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Skyjacker 3-4" Lift (J34)

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by FinoCJ, Nov 13, 2017.

  1. Nov 16, 2017
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2013
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    5,650
    So how does $400 sound for all 4 springs (2.5" lift with u-bolts and hardware, but no shocks. Can probably use my current ones on my as I already have 2.5 lift? This is more of an impulse or opportunity buy - not a need.

    A clarification question: BDS website shows a 72-75 kit (which is what is for sale on CL that I am considering) and 69-71 and 53-68 kits, but I don't there is any functional difference with any of these springs and hardware? The D30 ubolts should be the same as the D27/D25 I believe? Any functional differences that I should be aware of?
     
  2. Nov 16, 2017
    Muzikp

    Muzikp Active Member

    Sacramento Ca.
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    Sep 27, 2016
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    1,450
    When I did my axle swap, my D30 U-bolts were different than my D27 ones.
     
  3. Nov 16, 2017
    wheelie

    wheelie beeg dummy 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor

    York, PA
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    Mar 6, 2004
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    4,503
    Yes, there is a difference in the U bolts for all 3 of those kits listed by BDS and as Muz states, the 27 and 30 do not use the same U bolts. The 69-71 have different REAR u bolts than the earlier cj5 because of the flanged axle having heavier axle tubes.

    Not sure if spring rates were different on the 72-75 kits but, I kinda doubt it. Only thinking they could be because of the weight of the 304 and and inline 6 but, again, I don't know. The P/N on the springs themselves should expose any difference.
     
  4. Nov 16, 2017
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2013
    Messages:
    5,650
    Thanks fellas - so the 72-75 kit rear ubolts should be fine on my flanged D44, but the the front ones won't work on my D27. I think/hopr I can get D27 ubolts pretty cheap - or re-use mine (which isn't really best practice).
     
  5. Nov 16, 2017
    ojgrsoi

    ojgrsoi Retired 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Weatherford, TX
    Joined:
    Dec 30, 2002
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    2,232
    You can try these guys. I put new u bolts on the CJ6 and it was a simple order.

    U Bolts to Support Leaf Springs and Suspensions
     
    FinoCJ likes this.
  6. Nov 17, 2017
    NCRenII

    NCRenII yellow fever

    Far Nor Cal
    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2017
    Messages:
    431
    Right in your back yard is Denver Spring and Suspension. same day u-bolts made to order.
    Might consider even discussing the spring project with them.
     
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  7. Nov 17, 2017
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2013
    Messages:
    5,650
    Thanks fellas - i chatted with BDS this morning and they confirmed the only difference in the kits is the ubolts - the spring plates should be the same as they have slightly elongated holes to fit both applications. They gave me the BDS part number and dimensions for the D27 Ubolts so I should be able to source those locally:
    122120634RB (for the 3 smaller ones on the axle tube): 1/2" diameter, 2.5" wide x 6.75" long
    122340612RB (for the single larger one that goes over the diff housing): 1/2" diameter, 2.5" wide x 6.5" long
    For record keeping, the hardware bag for 69-71 is part # B25

    I contacted Denver Spring and Suspension - they are happy to make them for me. Cost is $8-10 per ubolt including nuts and washers - walk in/walk out service so no shipping. They of course recommended I wait until I pull the old u-bolts off and bring them in just to ensure sizing. Unit price is a bit higher than General Spring website mentioned by ojgrsoi - but comes out about the same with shipping and is same day service so i can ensure sizing match.

    I agreed to a purchase price of $400 for the springs - not a steal but a reasonable discount for a unused, just open box set. Here is to hoping they nicely clear my 33s and provide a better ride and better flex than whatever I have now. Its a lot of money for something that isn't a must. But my current springs are so effing stiff that they not only have a brutally harsh ride, they really inhibit traction and capability off road with keeping all 4 on the ground - which is a must with open diffs. I also worry that they put a lot of impact stress on the spring hanger and frame that they are going to do some damage - we've seen a couple of broken spring hanger/frames in the last year of so. Mostly that is just me justifying a purchase :beer:
     
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  8. Nov 17, 2017
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Aug 10, 2003
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    23,596
    That's a great price. You'd pay nearly twice that for generic replacements mimicing the factory HD suspension.
     
  9. Nov 17, 2017
    Warloch

    Warloch Did you say Flattie??? Staff Member

    Falcon, CO
    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2003
    Messages:
    5,470
    Just FYI - I get my U-bolts from Rocky Mt Spring and Suspension - sister company from Denver. Take the bolts in - tell them what I want changed (if needed) bent to order while I stand there. Better quality than anything I've gotten online or other places.

    Got Soft Rides on the Blue '49 (CJ5 frame) and BDS on the '62 because it was going to have a hard top on it. I like both setups for what they were intended to do.
     
  10. Nov 17, 2017
    NCRenII

    NCRenII yellow fever

    Far Nor Cal
    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2017
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    431
    Couple pointers:
    Measure existing and new spring packs. You may need longer/shorter than stock.
    Forget trying to unbolt the existing hardware. Torch or cutoff wheel on the portion next to the axle tube (i.e. not the nut).
     
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