Tuff Country radius arms

[ThatGuy]

If you like the JD arms now, you should see the prototype RBV arms that are even better. The one weak spot of the heimed JD arms has been where the 2x.375 wall tube stops and the plate steel takes over. Any pic of a broken arm has been in this area. The prototype arms are based off their EB arms where the tube runs the full length of the arm. The TTB mounts are 1/2" thick (the standard 1/4" like the arms now and another 1/4" piece welded on top to add strength). I'll see if I can get a pic but Suzy would prolly kill me for posting it when they haven't even tested them yet. They need more people in this area for testing purposes.........

 

[legoms013]

If you like the JD arms now, you should see the prototype RBV arms that are even better. The one weak spot of the heimed JD arms has been where the 2x.375 wall tube stops and the plate steel takes over. Any pic of a broken arm has been in this area. The prototype arms are based off their EB arms where the tube runs the full length of the arm. The TTB mounts are 1/2" thick (the standard 1/4" like the arms now and another 1/4" piece welded on top to add strength). I'll see if I can get a pic but Suzy would prolly kill me for posting it when they haven't even tested them yet. They need more people in this area for testing purposes.........

I like the sounds of this

 

[legoms013]

Well over all the JD arms are alot stronger build. They weight alot more then the Skyjacker arms do. I have had a SJ Class 2 under my truck for 12+years. I just swapped in JD stuff and over all I would say the JD stuff is beefier over all. I am sorry I failed to throw the JD arm on a scale before installing it but I do have side by side pics of the 2 arms. Also the JD arm seems to run inside the edge of the frame rail right up until it curves to connect to the Traction Beam. I really like the dual shock mount on the front end as well. With the JD stuff and a Dropped Pitman Arm my steering linkage is setting pretty damn close to the stock set up versus the amount of drop I had with the Sky Jacker. So far I have noticed a reduction in bump steer from that alone versus my skyjacker.

Do not take what I am saying the wrong way I am not against Sky Jacker in any way my kit served me very well for 12+ years. I never had any breakage issues with it.

The JD system also runs a variable rate spring which should improve the on raod manners of my truck over the Sky Jacker.

All in all both seem to be very high quality kits I am just liking the the JD over all more then the Skyjacker that has served me so well for so long and the added wow factor is the Kick Ass Ford Blue they chose to put on the parts.

You must have had an old set of Skyjacker arms correct? The ones I have (bought in 2007) run underneath the frame rails just like you describe the JD's you have.

James Duff makes great stuff. But my opinion of my Skyjacker arm is very upstanding, they have been great (so far, knock on wood ).

I heard Skyjacker redesigned their arms recently, and they no longer us a tube frame like mine, but instead use a plate steel/box approach. I am curious to say the least.

Not sure what you are saying about the bumpsteer, as either company both sells the appropriate parts to result in very little. You must have lost some lift height when switching to the JD stuff, as the only way to get bumpsteer to go away is to have matching drop brackets/steering linkage elevations. Skyjackers kits do not address this well, all they would have to do is bundle the 4" arm as opposed to the 2" arm they normally do. That is the only difference between JD and SJ bumpsteer-wise.

Either company makes great stuff thought. But I really applaud JD for offering aftermarket, BOLT ON coil buckets. No one else does that...

 

[michowski]

I run those and have no complaints. Easy install, seem to be durable. Few years running with em now.

 

[4x4junkie]

I heard Skyjacker redesigned their arms recently, and they no longer us a tube frame like mine, but instead use a plate steel/box approach. I am curious to say the least.

I have only seen pics of the new SJ arms, but they do look extremely beefy.
Their shape bears some resemblance to Superlift's arms, however they are fully boxed (unlike Superlift), and are either 3/8", or 1/2" thick at the axle ears, and are swept back further for tire clearance.


As for weight, I would take the lighter arm any day if they're both of sturdy construction.
I've yet to see anyone bust a SJ arm (with the exception of one that had been run with loose axle bolts), yet I have seen two busted JD arms (their current-design ones). It's awesome that they are addressing the issue though, as the rest of their lift is very well built (they still fall short with their steering corrections, however they aren't alone on that aspect).

they are for a ttb for sure but the pivot brackets dont look like full size.

No pivot brackets in the pic, those are radius arm brackets for the style bushing setup they use. The shock mount is on top of the arm, which is what the the F-150/fullsize Bronco uses (RBVs have it on the side).

 

[legoms013]

I have only seen pics of the new SJ arms, but they do look extremely beefy.
Their shape bears some resemblance to Superlift's arms, however they are fully boxed (unlike Superlift), and are either 3/8", or 1/2" thick at the axle ears, and are swept back further for tire clearance.


As for weight, I would take the lighter arm any day if they're both of sturdy construction.

Interesting about the new SJ arms.

And I am in agreement about light is better (if the strength is the same). Less unsprung weight the better. I am thinking my truck is at least 4k lbs when all dressed for trail, before my gear and food. Thats getting up there pretty heavy in my book....

 

[RICO9]

I just got this set of the Rancho arms. I still haven't got a chance to try them out though. I haven't heard much about them. Any opinions? they look a little iffy to me but I got a good deal on them.