1985 CJ7 Lift

[Dmann77]

I figured this had been asked but didn't find exactly what I was looking for. Not looking to rock climb or significant off-roading.
I'm looking to run 37's and am trying determine best lift options. Considering 4 inch over axle with 1 inch body lift.
What are options? What's the best brand lift? Along with steering modifications what other modifications are required.

 

[PistolDave]

A spring over axle lift using stock factory springs will net 5-6 in of lift just by spring relocation. For a street/beach type cruiser this may clear 37's, but if you ever did try to take it off-roading, sheet metal clearance could become an issue. Another problem with tires that size and stock width axles is the tires rubbing the springs at steering lock, which will increase your turning radius. Unless you did not mean a "spring-over" when you said "4 inch over axle." If you just meant a standard 4 inch lift kit with a 1" body lift, I am not sure that will clear 37's even for street use, unless you are ok with a little rubbing over speed bumps and pulling into driveways etc. One of my jeeps is spring over with 35x12.50s and they barely clear off-road, and that is with wider than stock axles. It would definitely rub with 37's. While my jeep drives straight and handles well, it can be a real hand full if you have to make an emergency maneuver. Going to 37's will also make your rig a dog unless you change the gears to something like 4.56 or 4.88's. Braking will also be marginal with factory brakes and tires that large. In 4" lift kits, BDS and Rubicon Express seem to get good reviews. The only company I know of that makes a SOA kit is rocky road outfitters, and I am not impressed with their hardware or the reviews I have read. Just some thoughts.

 

[jp360cj]

That's going to be very tall and cause alot of steering/driveline/stability issues unless you plan to stretch the rear out.

How much fender do you want to trim? 33s are the biggest that really fit the wheel wells on a CJ. I went SOA with stock springs on mine and had to cut to clear 35s. and they still sometimes. 37s are also way too big for the stock axles and gears. I would plan on going full width axles, or close to it. Minimum of a Dana 44 up front, but you'll be pushing the stock joints and shafts. Something bigger than a '44 out back, maybe an 8.8 or 9". Whatever axles you get, you'll want to at least 4.56 or 4.88 gears as mentioned.

As for the suspension, If you want SOA, then I would either look at the RE 1.5" SOA springs, or stock waggy springs (I think they net ~ 2" lift on a CJ). If you want to stat SUA, then you might be able to get by with a 4.5" RE lift, 1" BL, and a lot of fender cutting.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

37's on a stock drive line is a bit to much. The mod 20 rear is far from the best. Mine did hold up well with 33's.
What R&P ratio will you run?
What tranny?
You would be better served with 33's, IMHO.
LG

 

[Dmann77]

I just bought the Jeep. It only has 153000 miles, everything is in working condition. Nothing modified...all stock. Guy I bought from knew nothing about it. Inherited from deceased family member. I paid $1500. I'm trying to figure out what all is in jeep, what trannt exactly, what gear ratio...etc. I basically want to replacing everything. Engine with 350 sbc, Transfer Case , Transmission , rear end gears, everything. I'm new at this and just wanting a project.

 

[jp360cj]

Post some pictures and we can help figure out what you have.

For an '85, unless you have the T-176 (4 speed with a straight shifter stalk), you will definitely want to change it with a V8 swap. The Dana 300 Transfer Case you should have is a very good case...strong, compact, & pretty good low range gears. I'd plan on keeping it. For 37s, you are way over just needing to regear the axles. You will need bigger, stronger, and wider axles to run them. And you'll have to cut the body/fenders to fit them unless you lift ut ridiculously high.

What do you plan to do with the jeep? Start and plan from there. That will also help us make suggestions. If you don't plan on offroading, then I would stick to a 33" tire. Even if you do, 33s are much easier to build for.

Here's what my '77 looks like with a spring over lift, stock CJ front springs, stock YJ rear springs, and ~1" lift shackles in the rear. Probably ~6" total lift. I have also cut the front and rear fenders as much as could without getting into the inner fenders and the still rub at full flex

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[Caleb7mm]

I build rock crawlers for a living. The stock 20 and 30 CAN handle 35-37” tires if you build them right. This includes chromoly shafts, heavy duty ball joints, truss and sleeves.

