Hey Sky,

I'm glad you believe me!! Yep, a hundred bucks was a little better deal for me. I just didn't feel like dragging out my bottle jacks, jack stands, floor jacks, etc. Oh yeah... I loaned my spring compressors out to a friend. To top things off, I couldn't bear the thought of taking more than "1. 5 hous" to do the swap. When you're ready to change the springs out in yours... we both know where to take it



Karl