Superlift 5.5" vs Skyjacker 6" for 91 XLT

[91EXNM]

Superlift 5.5" vs Skyjacker 6" for 91 XLT 4x4

OK heres one for all the Pros. I have read & researched these 2 kits til my eyes hurt. I have seen many of both and would like to have some direct input from anyone that has either installed one of these on thier X.

Also debating how much it will change the truck if i put in the extra $$ for the extended radius arms.

I am looking for any info also if there is anything else you have to mod after installing these kits to complete the lift. I am slightly confuzed of they come with what you need for the SOA for the rear or if you have to do a SOA separate?

If anyone has links to their pics of before/after for one of these I would also greatly appreciate the links.

I am going to be getting the kit (one of em) ASAP and installing it on my kids truck for Christmas. Hey you only live once and why not make your kids happy.

Best price ive found so far is round $850 for the skyjacker and $800 for the skylift. Anyone know where i can beat these??

Thanks in advance for anyone willing to help


Big D in NM

 

[CarFreak146]

I'm as interested as you are..... just subscribing.

 

[Con Seann3ry]

Yeah...i was looking at these kits for my 94 xlt too and from what I've read the skyjacker is the better made kit, I don't know. Another question, do you have to extend drive shafts on these kits?

 

[unclemeat]

If you do a search you will find more information than you will want to read on this subject. You shoul not need to extend driveshafts. Just be aware that the lift is only the begining. Tires and wheels, gears, and engine modification will likely follow.

 

[Webster3]

If you consider 4" things get a lot easier... my Skyjacker kit is great and it includes new rear leafs. You don't need the SOA in that case. If you want to go 6" I'd still recommends the Skyjacker just because I am impressed by the quality so far. You may have to extend one or both of the driveshafts but some on here have done that lift without that.

What is your gearing? If you have 3.73 you could go up to 33's w/o regearing but if you are 3.27 you may need to regear now.

Hope that helps a little.

Ed

 

[CarFreak146]

the only problem I've found with tht eSkyjacker kit is that Skyjacker now longer makes the 6" lift for out 4wd explorers. I called them a few weeks ago after discovering that the kit was no longer on their site, and when I asked them why they weren't on there anymore I got this response::

"We stopped making them b/c demand wasn't high enough."

so, in other words, they are gettin harder to find.

 

[RFR2212]

All I've read is awhile back Skyjacker claimed they weren't selling the explorer lift b/c they were redesigning it. Guess not. Well I was one who dished out the cash for the Class II lift, and for the TTB lifts, was well worth it. When I was young and dumb, I would take the truck jumping on occasion. There's a nice train crossing that's nice 'n steep, and is 3 tracks wide. I would jump at least half way over the crossing (yeah with the boggers on) and it was smooth as can be, and the suspension was strong as ever. The rear leaves flexed well, considering they were 4in lift springs (had them and custom shackles which made 5-6in of lift) All the hardware was super strong and nothing broke on it. Tough as nails, and if I were to do a TTB lift again, I'd definately go with skyjacker again!

 

[Webster3]

Originally posted by CarFreak146
the only problem I've found with tht eSkyjacker kit is that Skyjacker now longer makes the 6" lift for out 4wd explorers. I called them a few weeks ago after discovering that the kit was no longer on their site, and when I asked them why they weren't on there anymore I got this response::

"We stopped making them b/c demand wasn't high enough."

so, in other words, they are gettin harder to find.

I think the 4" kit is still able to be converted to 6" though right? With mine you just change the location of the bolts on the TTB brackets and it becomes a 6" lift.

You could just then do a SOA on the rear along with some shackles or something I guess.

91EXNM: What size tires do you want to fit?

Ed

 

[CarFreak146]

that would work I guess, but you'd have to also buy the 6" coils so your alignment stays the same.

 

[RFR2212]

Yes the 4in lift can go to 6in by changing the bolts and getting the 6in coils, cause I've done it

 

[CarFreak146]

hey RFR2212.... was it cheaper doing that, than buying the 6" kit??

 

[410Fortune]

Skyjacker is a good kit. The superlift is decent.

All bolt on kits have their quirks, mostly fitment issues.

After seeing many kits get installed the Skyjacker kit has the least problems.


If you dont get the extended radius arms you are only slightly improving the ride. The extended arms are required for more wheel travel and are the single best improvement you can make to the TTB.

Also their are other kits on the market to consider, Camburg makes a nice setup so Does AutoFab.
These kits are more performance based, the bolt on kits like Skyjacker will do wonders to improve the ride and ability of your truck.

But some thought and research should be done about setiing up a real long travel TTB suspension before you go and drop a ton of $$$ on a kit.
Heim joint radius arms, cut and turned beams, extended track width, etc etc are all things to consider. Mostly it comes down to what you want to use th etruck for, how much you are willing to spend, and how long you plan to keep the trcuk.