I have run up to 39.5” TSL’s on a 30 and a 20 that we’re built right and we’re locked full time.

None of the above will last a day if you are crawling and only use the skinny pedal instead of driving ability.

If you build it strong And drive it with a sensible head it will last.

 

[Peanut Butter]

One of the best comments on here was: What are you going to do with your Jeep? Once you decide that, then you can plan your build. I get it. 37" tires are like really cool, but plan on dropping several grand into your Jeep just to be able to get that tire on. Most people with a little experience driving will tell you that they were able to go just about everywhere with 33" tires. Some will even tell you that was too tall for what they needed. A SBC just doesn't sit right into a Jeep. Look at what adapters you'll need, they aren't cheep. The main thing here is to develop your plan first. How much is your budget for your build? Do you want to spend 5 years building your Jeep? I've always advised people to make a plan, and then build one section at a time. That way you get to drive your Jeep, and you are more likely to finish your project. I'm 5 years into my build and I have not done anything wild yet. You Jeep is over 30 yeas old. Seals, bushings, etc need to come first. Building a full 1 ton axle for 37" tires takes time and money. I'm not say don't do it. Just look at the build threads, look at a lot of different Jeeps, find out what you have and how it works, then make your plan and go for it. The budget is a must. If you don't, you'll run out of money with nothing to drive. That's when most projects are sold or go to the junk yard. Good luck. Post some pictures. Looking forward to what you do with your Jeep.

 

[Caleb7mm]

My part time 20 year old helper at work took a stock Comanche and put 1 tin axles under it with a full custom 3 link built from Barnes heims and bungs and locally sourced DOM.

He did it in 3 days. 52 hours of work in 3 days.

Pre planned and had the axles ready to go in. Gears installed and trusses welded in while still driving the stock truck.

The only wait was custom driveshafts that took 8 days.

 

[mtnwhlr]

Sounds like you are looking to have something like this.

 

[HackFabrication]

Not looking to rock climb or significant off-roading.
I'm looking to run 37's
Considering 4 inch over axle with 1 inch body lift

Lot of lift and tire to be running on the street and occasional mild trails.

Like others have posted, going to a spring over axle lift is going to require a bit of engineering for it to be safe on the public streets. I've seen some really well done SOA's, and some really horrid ones.

Bigger tires need bigger brakes and lower gears. I wouldn't waste the money on modifying the stock Dana 30 and AMC20 just to run bigger rubber. You're better off, IMO, getting a set of one tons, or at the least a Dana 44 front and either Ford 9" or Dana 60 rear. FWIW, I dumped a boat load of $$$$ into my 30/20 combo.

For what you posted as intended use, a 4" spring under axle + 1" body lift, and 35" tires will get you the 'cool factor'. And then you're only looking at swapping to lower gearing and adding 1 piece rear axles.

 

[big tom]

I'm going to follow this thread as I just picked up a "stock" '85 CJ7 .

 

[sixpack1]

Like others have stated "HAVE A PLAN" and build accordingly. Here's a pic of my 86 with a AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l stroker and Dana 44 front and rear. It's turning 42" ICROC tires on 15" ICON rims. I never had any issues with breaking stuff. I'm in Florida and it was mostly a hills and beach princess but that was my "PLAN" and what I built it for...

 

[Impory]

Great looking Jeep sixpack1

 

[jay59l]

I agree with all that has been said. 37"s take a lot of time and $$ to make work, be reliable, and safe but you know what? They are cool!!!

They are probably double the weight of the stock tires so everything from power/gearing, axles, steering, brakes, lift, etc needs to be addressed.

I'm SOA with a 1.25" body lift and TJ cutouts. Plenty of room to flex. I have bigger axles. 4.88 gears, up grades all over to make them work. Pic below for reference. If you got the time and cash go for it. If not stick with some simple upgrades, 33's, and just enjoy the jeep


Oh I forgot to mention its a rabbit hole, you need bigger axles great, oh you now need a outboard kit to fit them. SOA great, now you need high steer to clear the springs, etc.