Horror stories abound regarding the Skyjacker relocation bracket.

The 2.5 kit looks like it includes springs at a decent price.
Any thought of wisdom/experience regarding the Skyjacker springs and an adjustable track bar?
Are the springs worth a crap or should I instead consider the spacer options for budget lifts?

This JK is an addictive problem. Encounter a few moments of high-center or scraping plates and I'm looking at lifts. No word yet from SWMBO on a bumper for Christmas, but I could sneak a budget lift without much fanfare.

 

the biggest complaints that i have seen is with 1) the track bar relocation brackets breaking off the factory mounts and 2) crappy bushings on the track bars and control arms. overton, jeephrog, bracket and just about everyone i know who has a skyjacker lift has blown out bushings.

 

Bushings seem to be the absolute weak point (again) on the JK. I saw this on a coil conversion kit I ran on my YJ a few years back. Basically blew out the bushings on the control arms just about every 3 months.

Looks like someone should start up their own company and make some bionic / NASA strength flexi bushings.

 

teraflex uses bonded rubber just like the factory and it's actually pretty tough. full traction has used polyeurethane in the past and it's very tough too but it is also squeaky. both FT and currie are now using assembly joints or johnny joints and they allow for outstanding bind free flex and are rebuildable.

 

oh great im glad i found this out after i got my 2.5 from them, hasn't gone on yet.

so my control arm bushings are going to wear out in 3 months if i put these new coils on. i have jks adjustable track bars that will be goin on as well.

what causes them to wear out like that so quickly?

 

it's not so much that they wear out but rather, they start to crumble, fall apart -disintegrate. i think it's just the type of polyurethane they use.

 

So maybe the Skyjacker springs and Teraflex adjustable trackbar?
The Teraflex site recommends a front trackbar for 4" or more lift and rear for 5.
Would a trackbar adjustment even need made for a low lift somewhere between 2" and 3" high?

On a related note: The FT econo (spacer) lift spacers are more "hollow" than everyone else. Issues been observed? (I'm not opposed to a spacer lift, if it is a smarter move than the Skyjacker springs. I'm not looking for much lift.)

 

is there a way to replace the stock bushings in the control arms with something way more durable?

 

if you just want to go 2.5" of lift, i personally would recommend the TF BB. i have run this kit and can tell you that it's very complete and works very well on the trail. over the summer, kidjeep ran the rubicon with me with just a TF BB and 35's. really, for the price, you can't go wrong and when you're ready to upgrade, you can sell what you have and you'll have tons of people who'll want to take it off your hands.

as far as track bars go, they aren't really necessary for just a 2.5" lift. sure your axles will shift a bit but not enough to really matter. but, having centered axles is nice to have. the TF one is really made for a taller lift and if anything, i would recommend the one made by JKS or currie.

 

assuming they are a common size, yes, you should be able to replace them with an aftermarket set of polyurathane bushings. whether or not they will be more durable