The JK's suspension is the same in principle to the earlier TJs, but the parts are totally different. Compared to the TJ's, the JK's have wider wheel well openings. So less lift is needed to clear the same size tires.
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| Here are the components of Skyjacker's 5-Inch Value Flex System (p/n#JK401K-SVX):front and rear Softride(r) coil springs, lower single flex links, front double-disconnect sway bar end links, rear extended length sway bar end links, front & rear track bar relocation brackets, brake line extension brackets, front bump stop spacers, rear bump stop relocation brackets, skid plate lowering kit, plus all the hardware, optional pitman arm, stainless braided brake lines, Hydro H7000 Series shocks and steering stabilizer. |
Skyjacker's 2 Inch Spacer Kit clears 33-12.50's, the 3.5 Inch System clears 34-12's, the 5-Inch System clears 35-12.50's, and the 7 Inch System clears 37-12.50 tires. All of these lift products require an 8-9 inch wide wheel with a minimum of 4.5 inch back spacing. By the way, for the 4-Door JK, Skyjacker has just as many options of lift heights: 2", 2.5", 4", & 6" with the same tire & wheel clearances.)
Here we went with the 5-iIch Skyjacker Value Flex System to clear 35's. This suspension system is for enthusiasts looking for a short arm suspension system that retains the factory mounting locations. Skyjacker's design takes advantage of the OEM's strengths and capitalizes on their quality engineering benefits for safety, comfort, and off-road capabilities. The Softride(r) coil springs provide the lift, plus great flexibility and comfort for any terrain or highway.
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| The center of the bump stop pad on the axle is marked and drilled to accept the new Skyjacker bump stops. Place the new bump stop inside of the coil spring, and install the Softride(r) Coil Spring up in one motion. Next you would attach the bump stop to axle using the supplied 3/8 X 4" button head bolt, washer and nut. |
The NG Rebuild-able Rod Ends housing is a forged steel alloy that is CNC machined and gold zinc plated. Skyjacker engineers calculated another unique feature into the NG Rod End, a separate ball joint with 'Pivot Plus' bolt inserts. The distinctive 'V' shaped 'Pivot Plus' bolt inserts allow more pivot or rotation of the joint - upward of 35 degrees of maximum rotation, which factors into more articulation. These benefits and the rebuild-able aspect are advantageous for continued long service life on your investment.
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| The angle of the track bar needs to travel in the same arc of travel as the drag link. Skyjacker's answer is to utilize a heavy-duty, reinforced relocation bracket that brings the track bar up to improve the angle. Place the new relocation bracket inside the factory mount. Drill out the outer factory holes all the way through the rearward plate. Attach the bracket at the outer two locations using the supplied bolts, washers and nuts and attach the bracket at the factory location using the factory bolt. Let the weight of the frame down on to the coils, then attach the track bar to the new bracket using the 14x80mm bolt, washers and nut. |
The drop pitman arm brings the drag link down and the track bar relocation bracketry brings the track bar up to keep the steering geometry at the proper OEM angle. The rear track bar is moved up at the axle with a substantial relocation bracket. Unique to Skyjacker's engineering, an additional brace that spans from the differential cover to the track bar bracket is supplied to reinforce the stock track bar mount. The bump stops are relocated for greater travel on rebound. The brake lines are re-routed with extension brackets. We opted to up-grade, and replaced the factory brake lines with Skyjacker's extended length stainless steel braided units.
We're just going to hit the highlights and features of this system. This is a 100% bolt-on project to install the kit. It's basically an R&R project: Remove the stock items and Replace them with Skyjacker's parts and add some relocation brackets.
Source
Skyjacker Suspensions
www.skyjacker.com
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| Skyjacker was the first on the market with a drop pitman arm for the JK and is another critical item that helps keep the arc of travel of the drag link and of the track bar in sync. The pitman arm lowers the attachment point of the drag link to bring their angles closer together. The drag link is used to adjust the steering wheel center. This is extremely important for the Electronic Stability Program (ESP). You can refer to your Owner's Manual on page 108 to the more insight into the ESP. | The front sway bar end links are double-disconnects. This feature works great for all JK models including the Rubicon with the electric sway bar disconnect. Consider it an extra back up if your Rubicon develops electrical problems. Assemble the end links using the hourglass bushings and steel sleeves. Attach eyes with the snap pins, and the end link to the sway bar using the factory hardware. The attach the sway bar to the axle. |
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| The front sway bar end links are double-disconnects. This feature works great for all JK models including the Rubicon with the electric sway bar disconnect. Consider it an extra back up if your Rubicon develops electrical problems. Assemble the end links using the hourglass bushings and steel sleeves. Attach eyes with the snap pins, and the end link to the sway bar using the factory hardware. The attach the sway bar to the axle. | The lower links have grease-able polyurethane bushings at the frame mount end and the rod ends at the axle end. They come unassembled so you can add a water-resistant synthetic based grease. Note the bushing is grooved around the sleeve to allow the grease to encase the entire sleeve for movement and longevity. |
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| The NG Rebuild-able Rod Ends have a unique feature, a separate ball joint with 'Pivot Plus' bolt inserts (see arrow). The distinctive 'V' shaped 'Pivot Plus' bolt inserts allow more rotation of the joint which factors into more articulation. | Skyjacker's system comes with relocation brackets for the extended length stainless steel braided front & rear brake lines. The units are D.O.T. certified and have a protective polymer coating to help resist the elements. Skyjacker's Hydro H7000 series shocks give a comfortable and controlled ride. |
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| The Hydro H7000 series unit supplies a needed boost to the control of the vehicle with its larger 35 inch tires and wider wheels. | Here's an overview of the finished front suspension from the driver's side. Everything is installed: Coils Springs, Bump Stops, Sway Bar End Links, Single Flex Lower Control Arms, Hydro Shocks, Brake lines & Relocation Bracket, ABS Lines, Pitman Arm, Steering Stabilizer. |
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| The rear track bar brace spans from the differential to Skyjacker's track bar bracket and is captured by 3 of the bolt holes on the differential cover. | Here's the money shot for all the work on the rear. The Softride rear coils, rear bump stops, sway bar end links, Single Flex lower links, brake line extension brackets, brake lines, rear shocks: everything is good to go and it is time to set it on the ground and install the new tires & wheels. |
