'73 CJ5 suspension and lift questions

[jdspilot83]

I have a 1973 CJ5 w/ the AMC 304 V8. What began as a simple enough task of replacing all the shackle bushings has quickly escalated. I discovered that one of the rear leaf spring eye mounts had opened up. This lead me to look into leaf spring replacement and upon investigation and some research I am looking into a 2.5" leaf spring lift kit. This is based on that the CJ has 31x10.5 tires on it with rub marks in the rear fender wells. I also have found that the front and rear shackles are not equal lengths. The front measure 3.25" and rear 4.75" from center of bolt to center of bolt. From what I've read the stock lengths were 3" which would mean the front has a 1/8" lift and rear 7/8" lift. The current leaf springs have a count of 10 in the rear and 9 in the front. However no lift appears to be gained be these and it wouldn't surprise me if these are the stock heavy duty springs as the front appear to be sagging slightly. No body lift.



My goal is to be able to run the 31" tires while maintaining adequate body/ frame clearance without sacrificing (much) highway stability. Typical mission for the Jeep would be for some around town driving, taking the mountain bike to the trail head or rock climbing. So I do need off-road capability but nothing extreme.



I am currently looking at purchasing the Superlift Superride 2.5 lift kit Quadratec P/N 16207.004 and Warrior Products 1/2" lift shackle kit P/N 360454.100 and appropriate shocks based on the websites shock adviser, either Black Diamond or Skyjacker Hydros. I am open to suggestions on manufactures. I've read so many reviews on Pro-comp, Skyjacker, Teraflex, OME etc etc that I'm at a lose for which way to go. Although I will admit I've read only good things on Teraflex and OME but they don't make products for the 73 CJ5 ...at least none I've seen.



Would any steering, driveshaft, brake line modifications or axle shims/ wedges, etc be required to accomplish this? From what I've read those issues seem to come into play with 4"+ lift. The only modification I was looking at was increasing the bump stop length.


How bad would the net gain of 3" travel degrade highway stability? One of my major concerns is body roll while in a turn if the suspension is to soft.


Also why would the shackle lengths be different front to rear other than for towing applications?


Any thoughts and suggestions would be highly appreciated!

 

[BC CJ]

You would have to ask the previous owner about the longer rear shackles... could be any number of reasons but it isn't a problem. Longer shackles up front can cause poor handling but in the back it's not a big deal.

I think you are going way overkill on the lift if 31's is your goal. They will fit a stock CJ5 with some rub but thats also not a big deal.

Since you want to keep it comfy/safe on road here's my 2 cents:
Sounds like your current suspension is pretty bagged and you are prepared to replace. I would go with a 1" suspension kit (Full Traction makes one????). The resulting lift may actually be a bit more and would clear 31s nicely (with stock replacement shackles) plus keep you low and stable... or ... it may result in very little lift in which case a small shackle kit could add 1 inch of clearance. Either way you stay low and stable with new suspension components (theoretically better ride) and 31s will fit fine, if there is a little rub in the rear wheel well it's not a big deal (just make sure there are no sharp edges or bolts sticking out).

A wheel spacer will also give a wider stance, little more stability, and solve some of the rub on the inside of the fenders. Proper bump stops can solve rubbing issues as well.

I had a stock 81 CJ5 with 31s and it worked fine. it rubbed but never to any negative consequences. Let us know what you choose and how it goes

 

[jdspilot83]

Thanks for the input! I started thinking about the 2.5" lift just because several websites/ retailers suggested it as the 'minimum' amount of lift for 31" tires. Probably think it over for a another day or so before making a final decision. Superlift has a 1" leafspring kit with shocks around $600 (K710 Master kit). From the reviews I've read most people talk about it being a stiff ride on the streets, which I'm not opposed to.

 

[liftedf2350]

I put a 2.5" BDS lift along with a .5" shackle lift on mine. I also have 31" tires and the stance of it looks great. I could probably go a little bigger in tire size but I like how it looks. The last time I took it out I still had a little tire rub on the inner rear fenders, but nothing bad. I have yet to take her on the highway tho...