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Skyjacker radius arm installation issue.


JMF661

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Hello All,
Trying to finish up the installation of a skyjacker 4 inch lift on my 1994 4x4. I had hung the driver side beam, however the radius arm was “stuck” and would not pivot toward the center of the truck enough to stab it into the new radius arm mount. Upon closer inspection the inside of the radius arm is getting snagged up on a structural component of the beam.
It seams like the easiest solution would be to shave down this raised edge to allow for an appropriate amount of clearance, maybe sacrificing some amount of structural integrity 🤔.
Does anyone have any previous experience with this issue, or any thoughts or opinions.
 

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ericbphoto

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In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice, they are different.
Yup. I took the grinder to the lip you have circled. Everything is fine so far.
 

Uncle Gump

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ericbphoto

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Ford Ranger
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6"
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My credo
In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice, they are different.
I'm soooooooooo jealous of the rust free trucks you folks have...

Ya'll just can't comprehend what we deal with... kiss my big white rusty ass... and have a nice day.
193BD1DE-9B4C-4B3E-9F9A-FD1F457262A6.gif
 

bobbywalter

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sawzall?
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it is easier to fix and understand than "her"
Flapper wheel. Are these arms left right specific? I was reading about a higher clearance arm potential somewhere.

Don't remember who it was
 

ericbphoto

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My credo
In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice, they are different.
Flapper wheel. Are these arms left right specific? I was reading about a higher clearance arm potential somewhere.

Don't remember who it was
I think they are R/L specific due to caster angles.
 

JMF661

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They are side specific. No salt use does wonders for old pickup trucks 😃
 

JMF661

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Looking at the leading edge of the radius arm and looking at the edge of the Ibeam, pretty sure I’m going to follow others advice and smooth the Ibeam down with a flapper wheel. I’ll report back with some results.
 

JMF661

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31” x 10.5”
So, ended up shaving down the structural protrusion until I was beginning to get into the aluminum diff case. Was able to get everything together and it seemed to cycle just fine, no binding. All chassis and suspension components are locked and torqued. Now I just need to put the hubs back together.
566DF4A2-6375-43C8-8027-75C65E0018CF.jpeg
1E0B2BF3-4273-4B71-94A1-E8DA4482E3A7.jpeg
 
Last edited by a moderator:

JMF661

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Location
Montana
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1994
Make / Model
Ford Ranger XLT
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
Stock
Tire Size
31” x 10.5”
After reassembly of the steering links and hubs, it is obvious that the drop pitman arm doesn’t return the steering assembly to anything near the factory setup. This was expected. Will definitely have to dial back and lengthen the end links to get the steering knuckles even close to facing the same direction.
 

JMF661

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Ford Ranger XLT
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Transmission
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2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
Stock
Tire Size
31” x 10.5”
Yup. I took the grinder to the lip you have circled. Everything is fine so far.
Did you install a skyjacker 4inch lift? If so, did you use the upper or lower holes for you axel pivot points.
I used the upper holes and it sure looks like I need to switch to the lower.
 

bobbywalter

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V8
Engine Size
BIGGER
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
sawzall?
Tire Size
33-44
My credo
it is easier to fix and understand than "her"
Which radius arm brackets?
 

ericbphoto

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Ford Ranger
Engine Type
3.0 V6
Engine Size
3.0L
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
6"
Tire Size
35"
My credo
In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice, they are different.
Did you install a skyjacker 4inch lift? If so, did you use the upper or lower holes for you axel pivot points.
I used the upper holes and it sure looks like I need to switch to the lower.
I installed the 6" kit. Used the lower holes.
 

JMF661

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Location
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1994
Make / Model
Ford Ranger XLT
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
Stock
Tire Size
31” x 10.5”
The skyjacker replacement front pivot points have a lower and upper hole for the Ibeams. I should’ve used the lower points to gain a better camber angle.
 

JMF661

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Location
Montana
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1994
Make / Model
Ford Ranger XLT
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
Stock
Tire Size
31” x 10.5”
I installed the 6" kit. Used the lower holes.
Got another question for you! On the rear did you install the new skyjacker leafs, if so did you eliminate the factory block/bump stop?
 

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