Big Blue's Transformation

[Gary Lewis]

Just talked with Erik at Sky.  He confirmed I have the right stuff.  But, this kit's only been out a couple of months so he wants to work with me on how well it goes on.  I'll be taking pics, measurements, etc.  IOW, an 8-page microanalysis.  

[salans7]

They have the right person, provided what they want is an eight page microanalysis.

[Gary Lewis]

salans7 wrote

They have the right person, provided what they want is an eight page microanalysis.

Dad would have said "If that's a compliment then I thank you."  I'd say "Do you read lips?  "

Seriously though, now that Janey's in another quilt shop I have time to tell you more of the conversation with Erik.  He said that he's installed it once, and he's working with a couple of other guys who are installing it currently.  But he's hoping that I can take the time to work with him on any issues that come up, which implies there might be.

And, we discussed the lift/height issue, the U-code springs, and the seriously-harsh rear suspension.  He suggested I might consider their 80-97 F-250/350 08-16' SD Rear Spring Swap.  According to their site it provides:

Much better ride than stock by adapting the newer 8" longer rear Superduty leaf springs.

More robust brackets than factory

Can eliminate factory block

Locates off of factory holes, no measuring required.

Retains factory E-brake

2.5" lift with 43-1849 11-16' F250SD 2WD/4WD Rear Springs

But I doubt I'll need/want the extra lift.  Instead, I think I'd rather pull leaves out of the existing springs and then add capacity back via air bags.

However, I'm going to get the front suspension and engine/transmission work done and then ascertain what lift or rear suspension changes I think are needed.

Thoughts?

[salans7]

I wouldn't be surprised if the majority of their customers buying this kit are in the age range of 20-40 and not interested in providing anything other than vague feedback. So when I say they've got the right guy, I mean it as a compliment provided they care about everything you have to say and truly intend to make the improvements necessary. I would be the wrong guy for that kind of input, not because of my age, but because I will be using their kit in an experimental way that is not recommended for my application and I would not suggest that they offer the kit to people in my situation.

[salans7]

As for their rear SD spring kit, it's a shackle flip, which is where they get the extra lift. But shackle flips can affect pinion angle, so I would be weary of that. If you were looking to lift the truck, I would suggest the kit. But for your intentions, I would stick with your current plans.

[Gary Lewis]

Good input, Shaun.  Thanks.

I hadn't considered who their primary buyers might be and how interested they might be in helping fine-tune things, but that makes sense.

As for the rear suspension, I don't want more lift, assuming the U-code springs work.  And, assuming that taking some leafs out doesn't drop the rear much.  So my plan seems reasonable.

[salans7]

I may actually look into their kit down the road since my primary usage will be towing and I can see the advantages of a newer style spring.

[Gary Lewis]

Folks - I'm thinking about hiving the installation and associated pictures, measurements, and discussion of the Sky RSK off into a new thread.  First, in order to be able to see when we get to 8 pages.  

Seriously though, I want Erik at Sky to be able to point people to some place on here and having a specific thread regarding the installation would seem to be the best way to do that.  In fact, I could invite him to join the forum so he can get notifications of posts and even ask questions or make comments.

Thoughts?

[salans7]

Make sure the title refers to the kit, and not your truck. Something like "Sky's Offroad Design Super Duty RSK Install".

[Gary Lewis]

Yes, that's exactly what I was thinking.

[ArdWrknTrk]

You had a thread on a dual snorkel air cleaner that went at least that far!  

Your photography and attention to detail are far better than mine, and I think I do ok..

I'm so glad you decided to do this when I suggested it.
It will never be easier than when the engine and harness are out.  

[Gary Lewis]

I, too, am glad I'm doing this.  Was in 4 Wheel Parts talking to the GM, Corey Marshall, the other day and he said "That's an '85 F250, right?"  I told him it is, but that I'm doing a D60 SAS with the SD RSK, and he said "That's going to make it ride so much better!"

Getting the RSK, panhard rod, and shocks on order was a big milestone.  The front diff is supposed to be ready any day, and I just have to order the tie rods, ball joints, and wheel bearings and seals.  So, I need to get started disassembling Big Blue!  

I'd really like to have the new front suspension under it by the show so I can roll BB out, come in with the trailer and winch, and put Dad's truck on the trailer and go to the show.  But if BB doesn't have any suspension, that's not going to be easily done.

[salans7]

Gary Lewis wrote

I'd really like to have the new front suspension under it by the show so I can roll BB out, come in with the trailer and winch, and put Dad's truck on the trailer and go to the show.  But if BB doesn't have any suspension, that's not going to be easily done.

I'm in the same boat, I want to put my bed back on the truck, but I don't trust doing it without the truck being on all four wheels. So I need to get the RSK installed before I can do any big work.

[Gary Lewis]

The show is Sept 21st, and I'm not going to be done w/the RSK much earlier than that - if I make that.  But at least I might work out the details along the way so yours goes faster.

[salans7]

Once my truck is on four wheels, the ability is there for me to load the truck on a trailer and head to a church in a small rural town named Skiatook, either finished or unfinished. Next year though. Need to plan for that huge trip.

[Gary Lewis]

Wow!!!!!  Cool!  Can’t wait, Shaun!!!!

[Gary Lewis]

Steve - Just got home from our anniversary trip and the labels were in the mail.  Thanks!  I hope to get to the shop some time tomorrow and check them out, but no promises as we have to "settle in" first.

Thanks again!  

[Steve83]

No rush - and don't feel like you HAVE to use them on the truck.  They're just options to experiment with.

[Gary Lewis]

Thanks, guys.  I've invited Erik to join the forum as I think this would be the easiest way to communicate regarding any issues that arise.

Can you think of any more measurements that might be good to have?  I hope to start dismantling things tomorrow, and after the engine is out the measurements will change.

So, maybe I should mark these measurements as "Engine In" and do the same ones with it out?  It might be interesting to see how much difference there is with the SD springs in height before & after engine.

[ArdWrknTrk]

Who cares what height you get with the engine out?
Can you drive it that way???