What Skyjacker suspension does

Skyjacker is a manufacturer of aftermarket suspension components — primarily lift kits, shock absorbers, and leveling systems — designed for trucks and SUVs. The company makes products that raise your vehicle's ride height, replace factory shocks with adjustable alternatives, and allow you to run larger tires. Skyjacker does not make a single "suspension system" but rather individual parts you can buy separately or as a kit.

The core product line includes coil spring lifts (which raise the vehicle by replacing springs), shock absorbers (which control how the suspension moves), and air suspension components for specific truck models. Most Skyjacker products are bolt-on replacements for factory parts, meaning you remove the original component and install the Skyjacker version in its place.

Key Takeaways

  • Skyjacker makes lift kits, shocks, and leveling systems as separate components, not a complete suspension overhaul.
  • Lift kits raise your vehicle height by replacing springs or using spacers, and typically cost between $400 and $2,000 depending on the model and lift amount.
  • Skyjacker shocks are adjustable on many models, meaning you can change how stiff or soft the suspension feels without replacing parts.
  • Installation usually requires basic hand tools and a few hours for shocks, but lift kits often need a lift or jack stands and may require alignment afterward.
  • Lifting your vehicle changes how it handles, affects fuel economy, and may require updates to speedometer calibration and brake lines.

Types of Skyjacker lift kits and how they raise your truck

Skyjacker offers two main lift approaches: coil spring lifts and spacer lifts. A coil spring lift replaces your factory coil springs with stiffer, longer springs that sit higher. This is the more common approach and typically provides 2 to 6 inches of lift depending on the kit. Spacer lifts (sometimes called strut spacers or coil spacers) sit on top of your existing springs and push the suspension up without replacing the springs themselves — these usually give 1 to 3 inches of lift and cost less.

The amount of lift you get depends on your truck model and which Skyjacker kit you choose. A 2-inch lift is common for daily driving and fits under most truck beds without modification. A 4-inch or 6-inch lift requires more clearance and may need adjustments to brake lines, driveshaft angles, and suspension geometry. Skyjacker publishes lift amounts for each vehicle, so you can see exactly what height gain a specific kit provides before you buy.

Skyjacker also makes leveling kits for trucks with factory rake (where the rear sits lower than the front). A leveling kit raises the front to match the rear height, giving a level stance without a full lift. These typically add 1 to 2 inches to the front and cost $300 to $800.

Skyjacker shock absorbers and adjustability

Skyjacker manufactures monotube shocks (single-chamber design) and twin-tube shocks (dual-chamber design) for different truck models. The key feature of many Skyjacker shocks is adjustability — you can turn a dial on the shock body to change the damping rate, which controls how quickly the suspension compresses and extends. Stiffer settings reduce body roll and improve handling; softer settings give a smoother ride over bumps.

Not all Skyjacker shocks are adjustable — entry-level models are fixed-rate. Adjustable shocks cost more but let you tune the suspension without buying new parts. You adjust them by hand, usually with a wrench or special tool, and changes take effect when ready. This is useful if you switch between highway driving (where you might want a softer setting) and off-road use (where stiffer is better).

Skyjacker shocks are often sold as part of a lift kit, but you can also buy them separately to replace worn factory shocks. If you have a Skyjacker lift kit, upgrading to Skyjacker shocks matched to that lift height ensures the suspension works as designed.

Installation: what to expect and what you'll need

Shock replacement is the simplest Skyjacker install. You remove the factory shock (usually four bolts), bolt in the new Skyjacker shock, and you're done — typically 30 minutes to an hour per shock with basic hand tools. No alignment is needed after shock replacement alone.

Lift kit installation is more involved. You need to remove wheels, disconnect brake lines and sway bar links, unbolt the factory springs, and install the new Skyjacker springs and related hardware. This usually takes 4 to 8 hours and requires a lift or jack stands to safely support the truck. Many shops charge $800 to $1,500 in labor for a full lift install, though some people do it themselves in a driveway with patience and the right tools.

