1980 CJ5 Bottoming Out

[cleaner]

I am new to this site as well a new owner of a 1980 CJ5 . I am new to jeeps too. My jeep has a 8 cylinder and a automatic tranny. As far as I can tell the only mechanical modifications to the jeep appear to be aftermarket springs and shackles with no shocks.

When driving the jeep this weekend it bottomed out multiple times. Bottomed out enough for the drive shaft to dent the oil filter and rub on the bell housing of the Transmission . I am sure the main reason it bottomed is due to not having shocks. I also noticed there is not a lot of clearance between the drive shaft and the Transmission bell housing.

This jeep is will be strictly used off road on a private ranch. Will not be used for rock crawling, mudding or extreme hill climbing. Will be used to move around on ranch roads. A comfortable ride on rocky roads is desired.

My questions are as fallows:
1. What shocks to buy for a comfortable ride?
2. Does the jeep need a lift to get the chasy up higher to keep drive shaft from rubbing on motor and Transmission ? If yes, how high tall of a lift kit and which kit?

Thanks in advance for your feedback! I am looking forward to learning more about the CJ Jeeps!

 

[tarry99]

I am new to this site as well a new owner of a 1980 CJ5 . I am new to jeeps too. My jeep has a 8 cylinder and a automatic tranny. As far as I can tell the only mechanical modifications to the jeep appear to be aftermarket springs and shackles with no shocks.

When driving the jeep this weekend it bottomed out multiple times. Bottomed out enough for the drive shaft to dent the oil filter and rub on the bell housing of the Transmission . I am sure the main reason it bottomed is due to not having shocks. I also noticed there is not a lot of clearance between the drive shaft and the Transmission bell housing.

This jeep is will be strictly used off road on a private ranch. Will not be used for rock crawling, mudding or extreme hill climbing. Will be used to move around on ranch roads. A comfortable ride on rocky roads is desired.

My questions are as fallows:
1. What shocks to buy for a comfortable ride?
2. Does the jeep need a lift to get the chasy up higher to keep drive shaft from rubbing on motor and Transmission ? If yes, how high tall of a lift kit and which kit?

Thanks in advance for your feedback! I am looking forward to learning more about the CJ Jeeps!

Common Problem with a CJ5 and auto Transmission implant.......Why? Cause there to short and the factory never installed them until the CJ7 's came along and they added 10" to the wheelbase.

You just have to make whatever clearance you need with what you have to work with........You can add some lift , but you mentioned you wanted a comfortable ride and lift will only make the ride stiffer and increase the angle of the rear drive line..........Bump stops should be the correct length so that you do not do damage to your tranny or driveline....................some pictures would help.

Stock OEM shocks is all you need, the cheaper the better for a softer ride. Interesting that the PO took them off?

 

[Old Dog]

As Tarry said, I would install some bump stops that are long enough to keep it from bottoming out.

 

[hdgapeach]

Keep in mind that if you do decide to go with any suspension lift, you'll need to purchase shocks that are compatible with the amount of lift you're going to install. If you stay with the stock suspension, OEM type shocks should suffice.

And I agree with Tarry, pictures of what your current set up is would help with suggestions.