Question about 6" skyjacker lift and SOA, SUA

[Flex_Chris]

Okay this is my first explorer let alone 4x4 and so I have a few questions which I have done a search on but havent found a real definitive answer to what I am looking for... I am purchasing a 6" Skyjacket lift... It says it comes with a rear axle relocation kit (or something like that) and I am a little curious about what exactly that is. I also noticed alot of guys with lifted Explorers are converting from the SUA to the SOA. What exactly is the reason for this and is the "conversion" for this included with that lift kit or is this something I have to buy seperatley. If so can anyone point me in the right location of somewhere to buy something like this online. Thanks in advance!

Chris

 

[Lt.Jim]

I'm not real sure about the skyjacker, but, the reason most do a SOA is to gain lift. I think the relocation kit in that lift is the new spring perches to weld on the top of the axle to do the SOA.----Jut my theory I've never really looked into the skyjacker lift systems.

 

[Flex_Chris]

Upon further research I have found that they actually stopped making that Skyjacker kit so it looks like I am going to be going with the Superlift 5.5" lift kit. I think that will be close enough. I am not looking for a hardcore off road truck just something that I can 4x4 in the mud and have fun with every once in a while. Most of this will just be for looks. Anyhow the Superlift 5.5 kit also comes with the rear axle relocation which I am assuming involves welding on new perches like you mentioned. I would just like to confirm this with anyone who has this kit or one like it. Even after welding on new perches and everything it will still have the Spring Under Axle setup correct? I guess now I am really wondering what the benefit of converting to SOA is and where I locate the parts/kit to do this.

 

[bmxking5]

LMAO...the whole purpose of welding on new perches ON TO THE TOP OF THE AXLE is so that you can go SOA and therefore have a total of 5-6" of lift. The Skyjacker lift was discontinued, but can still be found on some online stores. The Superlift 5.5" kit comes with relocation brackets which are basically bolt on perches. They somehow connect to the stock ones (SUA) and I guess they go parallel with those so you can have SOA without welding and setting pinion angle. I've heard that these perches aren't really strong, but for your use, they should be fine. (If they were REALLY bad, they wouldn't make em anymore)

Since you said it's mainly for looks and playing around in every once in a while, you would be fine with the Superlift 5.5" lift. The main reason people go with the Skyjacker is because they are known to have the strongest brackets for our Explorers. If you don't plan on doing anything that's even close to "hardcore wheeling" then the Superlift sounds perfect for you.

 

[appx91]

I agree and 2nd that!

 

[Flex_Chris]

Thanks man. That answered everything I needed to know! Sorry for all the dumb questions. I have never owned a 4x4 I am coming from Ducatis and a E36 M3 lol.