SKyjacker lift kit questions

[TexCaliBII]

All,
I'm in the middle of installing a Skyjacker front lift kit and need advice. I got the drop brackets installed and the axle swing arms back under the truck. I had to disconnect the radius arms from the axle housings and the cross member to get thewsing arm pivot bolts in. All went back together without a hitch until I was reinstalling the right axle shaft, it is now too long by an inch to even get the hub to mate up to the spindle. Now I have removed and installed these axles many times and have never had this issue before. Course I was not putting a lift kit on at thte time either. I can see and hear the inner shaft bottoming out in the pumkin stub shaft. Obviously the axle didn't grow so the only other way is the axle swing arm is somehow too far toward the middle of the truck. How can that be if the drop arms are in the corret spot? And I an see no way they can be installed in other way. I NEED this truck on the road. Please help!

 

[TexCaliBII]

I spoke to Skyjacker's tech line and they have nothing for me on this issue. All they could think was move the bolts to the 4 inch setting. What good is that if it's a 6 inch kit???? However, i"m going to try that and see if it allows me to install the axle shaft. Getting the springs back out and in again will be all kinds of fun. And if this works then I get to install washers or a puck to bring the nose of the truck back up. Has anyone run into this before?

 

[88_Eddie]

i dont think a lift kit should be giving you that kind of issue. make sure the middle axleshaft is all the way into the pumpkin. that's the only thing i can think of.

pics might help

 

[4x4junkie]

Set the axle beams level (take the coils out if need be). If the suspension is left hanging at full droop, it can cause what you are describing.

 

[TexCaliBII]

Well,
I pulled it all back out and reinstalled the swing arms from the upper holes. I noticed they were spaced out a bit further than the bottom holes. Everything went together much faster this time at least. Now everything fits. Didn't take any pics of the axle issue but that is resolved now. Here are some pics of the lift installed. Did a quick mark 1 eyeball toe in adjustement and took it for a spin around the block. Noticed right away the steering was wonky. After getting back and seeing the way the camber is sitting now explains the steering! Good thing I earler today ordered a drop pitman arm and Ingall adjustable camber bushings. I was hoping it would be close so I could drive it to work but I'll be bumming a ride to work again it seems. Thanks for the suggestions. Should I ever lift another one I at least will know what it takes and what to look out for. And yep I know I'll need some blocks in the rear. I was hoping the belltech shackles and expo leafs would work together for enought lift, guess not. Even like it is I can already tell the ride quality is light years better than it was on the stock suspension.