Why Do People Dislike Skyjacker Lifts?

I’m looking at a 4” Skyjacker lift now, plus replacing my front track bar with a Steinjager. The guy helping me with install has a habit of driving his installs until it’s “dialed in,” so I’ve got high hopes (for now 😂)

You're in the midst of making a terrible decision if you actually are seriously considering a 4" SkyJacker lift 🤦‍♂️
 
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Don’t have a grand to drop on an OME or something like that. Comes with what I need. From what I’ve seen, RC and SJ get a lot of hate, but not everyone can skip “entry level” lifts.
 
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Don’t have a grand to drop on an OME or something like that. Comes with what I need. From what I’ve seen, RC and SJ get a lot of hate, but not everyone can skip “entry level” lifts.

you don't have to have a grand. Have you read through this thread? Zone is a much better lift either if you stay with it or if you build on it later.

https://zoneoffroad.com/products/425-in-combo-lift-kit-1997-2006-jeep-wrangler-tj
pair that lift with a set of Rancho RS5000x's and you have a decent starting point for $650.
 
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Don’t have a grand to drop on an OME or something like that. Comes with what I need. From what I’ve seen, RC and SJ get a lot of hate, but not everyone can skip “entry level” lifts.

With lifts it's pay me now or pay me later. Save up to buy a better lift, you won't regret it. While an entry level kit might include the components you will need, the quality is what most people are trying to steer you away from. You won't be saving any money if a year or two later you need to replace worn out components.
 
Skyjacker shocks are the harshest things I've ever rode on. I've tried them on Yj, TJ, and JK. They all suck. I have them on my TJ and can't wait to get rid of them.

As far as lifts are concerned, look at the Zone kits. They're highly regarded for a "budget" lift.

Also, steer clear of Steinjager. They suck.
 
Don’t have a grand to drop on an OME or something like that. Comes with what I need. From what I’ve seen, RC and SJ get a lot of hate, but not everyone can skip “entry level” lifts.

Of course you can skip entry level lifts. Don't buy one, wait til you have more money. I have had my share of low end lift kits. They were all crap, and I replaced them with higher end parts out of need (springs sagged, shocks leaked). And I wish I had known better, I was not on sites like this 20 years ago when I bought shitty Rough country and Black diamond lift kits. You are here on this forum being told not to do it. So, there's that.
 
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I have a skyjacker lift from the previous owner. The shocks that do their job do it VERY poorly, but the good thing is one of the rear shocks is almost brand new because the shock eye came off the bushing and now the shock does literally nothing.
 
My experience so far has been:

previous owner had a shitty lift and it rode like crap... any time I went over bumps/railroad tracks I felt like my back would break from how stiff it was my wife hated it and thought I made a mistake buying the Jeep... Heck I thought I made a mistake because it rode so bad. I even had a shock spray oil all over the backside because it went out within a week of ownership.

I replaced everything with a good quality lift and man has it made a difference no longer is it stiff and rough no longer am I going all over the road. It just glides now... It doesn't sound like everything is going to fall out in the cabin no more rattling from interior plastics no more vibrations... I had a small problem with my suspension with a washer that was installed but not needed and I was happy but now that I fixed that it's amazing I can let go of the steering wheel at 70 mph and keep going straight.

Oh and my wife also complimented the Jeep last time she rode in it and said she guesses it was money well spent because she now finally can see the fruits of my labor and money lol
 
I’m looking at a 4” Skyjacker lift now, plus replacing my front track bar with a Steinjager. The guy helping me with install has a habit of driving his installs until it’s “dialed in,” so I’ve got high hopes (for now 😂)
There’s nothing to ‘dial in’ on a lift like that. It’s simply ‘bolt on.’ I wouldn’t keep my hopes up. It’s gonna ride like a box of rocks.
 
My Jeep had a skyjacker lift when I bought it. I have replaced the control arms with adjustable but still have skyjacker springs and shocks. Jeep rides pretty nice. I will be replacing the shocks but it is just fine for now.
 
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There’s nothing to ‘dial in’ on a lift like that. It’s simply ‘bolt on.’ I wouldn’t keep my hopes up. It’s gonna ride like a box of rocks.

Solid advice. Unfortunately it wont be followed. Skyjacker is for the street, with buckboard wagon like spring rates and shocks. I have zone 4" coils myself. Not a big fan, "OK" at best. The rest of my Zone kit was mediocre at best and is gone. Should have purchased Currie 4" coils right out of the shoot. There's 2 options, you like performance, or you don't.