Adding two inch spacers to 4" Skyjacker lift
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 208
Likes: 0
From: edmond, ok
Adding two inch spacers to 4" Skyjacker lift
Other than driveshafts what else does anyone suggest that I do before I add 2" spacers to my lift? Will I need new shocks or will the shocks with a 4" lift still give me plenty of movement at full flex? Any other suspension components i need to add? Any ifno would be greatly apreciated!! 
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 11,463
Likes: 165
From: Austin <--> Colorado Springs
Which 4" lift? We'll need to know the components you have to give better advice.
If it's the one without arms, you'll need at least one set of adj CA's front and back. All 4 sets would be better.
If it's the one with replacement fixed arms, you'll need one set of adj CA's in front. (at least)
If it had CAMS, you'll probably want to pull them out, have the holes welded up, and get adjustables.
If it has trackbar brackets, you will likely need different brackets, or adj trackbars. (or live with the axles being further off-center)
Does it have adj front links? If so, will they extend long enough? If not, you might need to replace.
I have no experience with those shocks, but my guess would be that they are not long enough, and they will limit your travel.
You might need more bumpstop, longer brake lines or relo's, etc
If it's the one without arms, you'll need at least one set of adj CA's front and back. All 4 sets would be better.
If it's the one with replacement fixed arms, you'll need one set of adj CA's in front. (at least)
If it had CAMS, you'll probably want to pull them out, have the holes welded up, and get adjustables.
If it has trackbar brackets, you will likely need different brackets, or adj trackbars. (or live with the axles being further off-center)
Does it have adj front links? If so, will they extend long enough? If not, you might need to replace.
I have no experience with those shocks, but my guess would be that they are not long enough, and they will limit your travel.
You might need more bumpstop, longer brake lines or relo's, etc
Last edited by nthinuf; Oct 7, 2009 at 10:23 AM.
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 208
Likes: 0
From: edmond, ok
The kit I got came with New non adjustable arms and longer sway bar links wich i want to replace because they are a pain in the a$$ to disconnect. It came with a track bar bracket. I planned on getting longer brake lines and just getting new better shocks. Just out of curiousity what will the adjustable CAs and trackbar help??
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 11,463
Likes: 165
From: Austin <--> Colorado Springs
With fixed 'stock' arms, you have no way to adjust your caster. You got new longer/shorter arms with your kit to adjust it specifically for 'that' lift height. If you add 2", your caster will be off again, causing more flightyness, bumpsteer, etc. The adjustable arms simply let you adjust the caster to improve the handling again. (the other option is new longer/shorter fixed arms for a 6" kit, or Cam bolts which the majority of people here will not recommend you use)
Here is the blurb from the FAQ:
You have trackbar brackets now, that have re-centered your axles for the axle shift that happens from lifting. When you add the spacers, both axles will shift over so they are not centered under your jeep any more. Depending on how far they are offset, you could run into issues with esp/bas, rubbing, whatever else.
Anyway, see how it looks and drives after you add the spacers, then decide if either are an issue.
Here is the blurb from the FAQ:
Q: What is Caster? How much do I need?
A: Caster is the angle upon which your front axle sits at in order to help keep your Jeep driving straight. Positive caster, which is what you want, will cause your axle to sit in a way that your pinion shaft will be dipping ever so slightly towards the ground. Too little or even negative caster angle can cause your Jeep to wander and feel 'flighty' or 'darty' as I've heard some people call it. From the factory, your JK will have +4.2° of caster and if you lift it and install larger tires, you will need to increase this amount to help compensate for the modifications. At 3"-4" of lift, I have found that +6°~8° of caster will do wonders to help improve the handling of your Jeep JK Wrangler.
A: Caster is the angle upon which your front axle sits at in order to help keep your Jeep driving straight. Positive caster, which is what you want, will cause your axle to sit in a way that your pinion shaft will be dipping ever so slightly towards the ground. Too little or even negative caster angle can cause your Jeep to wander and feel 'flighty' or 'darty' as I've heard some people call it. From the factory, your JK will have +4.2° of caster and if you lift it and install larger tires, you will need to increase this amount to help compensate for the modifications. At 3"-4" of lift, I have found that +6°~8° of caster will do wonders to help improve the handling of your Jeep JK Wrangler.
Q: Why do I need an adjustable front track bar?
A: After installing a lift, your front axle will shift over to one side and an adjustable front track bar will allow you to reenter it.
A: After installing a lift, your front axle will shift over to one side and an adjustable front track bar will allow you to reenter it.
Last edited by nthinuf; Oct 7, 2009 at 12:40 PM.
JK Junkie
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,343
Likes: 1
From: The San Andreas Fault
The kit I got came with New non adjustable arms and longer sway bar links wich i want to replace because they are a pain in the a$$ to disconnect. It came with a track bar bracket. I planned on getting longer brake lines and just getting new better shocks. Just out of curiousity what will the adjustable CAs and trackbar help??
I know the angle in the photo is deceiving, but it looks like it took the rake out plus some, but the rear doesn't appear 4" higher than stock.
I have a 3.5" kit that raised the vehicle a full 5". If I added 2" spacers I would need a lift kit for myself.
Is yours a 2 or 4 door? Is this picture any better? 