1980 CJ-7 Ride?

[45frank]

OK I have had Jeeps before and they ride hard and can travel on ya.
Just bought one and the front rend is tight, no issues that I can see. Tighter than any Jeep I've had other than the new one back in 2004.
This thing has a fiberglass tub and top which I will be removing, never liked them.
This thing rides so hard you can feel every pebble even on the smooth highway. Last night I checked the tires and they had about 42psi, I have lowered it to 28psi.
I have not had a chance to drive it since then but would toasted shocks give it this kind of a ride?

 

[Torxhead]

The next step would be the shocks I guess. Some guys say to get the cheapest ones you can get, I prefer the adjustables and use the softest setting. I have seen guys set the spring shackle too tight too.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Does it still have the OEM suspension and shocks?
Need more info on this Jeep........
LG

 

[45frank]

Does it still have the OEM suspension and shocks?
Need more info on this Jeep........
LG

Don't know if it's stock or not so I will post some pictures tomorrow of the springs. The shocks are pretty rusted that I know.
Thank you.

 

[Torxhead]

A bad shock can have evidence of oil leaking out, if the rod is rusty, the oil inside is probably long gone. You might want to remove them and see how they feel.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Add in some rusty leaf springs and that will make the ride even worst.
I would spray heavily, with silicon spray the spring leaf packs.
I do mine about once a year.
LG

 

[45frank]

Add in some rusty leaf springs and that will make the ride even worst.
I would spray heavily, with silicon spray the spring leaf packs.
I do mine about once a year.
LG

Here's some pictures.
Leaf spring definitely rusted. The one on the passengers side you can see all the leaf's aren't lined up, is that an issue. I wiped the shocks down and they don't look to bad.

 

[Torxhead]

Those are some pretty thick leafs, definitely aftermarket. The Rancho 5000 shock is a good shock with a stiff ride that feels a lot better on the trail.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Way to thick to be OEM. Are there any markings on the top leaf?
Spray the leafs(soak'em)with silicon spray from both sides.
LG

 

[45frank]

Way to thick to be OEM. Are there any markings on the top leaf?
Spray the leafs(soak'em)with silicon spray from both sides.
LG

I will look for some kind of marking on my next trip to the barn.

 

[twistedskipper]

Before you get too far in on other work, be sure to check your ride now that you've lowered the air pressure. You might want to even go a little lower.

42PSI will be way too much for such light vehicles. It's easy to overinflate when installing oversize tires, as they are generally LT-rated for way more load than our CJ's will ever see.

If you can find the weight/pressure chart for the service rating of your tires, you will probably find that somewhere around 24-26 is what is appropriate for CJ weight.

The factory info plate on the vehicle, if intact, probably shows something like 25PSI or so.

When I bought my 1980 CJ5 , the tires had 32 PSI and the ride was harsh. Dropping to 24 (based on service rating chart) made a world of difference. Dropping to 12-15 off-pavement makes another big difference.

 

[45frank]

Before you get too far in on other work, be sure to check your ride now that you've lowered the air pressure. You might want to even go a little lower.

42PSI will be way too much for such light vehicles. It's easy to overinflate when installing oversize tires, as they are generally LT-rated for way more load than our CJ's will ever see.

If you can find the weight/pressure chart for the service rating of your tires, you will probably find that somewhere around 24-26 is what is appropriate for CJ weight.

The factory info plate on the vehicle, if intact, probably shows something like 25PSI or so.

When I bought my 1980 CJ5 , the tires had 32 PSI and the ride was harsh. Dropping to 24 (based on service rating chart) made a world of difference. Dropping to 12-15 off-pavement makes another big difference.

Went out for a ride yesterday and boy was it better just by lowering the air pressure. I will repeat this since it's my 4th CJ this front end is as tight as any I ever drove.
One thing though the front right spring doesn't fit on top of one another, not bad but the metal wrap that holds the springs together is all loose.
What are these called and can I get them aftermarket or do I have to go to a spring shop. Hard to see but the first picture.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Make sure the axle spring U-bolts at torqued to spec.
IIRC, it's 55 ft/lb.
You can made your own straps to keep'em lined up.
LG