Notices
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Dentsides Ford Truck
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Moser

Skyjacker Lift Kit

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 12, 2019 | 03:43 PM
  #1  
9thPony's Avatar
9thPony
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 580
Likes: 5
Skyjacker Lift Kit

The truck is a 1975 F250 4x4 390 (verified) C6 Crew Cab with 35's.

So, I've been searching the forums looking for information regarding both the 2" and 4" lift kits from Skyjacker. Unfortunately most of the threads are quite old and have a lot of broken links for pictures. Several pertinent threads ended without updates

My crew cab is about the ride height I want, but the rear is a bit lower than the front and it rides extremely rough. It has a 10 leaf stack that is very stiff in the rear. The front looks stock. I'm hoping to soften the ride at least a little and improve the stance. Tires are 35's.

I'm hoping some of the current members here that have these kits installed could comment on how they are working out. Also front and rear measurements from the center of the wheel to the bottom fender would be great so that I can pick the correct kit. I am thinking the 2" kit would be right for me but I would like to verify. I don't want to go much higher than I am now, and hopefully not much lower either.

And of course, pictures would be great!

Here is my current leaf spring setup:




 
Reply
Old Feb 12, 2019 | 08:17 PM
  #2  
buckin69bronco's Avatar
buckin69bronco
Laughing Gas
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 896
Likes: 55
From: Bothell
I can’t quite tell but your rear springs seem to have some leafs with tapered ends and some without. If this is true you have a “custom” leaf pack with some add a leafs stuck in there.

How many leafs are are on your front springs? Stock highboy springs should have 6 leafs.

For reference what size tires are you running? A stock highboy with 35” tires will sit with the top of the tire about even to the top of the front bumper.

my guess is you have about 3-4” of lift already.

Stock highboy springs will bring your truck down quite a bit.

To soften the ride you need springs with a softer spring rate but this may sacrifice some load carting ablility unless you use air bags along with your springs.
 
Reply
Old Feb 13, 2019 | 02:22 AM
  #3  
maddogjohnson's Avatar
maddogjohnson
Laughing Gas
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 887
Likes: 70
From: Santa Clarita
Hey Doug,

Check out my build thread, page 5, for before and after pictures with most of what you are looking for. My truck is also a 75 F-250, 4x4, 390 stroked to 431ci, C6, crew cab on 35's. I initially had the factory springs and installed the 4" skyjacker springs last 4th of July.

I have pretty much no bumpsteer using the stock 1975 pitman arm. I've been trying to locate a longer 76 - 77.5 pitman arm but have not found one for a decent price. Just eyeballing our pics I'd say your truck is a tad bit lower than mine with the 4" skyjacker springs installed. I will say that my springs are not 100% even. My drivers side sits a bit lower than the passenger side but overall I like the stance and function.

However, I will say with 35" tires and the 4" skyjacker lift getting into the truck is close to the top of my ease of entry limit w/o steps and I'm over 6' tall. The wife and kids often need help getting in with the 35" tires and 4" lift. I may go up to 37" tires when the 35" wear out. I have a set of long bully style steps to install, (for the front only) but I've not installed them because I'd rather put a set of amp research powersteps on. The powerstep XL is probably more appropriate but finding a nicely priced used set that fits is an exercise in craigslist searching patience.

I'll be up in your neck of the woods for work tomorrow. I have more pics from my install that I can try to upload in this thread on either my flight up or back tomorrow.
 
Reply
Old Feb 13, 2019 | 04:29 PM
  #4  
mark a.'s Avatar
mark a.
Lead Driver
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,922
Likes: 153
Most any spring shop will sell short cutoffs to use as height spacers in any spring width. You will need longer center bolts to go with them. Yours doesn't look that low but I'd still get 4 just incase. You can always take 2 back if you don't need them.
 
Reply
Old Feb 14, 2019 | 11:32 AM
  #5  
9thPony's Avatar
9thPony
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 580
Likes: 5
Originally Posted by buckin69bronco
I can’t quite tell but your rear springs seem to have some leafs with tapered ends and some without. If this is true you have a “custom” leaf pack with some add a leafs stuck in there.

How many leafs are are on your front springs? Stock highboy springs should have 6 leafs.

