08-16 SuperDuty Spring Swap (SKYs KIT)

97stoker350

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as the title states I did the swap on my '97 cclb riding on 37s and what I guess is a 6-8 inch lift. I got the 4" inch kit powder coated black and without the bed set on yet it looks to sit dead level or maybe an inch low in the rear. Also, as if this wasn't enough work I decided to strip the frame of the overload tabs and bump stop, drop the tank and coat the rear of the Frame inside and out with gloss black POR-15... nasty nasty stuff. if you plan to do this make sure to wear gloves or buy the solvent they sell because nothing will take it off your hands or brush.

first pic is of the truck before the swap to get an idea of how it sits... about an inch to two inches high in the rear.
 

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97stoker350

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more pics. I ended up drilling and tapping the emergency brake cable bracket, not too terrible unless you break a tap...

I had OUO adjustable bolt on traction bars. they ended up being about 3" too long so I unbolted them and re-drilled them to length, quick and mostly painless.

For the U-bolts, the OUO ones were now way to long because of removing a bolt so I had a local place make me new ones. 3/4 inch diameter just like OUO with same thread pitch and bend to match the OUO top plate so that meant disassembling the new spring pack to remove the top plate, assemble them and cut the bolt down to clearance the top place and then they were ready to go on. the pin also needed ground down on the bottom of the pack to be able to sit flush on the axle as well. Finally, I purposely go U-bolts a little longer just incase it sat way low in the back that I needed to get a block but its gonna be close enough for now so I think I cut the U-bolts to about 10" long so for anyone trying to do this and has no idea how long of U-bolts they need... its about 10" if you're not using a block and the 2 spring pack with overload.

For the rest of the truck, I had fox 2.0 IPFs all around and was able to use those still although they are a little too long. I put new Advance auto special shock mounts on since I found the old one was rusted completely through and busted. they came with all new bolts and nut so that was nice. sway bar links are probably a little long but I suspect they were lengthened ones that came with whatever lift the truck had on it.

final thoughts, I really don't know if it rides much better than before with the arched springs and over-top shackle design... I still have to put the bumper and bed back on to really get an idea of the ride quality. also I have a 5 inch exhaust which is just temporarily axle dumped. since the springs sit so much lower given no block they sit right in the path of the exhaust and the 38 gallon tank sits low too so an axle dump will have to do for now till I feel like F****** with it. Overall the SKY KIT is well built, there was one little blemish in the powder coat on the drivers rear bracket but it was packaged nicely and all the hardware is grade 8 yellow zinc plated stuff. it would be nice if they just had holes already drilled and tapped for the Ebrake bracket because nobody is going to buy a powder coated kit only to grind it off to weld it on... stupid

this is A LOT A LOT of work coating the Frame and doing this swap but worth it in my opinion if you plan to make the truck last an possibly show the truck down the road.

Oh and for removing the old brackets, I bought the Chief air hammer and chisels from harbor freight (100$ish) and it made quick work of all the rivets (36ish). highly recommend.
 

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97stoker350

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finished minus the bed and bumper

sorry for the sideways pics idk how to fix it
 

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97stoker350

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It doesnt ride terrible but I did move the rear shackle to the FRONT bolt hole on the hanger. I called sky and that's where they said to put it which helped the ride quality a little bit. Still need to take it a drive with the bed and bumper on which should make it moaar better
 

FourEyed

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Beautiful truck. I wish I could find a clean obs..

Lot of work to paint the frame but it's so worth it in the end.
 

97stoker350

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Measuring to the top of the wheel well it's about an inch low in the rear. I know that's not the most accurate place but I dont really care. A 1" block would make me sleep easier but it is what it is. Hopefully this helps someone in the future to distinguish what they need.
 

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97stoker350

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Little update, after getting everything bolted back on and driving it about 100 miles most of the rough ride is deffinetly coming from the front end now which will be remedied eventually with a superdity axle swap and coils. Also after letting everything settle and taking a closer look at the rear axle placement, the front spring eye bolt deffinetly needs to be put in the rear most bolt hole and not the middle. The tire is a little too close to the front of the rear wheel well for my OCD. the sky directions call for it to be in the middle hole but that is for a 2.5" kit and not the 4" kit. So eventually I will move that and it deffinetly will need the pinion angle adjusted. Overall still happy with the kit!
 

JCart

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Nice work.... lotsa time and effort there, worth it though. I’d do a Sky (as you’ve already used their stuff) or Precision Metal Fabrications Reverse Shackle Kit and SD V codes for the front. It’ll make for a significantly better ride and an easy direct bolt on mode. Not gonna turn as sharp as coils, probably not ride as smooth, but will be noticeable improvement over stock front end and will not have to change wheels.... Also a Borgeson mid steering shaft and snugged up steering box will help with steering a lot. Beauty rig... cheers.
 

97stoker350

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Nice work.... lotsa time and effort there, worth it though. I’d do a Sky (as you’ve already used their stuff) or Precision Metal Fabrications Reverse Shackle Kit and SD V codes for the front. It’ll make for a significantly better ride and an easy direct bolt on mode. Not gonna turn as sharp as coils, probably not ride as smooth, but will be noticeable improvement over stock front end and will not have to change wheels.... Also a Borgeson mid steering shaft and snugged up steering box will help with steering a lot. Beauty rig... cheers.

Thanks for taking a look!

I'm gonna hold off and just do the coils and axle swap all together. OCD stuff... ill take a look at the steering shaft! It already has a redhead box tho so I'm good there. Cheers
 

JCart

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Right on, keep us posted on the Borgeson upgrade. For the cost, time effort and results I’d research on here and PSN, as you’ll have to swap front and rear diffs (or redrill rear diff to metric wheel pattern), swap out drive shaft universals on front and rear along with new rims. Compared to an RSK with SD V code springs on the front with longer SS brake lines, and extended anti sway vertical links. Precision Metal Fabrications are the guys I’ve used and would use again like the fit finish better then Sky and stronger too. Basically a weekend bolt on swap. You will not believe the improvement in ride, handling and steering... I’ve done 4 now and have been most pleased with results. 3 F250s (Dana 60 swaps) and a custom RSK using stock springs on F350 CCLB even that was worth the effort (done in late 90s). Cheers.
 

97stoker350

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Appreciate the feedback and advice JCart! Yea im just not a huge fan of the springs hanging way down on the rsk swap. I know its gonna be a huge job doing the coil spring swap tho! Can't wait for it to ride unlike a freight train
 

JCart

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No problem, very nice rig and work on it, congratulations. I always say anyone can buy an aluma-Duty.... (they are excellent rigs), however it takes true commitment to keep these old trucks going and improving them too.
Cheers looking forward to images of the coiler front end.
Stay Safe, take care.
j
 

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