After any lift kit install, you should get a wheel alignment done. Lifting changes the angles of your wheels relative to the frame, which affects tire wear and steering. An alignment typically costs $100 to $200 and is essential to avoid premature tire damage. Some lift kits also require adjustments to brake lines (to prevent stretching) and driveshaft angles (to prevent vibration), which a shop can handle during install.

How lifting affects your truck's performance and handling

Lifting your truck raises the center of gravity, which increases body roll in corners and reduces stability compared to a stock vehicle. A 2-inch lift has minimal effect; a 6-inch lift is noticeable. Skyjacker shocks help control this by providing stiffer damping, but physics still applies — a lifted truck will never handle like a stock truck.

Fuel economy typically drops 1 to 3 miles per gallon after a lift, mainly because of increased aerodynamic drag and added weight from larger tires (which most people install with a lift). Highway driving is affected more than city driving.

Larger tires (which fit under a lifted truck) change your speedometer reading. A speedometer calibrated for 33-inch tires will read low if you install 35-inch tires. Skyjacker does not address this — you either accept the inaccuracy or pay for a speedometer recalibration ($200 to $400 at a shop).

Lifting also affects approach and departure angles (how steep a hill you can climb or descend without scraping), which improves off-road capability. This is often the reason people lift trucks in the first place.

Cost breakdown for Skyjacker components

Prices vary by truck model and lift amount. A 2-inch coil spring lift kit typically costs $400 to $800. A 4-inch kit runs $600 to $1,200. A 6-inch kit is $1,000 to $2,000. Spacer lifts are cheaper — usually $300 to $600 — but provide less lift. Leveling kits run $300 to $800.

Skyjacker shocks alone cost $150 to $400 per shock depending on whether they're adjustable and what model truck you have. A full set of four shocks is $600 to $1,600.

Installation labor at a shop adds $800 to $1,500 for a lift kit and $200 to $400 for shocks. Alignment after a lift is $100 to $200. If you need brake line adjustments or driveshaft work, add another $200 to $500.

Warranty and durability

Skyjacker offers a limited lifetime warranty on most suspension components, which covers defects in materials and workmanship. The warranty does not cover wear from normal use, damage from off-road abuse, or problems caused by improper installation. If a shock fails or a spring breaks, Skyjacker will replace it at no cost if the failure is deemed a manufacturing defect.

In practice, Skyjacker components are durable. Shocks typically last 50,000 to 80,000 miles before performance degrades. Springs last longer — often the life of the truck — unless damaged by impact. Regular maintenance (keeping shocks clean, checking bolts for tightness) extends component life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install a Skyjacker lift kit myself?

Yes, if you have a lift or jack stands, basic hand tools, and mechanical experience. The process takes 4 to 8 hours. If you're unsure about suspension work, a shop install is safer and ensures proper alignment afterward. Many people do shocks themselves but have shops handle lift kits.

Will a Skyjacker lift void my truck's warranty?

Possibly. Lifting changes suspension geometry and can affect other systems like brakes and driveshaft. Your truck manufacturer may deny warranty claims on related components if they determine the lift caused the problem. Check your warranty terms or ask the dealer before installing.

Do I need to replace shocks when I install a lift kit?

Not when ready, but factory shocks are designed for stock ride height. A lift kit compresses the shocks differently, which can reduce their lifespan and performance. Most people replace shocks at the same time as the lift, or within a few thousand miles.

What size tires fit under a Skyjacker lift?

It depends on the lift amount and your truck model. A 2-inch lift usually fits 33-inch tires. A 4-inch lift fits 35-inch tires. A 6-inch lift can handle 37-inch or larger tires. Skyjacker publishes tire size recommendations for each kit, and a shop can tell you the maximum size for your specific truck.

How long does a Skyjacker lift last?

Springs typically last the life of the truck. Shocks degrade over time and usually need replacement every 50,000 to 80,000 miles. Bolts and bushings may loosen or wear, requiring periodic tightening and inspection. Regular maintenance extends the life of all components.