 

[91EXNM]

Thanks for all the replys. Still interested in hearing more from anyone that has info.

Im looking to put 33's on it when its done although maybe 35's eventually. Looking into a 3" body lift also to get it up for the 35's although wont do that right away.

I havent looked into what the rear end is yet so not sure, ( need to get that figured out ) and have read the threads about needing to regear for 33s or above, what is the problems you face if you put on 33s and dont regear ?

The best deal i have found is thru 4wheelparts for the superlift @ 800 but would still like to find the skylift 6" class II since everything ive seen seems to lean toward it being the better quality kit. Anyone that knows where i can get one let me know.... they seem hard to find... specially for less than a mint.

 

[unclemeat]

I have a 5.5-inch superlift with 33x12.5 tires. I am satisfied with it. Cost was important in my decision. I only wheel a handful of times a year. I try not to abuse my equipment. Wheel yard on Saturday, work hard on Sunday. If I need to upgrade then the solid axle swap would be my next modification. The skyjacker kit for the Ranger will work for the Explorer, but it does not include the rear axle lift.

 

[91EXNM]

unclemeat i would like to see a pic of yours if it is available. Where / how much did u get your 5.5 if you dont mind me asking. Did you have to get anything that did not come with the kit or did it give you eveything you needed?

Still debating on if i should put out the extra money for the extended radius arms or not. What shocks do you have on yours unclemeat?

You said you have 33s on yours, do you have any problem with rubbing? And did you regear the rear end? Im still looking for some input on the regearing issue.

Thanks for the responses

 

[Con Seann3ry]

If you regear you have to regear both the front and the back end, what gears do you have in there now? If you don't know do a search for the axle codes and check. If you have 3.73 you'll be on the edge of regearing but it will work, and if you have 4.10s then you should be good for 33s.

 

[AlaskanJack]

Ok well here it goes.

I have a 91 Sport with a Superlift 5.5" lift and Extended Radius arms.

My buddy just installed a Skyjacker 4-6" lift on his 93 Sport. He had to buy the one for the Ranger. A shop did his rear SOA for 150. He is now looking to get Extended arms drom James Duff he likes them better than Skyjacker. He added leaf packs from a 4dr Explorer and f150 spacers up front.

My set up is the same in front and I am sitting 1" taller than he is and his tires are 1" taller than mine.

From this I gather that the Superlift is actually taller than the Skyjacker.

We are both running Skyjacker shocks. I used the Skyjacker extended brake lines and he used the Superlift extended brake lines. I like the Superlift lines better.

We both had to have new rear driveshaft lengths as the slip shaft wanted to fall out. I am running 4.10's and he is running 4.56's. 4.10's work fine for me with an automatic and he has a 5 spd and the 4.56's work better.

He is still using his 2.25 degree camber bushings. I have the super runner steering from superlift and it works great for bump steer.

Just trying to give you random thoughts.

My Ex

NAK4AF's Ex after lift with my 35 on front and 32's elsewhere

Our rears after his lift me 35's and him 32's

 

[AlaskanJack]

Here is a pic of his Ex with his new 35's

 

[91EXNM]

AlaskanJack .... all I can say is your post was rverything I have been looking for. There have been alot of great responses to my string and I really appreciate them all. You have me convinced to go with the Superlift 5.5. I still need to find out what rear end I have (will work on that tomorrow).

So you both had to get extended rear driveshafts i get from your post? did you all get yours extended or just buy longer shafts? If so where did you get them from? And if you dont mind how much did you end up paying for the kit and the extended radius arms? I guess they (radius arms) were worth the extra $ ?

You said that yours has the 35s on it, do you have any problems at all with any rubbing with the 35s? Mine is a 91 XLT (4dr) so Im not sure if there will be any real difference betwen yours and mine after the lift.

Was there a reason that you all went with the skyjacker shocks instead of the ones from superlift?

I really appreciate all of the info you gave, it has really helped, especially being able to see your ride and way the kit looks. btw really nice Ex !! Your pst is what these forums is all about, us helpin each other out, (and gettin to a little braggin bout our trucks while were at it lol).

Mucho thanks and lookin to hear more

 

[unclemeat]

The lift was approximately $1,500 installed. I got a total of three estimates, they were all about the same. I choose the autherized superlift dealer to the work. That included extended brake lines. It was the basic kit, no extended radius arms, or steering add ons. I had two ball joints replaced during the lift installation. I have also had the radius arm bushings replaced. I have the superlift shocks, they are adequate most of the time. However, in very bumpy conditions they fade and perform poorly. I have 15x8-inch wheels with 3.75-inch backspacing. The tires will rub on the swaybar when turned near full lock, but it is not a problem. You are also gong to want to add a steering stabilizer, I got a James Duff. It has been a little over a year since I lifted the X and I still get a stupid little grin when I drive it around. Good luck.