skyjacker 2" vs 4"
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,261
Likes: 15
From: Big Sky Country
If it's the closed knuckle i'd probably limit myself to 35's (just ask 'fordtrucknut' about that one
) When you start getting up in tire size beyond 35's it really stresses the puny non-captive spindle bolts on the closed knuckle axle.
Since they're non-captive they already have a nasty habit of working themselves loose and in some cases shearing completely off, oversize tires only helps to exacerbate the situation.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,804
Likes: 5
From: Southern California
Are you still running the closed knuckle axle? or do you have a D60 under the front-end?
If it's the closed knuckle i'd probably limit myself to 35's (just ask 'fordtrucknut' about that one)
When you start getting up in tire size beyond 35's it really stresses the puny non-captive spindle bolts on the closed knuckle axle.
Since they're non-captive they already have a nasty habit of working themselves loose and in some cases shearing completely off, oversize tires only helps to exacerbate the situation.
If it's the closed knuckle i'd probably limit myself to 35's (just ask 'fordtrucknut' about that one
) When you start getting up in tire size beyond 35's it really stresses the puny non-captive spindle bolts on the closed knuckle axle.
Since they're non-captive they already have a nasty habit of working themselves loose and in some cases shearing completely off, oversize tires only helps to exacerbate the situation.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,261
Likes: 15
From: Big Sky Country
If you see your U-joint instead, you have an open knuckle axle.
Highboys were all closed knuckle from '67 to '75, the '76/'77 highboys were open knuckle.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,804
Likes: 5
From: Southern California
If you look behind your front tires and see a large ball surrounded by 12 bolts (or a smaller ball surrounded by 8 bolts) you have a closed knuckle axle.
If you see your U-joint instead, you have an open knuckle axle.
Highboys were all closed knuckle from '67 to '75, the '76/'77 highboys were open knuckle.
If you see your U-joint instead, you have an open knuckle axle.
Highboys were all closed knuckle from '67 to '75, the '76/'77 highboys were open knuckle.
Ill go take a look. Thanks
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,303
Likes: 46
From: KCMO
Whiteisright your truck turned out great, love the stance! It's got a nice ride height and still usable as a truck like it should be.
I've used the skyjacker lifts on both of my trucks for years and overall have been very pleased with ride and flex.
I've used the skyjacker lifts on both of my trucks for years and overall have been very pleased with ride and flex.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,261
Likes: 15
From: Big Sky Country
It's a direct bolt-in swap, the open knuckle axles are disc brake, the 76-77.5 will be low pinion and the 77.5-79 high pinion.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 813
Likes: 6
From: Up Nort Minnesota
Your truck looks great!
I'm running 35's as well so this gives me a really good look at what the 2" skyjacker would do for my truck.
Can't wait to hear what you think about ride difference between the old saggy springs and your new ones.
I'm running 35's as well so this gives me a really good look at what the 2" skyjacker would do for my truck.
Can't wait to hear what you think about ride difference between the old saggy springs and your new ones.
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 372
Likes: 4
From: New Mexico
Great look! Also glad to hear the install went well. I'm hoping to get my LB looking similar in stance and height. If you had a sec or two, I'm curious to know the distance from the axle centers up to the body line. Or if you've got a side-on picture, I could make some rough measurements. My thinking from all the posts is that a 4" lift on a LB should look about the same as the 2" lift on your HB.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 372
Likes: 4
From: New Mexico
It looks like Skyjacker is favored for trucks of this vintage. Any thoughts on other brands of lift kits? I see some others that vary quite a bit in price. Also, what is the preference between steering blocks, drop pitman arms, or drop drag link? I've gotten conflicting advice. Thanks.
Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50,153
Likes: 5,785
From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
Steering block NO, drop pitman arm absolutely yes, and on a F250 yes on a adjustable steering link, on a F150 yes on the drop trac bar bracket and a adjustable trac bar.
F250 crossover is the best and takes away the need for a adj steering link all together.
F250 crossover is the best and takes away the need for a adj steering link all together.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,261
Likes: 15
From: Big Sky Country
Is your '77 a highboy or lowboy? are you considering a 2" or 4" lift?
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 372
Likes: 4
From: New Mexico
I have a F250 lowboy and am thinking I want a 4" lift kit. If I understand correctly the height difference between stock LBs and HBs, I should end up with a look like 'Whiteisright' has on his truck. Yes? It also seems the bias is towards not using a steering block - guess the Rough Country kit is off the list.
Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50,153
Likes: 5,785
From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
Rough Country is the cheapest for a reason......Sky Jacker 4" with a drop pitman arm and you should be good to go.
Also you can get just new front leafs and rear blocks or 4 new springs.
Also you can get just new front leafs and rear blocks or 4 new springs.