Skyjacker Radius Arms!

[neggen32]

Hey guys, after looking in to a Skyjacker lift kit I noticed that a few years ago they changed their radius arm design from tube construction to a box construction. I kinda like the look of the older ones more and they can also be bought separately online for a bit less than the new radius arms that come in the kit. However, I'm not sure if the new design is actually improved or if they just changed it because it was easier or cheaper to manufacture. It would also be more convenient to just buy the whole kit at once. Does anyone have experience with either of these designs or any insight as to which would be a better route? I don't do any heavy duty wheeling but enjoy going out on trails and think the benefits of the extended arms would be worth it.

 

[Curious Hound]

I just installed the new style and I think they are fine. They are boxed in and seem like there should be lots of strength there.

There is an issue sometimes with clearance on the back of the driver side axle beam. I had to do a bunch of grinding on my axle beam to get the proper fit. I don't know if the older style had the same issue. I think I have photos in my thread that show where the grinding has to be done. If not, I'll post some later.

 

[neggen32]

Thank you! Yeah I've heard about people having clearance issues but I wasn't sure if that was with the new style or the old. I'll see if I can find the photos you posted!

 

[4x4junkie]

A buddy of mine has had the old style radius arms on his Supercab truck for 15 years. He wheels it pretty hard too (going most of the same places I take my BII, short of Dusy, Rubicon, etc.) without issue. I remember the same clearance issue where the arm fits against the axle beam that required some grinding, so it sounds like nothing changed there when they redesigned the arms.

IMO, the tube style Skyjacker arms were one of the best arm designs ever to come from a high-volume manufacturer for our trucks. I can recall only one post about a busted SJ arm on the many forums I've frequented, and there was some question as to whether the bolts to the axle were tightened properly. I haven't examined the newer boxed arms hands-on yet, but studying pics of them, nothing jumped out at me to hint at any weaknesses on them either (nor have I heard of any failures yet).

I would say either design should do you fine.

 

[bobbywalter]

they are decent arms, i think the early style have better caster and are stronger.

the later is max strength and simplified manufacturing.

whatever was cheaper would likely be what i would choose if it is more then 50 bux overall.

 

[BLOODBANE]

I have a set kinda like those but they are the SuperLift arms. I have never had any issues out of mine and I think that SkyJacker was a better company.

 

[neggen32]

Thanks guys! I ended up finding a good deal on the newer box style ones, they'll be here in a few days. Appreciate the advice

 

[Curious Hound]

Great. If you have other questions, don't hesitate to ask.

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