We recently installed a 4-inch Skyjacker suspension on a brand-new '10 Ford F-150 in a garage with handtools just to prove it was possible. If you're an off-roader, hopefully you know how to spin a wrench, because you may end up needing to in the backwoods. But what if you just bought a new truck and want to fit taller tires. Do you need a shop to do all the work? Not necessarily. The swap took two experienced off-roaders two long days, plus a few specialty tools were employed and the truck required an alignment afterward. It wasn't a complete home job, but pretty darn close. While most new truck buyers would probably drop off their ride at the local 4xShop and pay for these upgrades (and we're not saying you shouldn't, as most shops are run by experienced professionals who can get the job done right), it's just good to know that it's still possible to do the work at home. Our guinea pig is a '09 Platinum Edition Ford F-150. The owner had already upgraded to some knobby BFGs but was ready to go to a taller tire.Our guinea pig is a '09 Platinum Edition Ford F-150. The owner had already upgraded to som Whether you're working in your home garage, at a professional shop, or in the dirt lot out back, always use proper jackstands to support the vehicle. It also doesn't hurt to slide the wheels and tires under the framerails just in case the jackstands fail.Whether you're working in your home garage, at a professional shop, or in the dirt lot out Pulling the steering tie-rod ends is one of those steps that may require special tools. If you're lucky a good hit with a hammer on the end of the knuckle will pop the joint loose, but you may need a puller.Pulling the steering tie-rod ends is one of those steps that may require special tools. If Breaking highly torqued bolts loose may take some good old-fashioned Egyptian leverage. Power tools like impact guns are a luxury many of you have, but if you don't, slide a piece of tube or pipe over a wrench or socket. Be warned: Some low-dollar tools won't survive this stress.Breaking highly torqued bolts loose may take some good old-fashioned Egyptian leverage. Po Dropping the front axlehousing is when you'll be glad you bribed your buddy to come over and help with a full fridge of cold beverages. A transmission jack would allow one person to drop it but is not a necessity.Dropping the front axlehousing is when you'll be glad you bribed your buddy to come over a A part of the frame needs to be cut in order to mount the new Skyjacker drop bracket for the front axle.A part of the frame needs to be cut in order to mount the new Skyjacker drop bracket for t You could cut this with a hacksaw (or a file if you've got lots of time), but a reciprocating saw, a grinder with a cutoff wheel, or a plasma cutter will be quicker for sure.You could cut this with a hacksaw (or a file if you've got lots of time), but a reciprocat The unique feature of this Skyjacker suspension is that it can be set up for either 4 or 6 inches of suspension lift. This is done by adding various spacers on the coilover shock. These spacers change the mounting height of the coil spring and thus the overall lift.The unique feature of this Skyjacker suspension is that it can be set up for either 4 or 6 Disassembling and reassembling the coilover shock is the most difficult step for the home mechanic. You can rent a coil-spring compressor from your local auto parts store, or you can throw the shocks on the back of your bicycle and ride them over to the local 4x4 shop that has a spring compressor.Disassembling and reassembling the coilover shock is the most difficult step for the home You will also need to replace the steering knuckles to these taller CNC-machined Skyjacker units. These are part of the reason the Skyjacker kit requires a 20-inch wheel. We outfitted the F-150 with BMF wheels and 35x12.50R20 Nitto Trail Grappler tires. The 4-inch setting clears 35-inch rubber, while the 6-inch setting clears 37s.You will also need to replace the steering knuckles to these taller CNC-machined Skyjacker The rear suspension is pretty straightforward with a new leaf pack, though the design of the Ford truck required dropping the fuel tank to remove the bolt in the front of the driver-side leaf spring. Some drilling is necessary for the parking brake cable bracket as well.The rear suspension is pretty straightforward with a new leaf pack, though the design of t Home Wrenching: is it worth it? Considering all the tools required for this suspension install and the fact that most new truck owners simply hire someone else to do the work, we doubt most of you will follow what we did. However, with any vehicle it's good to know what's going on underneath, and just because your truck has IFS you shouldn't be scared to sling some wrenches at it. Take your time and follow the Skyjacker instructions, and you'll be back in the dirt in a matter of days. You may not want to do it, but you could. SOURCES Nitto Tire 6021 Katella Avenue Suite 250 Cypress CA 90630 877-565-8448 www.nittotire.com BMF Wheels 1401 N. Batavia Street Suite 107 Orange CA 92867 888-313-2580 www.bmfwheels.com Skyjacker Suspensions P.O. Box 1678 West Monroe LA 71294 318-338-0816 www.skyjacker.com McGard 3875 California Road Orchard Park NY 14127 800-444-5847 www.mcgard.com By Fred Williams Enjoyed this Post? Subscribe to our RSS Feed, or use your favorite social media to recommend us to friends and colleagues!