For reference what size tires are you running? A stock highboy with 35” tires will sit with the top of the tire about even to the top of the front bumper.

my guess is you have about 3-4” of lift already.

Stock highboy springs will bring your truck down quite a bit.

To soften the ride you need springs with a softer spring rate but this may sacrifice some load carting ablility unless you use air bags along with your springs.
Thanks for the inputs!
I was thinking the same thing about the added leafs, which is also probably contributing to the rough ride. I had a stock 75 f250 4x4 that was about 2 or 3 inches lower at least.

The truck is riding on 35" tires which I plan on sticking with. The fronts are using a 7 leaf pack.

I also have suspicion that the PO installed a body lift on the cab as well but I need to figure out what stock measurements on the cab mount should be to compare against. If so I'd probably revert back to stock which would level it better.

If the Skyjacker springs sag a bit more than my liking under load I'd probably look at air bags like you mentioned for load leveling.
 
Reply
Old Feb 14, 2019 | 11:53 AM
  #6  
9thPony's Avatar
9thPony
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 580
Likes: 5
Originally Posted by maddogjohnson
Hey Doug,

Check out my build thread, page 5, for before and after pictures with most of what you are looking for. My truck is also a 75 F-250, 4x4, 390 stroked to 431ci, C6, crew cab on 35's. I initially had the factory springs and installed the 4" skyjacker springs last 4th of July.
Thanks for the detailed information! I haven't checked out your thread in a little while so looks like I missed a lot of updates. The Skyjacker spring information is very informative. You are correct in that your lift looks to be a bit higher than mine. Since I'm sticking with 35's I'm debating if the 2" lift would suit my needs better than the 4".

At my current lift, I have to lift my wife in and to get out she has to slide out on her stomach. I have already bought the Bully steps as well but have not yet installed. I had similar thoughts about the power-step - that would be a great mod.

The next time you have a chance could you measure the center of the wheel hub to bottom of the fender? I don't see this information anywhere in these forums so I think it would be useful for many considering this lift kit.

I'll have to go through your build thread again as I skimmed through it to get to the Skyjacker stuff.

Thanks agian for the information and awesome truck
 
Reply
Old Feb 14, 2019 | 01:49 PM
  #7  
Aaron-71's Avatar
Aaron-71
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 4,436
Likes: 19
From: Regina, Saskatchewan
Club FTE Gold Member
Following along for interest.
 
Reply
Old Feb 14, 2019 | 04:24 PM
  #8  
buckin69bronco's Avatar
buckin69bronco
Laughing Gas
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 896
Likes: 55
From: Bothell
Originally Posted by 9thPony
Thanks for the inputs!
I was thinking the same thing about the added leafs, which is also probably contributing to the rough ride. I had a stock 75 f250 4x4 that was about 2 or 3 inches lower at least.

The truck is riding on 35" tires which I plan on sticking with. The fronts are using a 7 leaf pack.

I also have suspicion that the PO installed a body lift on the cab as well but I need to figure out what stock measurements on the cab mount should be to compare against. If so I'd probably revert back to stock which would level it better.

If the Skyjacker springs sag a bit more than my liking under load I'd probably look at air bags like you mentioned for load leveling.
I don’t believe you have a body lift. The frame is covered up by the body and the front bumper is lining up with the body like stock. With a body lift you end up with the front bumper looking like it’s lower than the body (unless bumper raisers are added to the front of the frame) and a lot more frame showing.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-2

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-5

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

 Brett Foote
story-7

Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

 Joe Kucinski
Old Feb 17, 2019 | 04:13 PM
  #9  
maddogjohnson's Avatar
maddogjohnson
Laughing Gas
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 887
Likes: 70
From: Santa Clarita
Originally Posted by 9thPony
At my current lift, I have to lift my wife in and to get out she has to slide out on her stomach. I have already bought the Bully steps as well but have not yet installed. I had similar thoughts about the power-step - that would be a great mod.

The next time you have a chance could you measure the center of the wheel hub to bottom of the fender? I don't see this information anywhere in these forums so I think it would be useful for many considering this lift kit.
I snapped a few "after" pictures today. I'll upload them to flickr, dig up my "before" photos and upload them all with some sense of organization hopefully later tonight.
 
