Mixing parts from different brands

[skatermania88]

I'm new to the whole lifting thing so if it's a stupid question just smack me in the back of the head or something . Well I'm about to lift my 92 explorer and I want to do it cheap and simple. I really don't want alot just enough to get clearance for 31's so I found skyjacker coils and pro comp add a leafs. that will raise it about 2 inches. I really don't think it matters but I'd like a second opinion. Any comments on good idea bad idea mixing the two different companies parts? Also will that give me enough clearance for the tires?Thanx

 

[jbhebert]

I'm new to the whole lifting thing so if it's a stupid question just smack me in the back of the head or something . Well I'm about to lift my 92 explorer and I want to do it cheap and simple. I really don't want alot just enough to get clearance for 31's so I found skyjacker coils and pro comp add a leafs. that will raise it about 2 inches. I really don't think it matters but I'd like a second opinion. Any comments on good idea bad idea mixing the two different companies parts? Also will that give me enough clearance for the tires?Thanx

If you do the research and properly match parts, it really doesn't matter where they come from. But why go to the trouble (and possible trial and error $$) when you can buy the 2" Skyjacker kit for $190 from Summit, and they've already done the work for you?

Just my $0.02.

 

[pughman]

f-150 spacers and war shackels = 100.00$ and 31's ..

 

[410Fortune]

You must be careful.
When we are talking about mixing parts on TTB lifts you just gotta do some checking.

Rules of thumb:

Most extended radius arms are made to be used with a certain amount of lift.
(IE Duff = 3-5", Rancho = 2", Skyjacker 4-8", Superlift, 4-8", etc)
The arm itself has the correct caster built in. If you dont have enough lift or too little it will not align.
Now I know guys who run Rancho arms with 6" of lift, and guys who run Duff arms upside down with 6" of lift, etc I have also seen Skyjacker arms run upside down and run 8-10" of lift. So there is and always has been alot of mix matching going on in the world of the TTB


Drop brackets; The same is true for the axle pivot brackets. they are built with a meaured amount of drop and in some cases the pivot point is also moved left to right.
This can be tricky and also get you in trouble.
If the bracket for a 4" lift kit only has 2" of actual drop, then the kit rely's on the new ball joint shim (camber adjuster) to correct the camber and make the kit work.
Adding a 6" coil to this kit would leave you with + camber.

+ camber on a ttb = dangerous and kills tires.


So be careful when you mix match parts.

My lift is made up of different manufacturer's and also uses custom beams to make it all work together, I have:
Superlift: 4" rubber brake lines, 2" drop pitman arm, Superrunner steering system
Skyjacker: 6" Ranger coils, extended radius arms
James Duff 2" axle pivot drop brackets
Rancho 9000 shocks

The only way to use a 6" coil with the 2" drop brackets was to build cut and turned TTB beams. it works well but I learned the hard way. If I could do it again I would skip all bolt on TTB kits and go with a custom beam kit. My next step is to ditch my stock coil buckets and shock mounts, I am going to run a 8" lift coil with only 5" of lift, thsi will increase my bump travel, which bolt on TTB kits seriously lack.

 

[skatermania88]

Hey thanks for the recomendation that is going to save me alot of time. I guess for future parts I should look around a little more

 

[SVO42]

I have the Skyjacker 2" lift coils (bought from a member here), Explorer Pro Comp 1.5" AAL, and Warrior shackles (from 4wheelparts). I got my 2" of lift and am very happy. I have no problems. I'm still running stock size tires but plan on getting some 32x11.50R15s. I don't mind a little trimming.

 

[Creager]

... I am going to run a 8" lift coil with only 5" of lift, thsi will increase my bump travel, which bolt on TTB kits seriously lack.

Are you going to utalize the duff axle-pivot drop bracket with the 5" of net-lift, or use a 2.75 camber shim?

I think camburg uses a shim with 4" bent beams for their 5" lift.

 

[skatermania88]

Where???

f-150 spacers and war shackels = 100.00$ and 31's ..

Hey where can I buy those? I've looked around but still

 

[410Fortune]

the F-150 spring seats are disscussed often on this forum and for sale alot on this forum.
they are a junk yard or dealer item

creager, yes I will keep my Duff pivot brackets for now, dont forget my beams are cut and turned for a 3" lift, also I will be moving my coil bucket up 1.5", so I will only actually be lifting the front an inch or so more then it sits now. Also I am currently using stock camber shims. 2" axle pivot drop with 3" cut and turned beams, 6" skyjacker coils (sagging) I have approx 4-5" of lift compared to a stock BII, but as far as my beams are concerned the camber is just like factory.