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Bds Vs Skyjacker

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by 1967 CJ5A, May 27, 2018.

  1. 1967 CJ5A

    1967 CJ5A Mike 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Does anyone have experience with both of these kits? I plan to replace my springs soon and would like to get whatever 2.5" lift offers the best ride (and hopefully also the most articulation). From what I have read they are both pretty good, but is one superior?

    Right now I have Rough Country 2.5" springs and I can jump on the bumper and the springs don't budge even slightly, even after removing 3 leaves from each pack. They have got to go!
     
    1967 CJ5A, May 27, 2018
    #1
  2. 58 willys

    58 willys Sponsor

    I have helped a couple of friends install the BDS kits they go on without any trouble and they all seem to like their ride both on the trail & road.
     
    58 willys, May 27, 2018
    #2
    Beach66Bum likes this.
  3. FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    I think chuck (warloch) has experience with both. You are headed in the right direction either way...the springs on mine were just like yours - no flex whatsoever even with leaf removed. The new bds springs have literally made it like a new jeep in terms of both ride quality and off road capability. My one comment with the 2.5" bds is that it barely clears my 33s even with slightly longer shackles. As they continue to settle its gonna get real tight on clearance. Whichever you decide its worth it!
     
    FinoCJ, May 27, 2018
    #3
  4. Warloch

    Warloch Did you say Flattie??? Staff Member

    I have both types of springs - the Skyjackers are on the Blue '49 and the BDS right now on a CJ 5 build (but have had them on another in the past). IMOP - they are both good springs for a bit different setups. I like the Skyjackers on the lighter rigs as it keeps a good flex and soft ride. The 5 I'm building may get a hard top on it, so the BDS is a bit stouter and will give the same softer ride on a heavier rig.

    Optimal - Holbrook Long Leafs with Rancho 9000s adjustable shocks. I can tune for what I'm running on and have them on the Red '51. I have another set of springs for a 'future' setup as well.
     
    Warloch, May 27, 2018
    #4
  5. Beach66Bum

    Beach66Bum 1966 Tuxedo Park Mark IV 2024 Sponsor

    Love my BDS 2.5” lift complete with their shocks.
     
    Beach66Bum, May 28, 2018
    #5
  6. Jake0223

    Jake0223 New Member

    I really like my BDS. I don’t know that it has a modern day jeep ride, but I think they are the best ready to go bolt in’s you can get
     
    Jake0223, May 28, 2018
    #6
  7. sterlclan

    sterlclan Member 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Have both bds on my five skyjacker on the wife’s 7 and rough country on the boys 5 mine works the best followed by the wife’s and the boys kinda suck.
     
    sterlclan, May 28, 2018
    #7
  8. Daryl

    Daryl Sponsor

    I have run a few sets of BDS and they do need to be beat up a little to "break them in" A good off camber long trail will work as long as you load them up going to and from.
     
    Daryl, May 28, 2018
    #8
  9. 1967 CJ5A

    1967 CJ5A Mike 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Thanks for the input everyone. Warloch, how much difference in weight are you talking about? I have an electric winch, but otherwise its pretty stock (V6). I do pull a small trailer on occasion, and I have a spare and two jerry cans on the back.
     
    1967 CJ5A, May 29, 2018
    #9
  10. Warloch

    Warloch Did you say Flattie??? Staff Member

    From my experience, the 5's are heavier than the flatties... couple hundred pounds in the sheet metal, and they are a bit longer (the '49 is on a 5 frame that I changed all the mounts for). I honestly don't think you can go wrong with either in the long run based on what your saying - the BDS may just not get quite as soft as the Skyjackers and take a bit longer to break in. IF you were thinking about a hard top I would recommend the BDS much more over the Skyjackers.

    So maybe it boils down to the cost for you - at any rate, I would still recommend the Rancho 9000's series adjustable shocks. Run them soft till the springs break in and then tune for what you want. I've even run them firmer on one side than the other on a LONG off camber trail - helped some :D
     
    Warloch, May 29, 2018
    #10
  11. 1967 CJ5A

    1967 CJ5A Mike 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    I ordered a pair of BDS front springs. I'm on a pretty tight budget and they came out a little cheaper than the Skyjackers. I also like the idea of a slightly stiffer spring since I do a lot of driving on the street and I don't want to end up with too much body roll. I'll let you guys know when I get them on. The rears will have to wait a couple weeks until I have some more cash.
     
    1967 CJ5A, Jun 1, 2018
    #11
    Beach66Bum and FinoCJ like this.
  12. 71CJ54WD

    71CJ54WD Sponsor

    What did the two springs run you?
     
    71CJ54WD, Jun 1, 2018
    #12
  13. 1967 CJ5A

    1967 CJ5A Mike 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    They were $114 each with free shipping.
     
    1967 CJ5A, Jun 2, 2018
    #13
  14. cj6/442

    cj6/442 Sponsor

    well first never run Rancho anything

    Loved my BDS springs but I wheel kinda hard and I killed them in about a 1 1/2 years ,,,,SAVE YOUR PAPER WORK !!!,,,, now I run a frankenpack of soft rides and BDS ….

    I loved my softrides though
     
    cj6/442, Jun 2, 2018
    #14
  15. fhoehle

    fhoehle Sponsor

    I have owned both BDS and Skyjacker. Both required a break in period. The BDS had a military wrap which the Skyjacker did not. My CJ6 is heavy and the BDS springs hold it well even with the towing and wheeling I do yet they flex very well. I sold my CJ5 but the Skyjackers I installed were good and very flexy. They have been worn out 3 times and replaced under warranty however. Not broken but worn flat. If my jeep were very light I'd choose Skyjacker but if it were heavier, towed anything, had a hardtop, winch or plow, I'd go BDS.
     
    fhoehle, Jun 3, 2018
    #15
  16. masscj2a

    masscj2a Member 2023 Sponsor

    I've run the softrides on a couple of Jeeps and love them. Never had any issues with having them flatten out at all, but they never got 10's thousands of miles on them either, well prior to selling them , that is. I always bought them in a military double wrap though as they do offer them in that configuration, but much pricier. (about $170 each for YJ) I am looking at buying a set of softrides for my 93 YJ right now, because I am running Old Man Emu's right now, but only 2.5 inch and I want to go 37's .
     
    masscj2a, Jun 3, 2018
    #16