Skyjacker suspension and handling issues

[rtd16]

I picked up an 04 TJ that came with a 4" Skyjacker lift. I'm not sure if it has the dual rate springs or not but it does have the Skyjacker lower control arms, shocks, stabilizing links and transfer case drop spacers. The Jeep seems pretty unstable to me with this lift (I've driven lifted vehicles before for comparison). I wouldn't say it is the 'death wobble' but it definitely seems to dive and leap when it hits bumps, a white-knuckler to drive.
I've never had a Skyjacker lift. Is this something corrected with a different set of Shocks - are the Skyjackers generally pretty good? Or is there something else to help steady out the handling. I'd rather not do a whole lift kit so I am curious if there are options out there. Thanks

 

[TheBoogieman]

Pics or it never happened. I'd remove everything Skyjacker and start over from scratch.

 

[Chris]

Skyjacker is what most would consider to be a low quality brand. Definitely not something you’d want to waste your own money on.

Post some photos of your steering and track bar setup for starters. It’s likely that you’re experiencing bump steer or other issues due to potential drop pitman arms or drop track bar brackets.

 

[rtd16]

Here are pics of the current set up. Looks like a Rancho stabilizer. It looks like it doesn't have the track bar drop bracket. Not sure about the pitman arm.

 

[John Cooper]

Dropped pitman arm for sure needs to go!!!!!!

 

[rtd16]

So go back to a stock pitman arm?

 

[CMBD]

So go back to a stock pitman arm?

Yes.

Is the axle centered?

 

[John Cooper]

So go back to a stock pitman arm?

Yes and add an adjustable track bar!!

 

[rtd16]

Thanks, I’ll check on the axle centering tomorrow. I’ve heard the term bump steer before, I thought that had to do with the parallelism of the track bar and drag link. They seem parallel to me. If I pull the drop pitman arm should I go with a track bar bracket?

 

[jjvw]

Thanks, I’ll check on the axle centering tomorrow. I’ve heard the term bump steer before, I thought that had to do with the parallelism of the track bar and drag link. They seem parallel to me. If I pull the drop pitman arm should I go with a track bar bracket?

All you care about is preserving the factory mounting locations for both the track bar and drag link. A factory pitman arm will do this for you.

If you go by what you think is parallel by looking at it you will be incorrect and misguided. Contrary to popular belief, from the factory the track bar and drag link are neither parallel to each other, nor are they the same length. However, both are in a proper relationship with each other. Do not screw this up.

 

[AndyG]

Thanks, I’ll check on the axle centering tomorrow. I’ve heard the term bump steer before, I thought that had to do with the parallelism of the track bar and drag link. They seem parallel to me. If I pull the drop pitman arm should I go with a track bar bracket?

No. Your track bar is mounted stock, the pitman needs to be stock.

The axles need to be centered.

You need to learn the dry test to check all connections.

You need to check your caster and make sure it’s north of 5 degrees.

That Jeep’s lived in a harsh environment and needs attention.

 

[TheBoogieman]

Looks like the tie rod end connected to the drag link is shot. Now's a good time for a ZJ tie rod upgrade.

 

[TheBoogieman]

Yes and add an adjustable track bar!!

The PO did this. Look closely under the rust.

 

[rtd16]

Thanks for all the replies. I opted for a stock pitman arm, adjustable track bar and new tie rods (I'm going to go ahead and do the ZJ upgrade). Parts should be in this week and I'll update when I swap them out.

 

[John Cooper]

Thanks for all the replies. I opted for a stock pitman arm, adjustable track bar and new tie rods (I'm going to go ahead and do the ZJ upgrade). Parts should be in this week and I'll update when I swap them out.

While your waiting on parts start soaking everything down with Kroil and evaluating the rust situation!!!!!

Yes I am from the South and I think that rust would scare me away.........

 

[rtd16]

Will do
Also I’m in upstate New York. That rust looks like a practically new chassis around here

 

[rtd16]

Well I swapped everything out today. Went with the ZJ tie rod upgrade, Rough Country adjustable track bar, new stablizer and stock pitman arm. Ensured the axle was centered, did a tape measure alignment as close as I could get on the wheels. It still drives and handles about the same. Here's a photo of the previous set up with lines showing the track bar and drag link line up. The photo before the work shows them way out of whack, the after photo shows them pretty close to parallel. I don't get it. I also aired down the tires from 32 psi to 28 psi before I did all the work. That made a difference but not much. Seems like all this work was for nothing.

 

[John Cooper]

Well I swapped everything out today. Went with the ZJ tie rod upgrade, Rough Country adjustable track bar, new stablizer and stock pitman arm. Ensured the axle was centered, did a tape measure alignment as close as I could get on the wheels. It still drives and handles about the same. Here's a photo of the previous set up with lines showing the track bar and drag link line up. The photo before the work shows them way out of whack, the after photo shows them pretty close to parallel. I don't get it. I also aired down the tires from 32 psi to 28 psi before I did all the work. That made a difference but not much. Seems like all this work was for nothing.

View attachment 553253View attachment 553254

What size tire??? I'm running my 33 12.50 15 at 25-26psi.

 

[rtd16]

285/75R16s, basically 33s

 

[John Cooper]

285/75R16s, basically 33s

Drop your tire pressure down a little more, see how it does.