1980 CJ7 lift questions

[suburban99]

Hey all, just got my CJ7 out of the college body shop and now need to address the suspension. It rides like a wagon...it has 33" tires, and a lift but I do not know the brand. 4 leafs in the spring pack, approx 3/8" steel.

Shackles are 3-3/4" bolt to bolt on front and rear springs. Fronts springs are 2" wide rears 2-1/2" wide.

I need to know what brand it is, and I assume it rides rough because it has very few leafs and they are very thick. Recomendations? Thanks

 

[Torxhead]

I would suggest first doing the usual ride softening stuff, like making sure that those aftermarket spring shackles are not to tight and lowering air pressure. Good expensive shocks can help and a quality set of seats also. The softer riding springs usually have more leaves and are thinner. That tie rod appears a bit close to the main leaf in that pic, maybe from an aftermarket tie rod end that is a bit longer. If it doesn't hit the spring it should be good. Getting used to driving a Jeep CJ and not a Cadillac, also makes it easier.

 

[suburban99]

I should have added I have played with lowering the air pressure, replaced the steering box, and replaced front axle seals, bearings, and u joints. They leafs look very heavy to me...ends are not tapered at all.

 

[Torxhead]

I have never seen or heard of a 4 leaf pack in the front of a CJ, possibly it is a custom made set, or they were made for something else. So maybe another set of springs would be in order, just don't expect too much from a softer set and keep the lift to a minumum.

 

[mtnwhlr]

Changing over to YJ springs would help, they are made for a softier ride.

 

[suburban99]

Did some more work on my jeep today.
Shackles in the front are not square with the springs...
Axle tube to bumpstop is 5-1/2"...anyone know how much lift this is?
Swaybar links are 6" centre to centre.

Comments? I think I need a new lift but how high is existing?

 

[Torxhead]

If the shackles are not square with the springs, the springs could be twisted, they get that way from a lot of flex on the trail. I don't think it matters how much or what type of lift that you have, just as long as the tires don't rub too much, and longer bump stops and fender trimming can help prevent that. A lot of guys don't even use a swaybar as it cuts down on flex. The higher up you are, the easier to tip over.

 

[suburban99]

Bought a Tuff Country 4" lift...hopefully cures some of my ride issues.
Around $340 shipped seems like a good price...new springs, bushings, ubolts,
and steering arm.

 

[suburban99]

Installed the new lift. Significantly better ride. Removed the swaybar as the bushings are worn and did not replace them yet. Front shackles are still not completely straight. Looks like the shackle eyes mounted on the frame for the front springs may be stretched. Any else solve this problem?

 

[DHugg]

Hey all, just got my CJ7 out of the college body shop and now need to address the suspension. It rides like a wagon...it has 33" tires, and a lift but I do not know the brand. 4 leafs in the spring pack, approx 3/8" steel.

Shackles are 3-3/4" bolt to bolt on front and rear springs. Fronts springs are 2" wide rears 2-1/2" wide.

I need to know what brand it is, and I assume it rides rough because it has very few leafs and they are very thick. Recomendations? Thanks

I have a spring-lifted '80 CJ7 ..... ride was kidney-bruising terrible.

I took spring leaf 4 of 5 from the back spring pack, and buttoned her back up. Improvement was remarkable and immediate. I'm gonna leave the front along, keeping all five leaves. Engine weight and potential for bump steer make me cautious.