Reply
Old Feb 17, 2019 | 06:05 PM
  #10  
maddogjohnson's Avatar
maddogjohnson
Laughing Gas
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 887
Likes: 70
From: Santa Clarita
As previously mentioned, my passenger side sits a bit higher than my driver side. Now I know by how much, at least in the rear. As it sits today my passenger side is 0.75" higher than my driver side. These measurements are from the ground to the bottom of the fender lip. Tires are Pro Comp Alloys - Series 1069, 17x9 w/MasterCraft Courser MXT, 35x12.50 R17. Overall tire diameter is 34.76."

Driver Side Rear Fender Pre Lift - 40.75"


Driver Side Rear Fender Post Lift - 43.75" (Difference of 3.00" )




Passenger Side Rear Fender Pre Lift - 41.00"


Passenger Side Rear Fender Post Lift - 44.75" (Difference of 3.75")


Difference between driver and passenger side pre lift 0.75"
Difference between driver and passenger side post lift 1.00"
 
Reply
Old Feb 17, 2019 | 07:52 PM
  #11  
maddogjohnson's Avatar
maddogjohnson
Laughing Gas
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 887
Likes: 70
From: Santa Clarita
These measurements are from the center of the rear hub to the bottom of the fender lip. Tires are Pro Comp Alloys - Series 1069, 17x9 w/MasterCraft Courser MXT, 35x12.50 R17. Overall tire diameter is 34.76."

Driver Side Center of Rear Hub to Fender Lip Pre Lift - 24.00"
Driver Side Center of Rear Hub to Fender Lip Post Lift - 27.00 " (Difference of 3.00" )

Passenger Side Center of Rear Hub to Fender Lip Pre Lift - 24.75"
Passenger Side Center of Rear Hub to Fender Lip Post Lift - 28.00" (Difference of 3.25" )

Difference between driver and passenger side pre lift 0.75"
Difference between driver and passenger side post lift 1.00"
 
Reply
Old Feb 17, 2019 | 07:57 PM
  #12  
9thPony's Avatar
9thPony
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 580
Likes: 5
Originally Posted by maddogjohnson
These measurements are from the center of the rear hub to the bottom of the fender lip. Tires are Pro Comp Alloys - Series 1069, 17x9 w/MasterCraft Courser MXT, 35x12.50 R17. Overall tire diameter is 34.76."

Driver Side Center of Rear Hub to Fender Lip Pre Lift - 24.00"
Driver Side Center of Rear Hub to Fender Lip Post Lift - 27.00 " (Difference of 3.00" )

Passenger Side Center of Rear Hub to Fender Lip Pre Lift - 24.75"
Passenger Side Center of Rear Hub to Fender Lip Post Lift - 28.00" (Difference of 3.25" )

Difference between driver and passenger side pre lift 0.75"
Difference between driver and passenger side post lift 1.00"
Thanks for the measurements! This will be very helpful when I decide what to do about mt truck.
 
Reply
Old Feb 17, 2019 | 09:22 PM
  #13  
maddogjohnson's Avatar
maddogjohnson
Laughing Gas
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 887
Likes: 70
From: Santa Clarita
Happy to help. Here are a bunch of comparison shots for reference. Post up your before and after shots once you have em all.

Before lift driver side:


Only rear lift installed driver side:


After lift driver side:



Before lift passenger side:


Only rear lift installed passenger side:


After lift passenger side:

 
Reply
Old Apr 8, 2019 | 11:30 PM
  #14  
montrealford's Avatar
montrealford
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: montreal
If you buy 4 inch skyjacker (f724s) check the lenght of it. Me i buy a set and one of them are differnt suppose to be 26 inch eye to center bolt and the other 27 1/2 , me one are 27 and 27 1/2 . I email skyjacker nobody answer me...
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
alone and unafraid
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
12
Jul 29, 2015 03:02 PM
PowerstrokeRyan
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
35
Dec 21, 2012 03:12 PM
428HIGHBOY
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
Jul 9, 2007 07:10 PM
jamesbfishin
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
2
Mar 10, 2004 09:35 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:02 AM.

story-0
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-6
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-7
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-8
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE