Sky Offroad Design 08+ rear spring conversion

Originally I had intended to do extensive pictures and a write up on installing this kit to help someone here, but I was really strapped for time in the shop to get it done.

I still have plans to do some additional instructions and have some pictures to upload as well.

First thing I want to start off with is I am installing this kit on my 1986 F350 Crew Cab Long Bed Dually that was originally 2wd.

Sky's instructions really do cover everything pretty well, just some people need to see more pictures etc.

My current notes as of right now are that if you don't have a medium or long stroke(ram) air hammer you're gonna definitely want to invest in one or at least borrow one to drive out the frame rivets. I highly reccomend that you get a long stroke(ram) one and if you don't then try removing them with a short stroke(ram) or a hammer and chisel/punch, by the time you're done driving out 22 rivets your arms aren't going to feel good. I didn't have one when I started, but I have one now to finish the front RSK.

Also I only ran into one issue that wasn't covered at all in my instructions. I reached out to Sky but I haven't heard anything back from them yet, which is understandable with everything going on. When installing the front spring hanger they only mention removing the six rivets holding the original spring hanger on, but nothing about this pin I have(had) on my frame. I didn't remove it at first because the new hanger has two holes and I thought it would slide into one of the holes, but in my case that was not how it worked out. Then after removing it the new vertical bolt goes in just a few MM next to it. The picture included is the passenger side frame rail, you can see where the new holes with bolts for the rear of the new hanger. Those are installed first to locate the hanger for the front 3 and the vertical bolt


Maybe not all frames have this pin, or maybe it's just in different spots for different frames. Also possible they just forgot to mention it in their instructions.

The truck chassis hangs from those pins during assembly.
You're going to find them on all F-series of this vintage.

ArdWrknTrk wrote

The truck chassis hangs from those pins during assembly.
You're going to find them on all F-series of this vintage.

Yes, I was mainly referring to location or if they were already removed on some trucks. I knew what they were for

Location didn't change, and they were never cut off at the factory, if that's what you're asking.

Well, I guess Sky is pretty busy or just overlooked my email, but everything is mounted up now and together. I forgot to take pictures of everything together, but I will upload some soon when I can move it around. Currently working on the front suspension conversion as well.

This is a poor comparison of before and after, but I've only got so much room in my shop to get a decent picture.



Bonus pictures of the front being stripped

Looks good!

Are you planning on running the stock front bumper with the guards and the RSK? I had to modify my front bumper to clear the "SD" part of the RSK, but I don't think the bumper guards would fit which is a shame because I like the premium bumper on these trucks.

Looking good, VW!  Remind me what springs you are going with up front?  

salans7 wrote

Looks good!

Are you planning on running the stock front bumper with the guards and the RSK? I had to modify my front bumper to clear the "SD" part of the RSK, but I don't think the bumper guards would fit which is a shame because I like the premium bumper on these trucks.

I'm not sure on the bumper yet. I just got it stripped today. Now I gotta make all the new holes where the 2wd frame doesn't have them. Which is pretty much every single one lol.

Gary Lewis wrote

Looking good, VW!  Remind me what springs you are going with up front?

I am going with the U code springs. Which are the 2000ish lbs rated ones.

VWThomason wrote

I'm not sure on the bumper yet. I just got it stripped today. Now I gotta make all the new holes where the 2wd frame doesn't have them. Which is pretty much every single one lol.

Been there done that. lol. I just went out today and drilled the last two holes for the bolts near the front cab mounts because I was so tired of drilling when I first put the kit on and those were the hardest ones since they had to be drilled from the back using measurements only. lol.

VWThomason wrote

I am going with the U code springs. Which are the 2000ish lbs rated ones.

I thought so, but couldn't remember for sure.  I think they are going to work for me.

Gary Lewis wrote

VWThomason wrote

I am going with the U code springs. Which are the 2000ish lbs rated ones.

I thought so, but couldn't remember for sure.  I think they are going to work for me.

I sure hope they work out for me. I really don't want to lift the rear anymore than it already is. Where it is at right now is the perfect height