Build Thread '74 CJ5 Lift/Wheel/Tires

[Erervin]

I've had my '74 CJ5 for several months now and it's time to do some work on it. Poured over hundreds of posts and pulled the trigger yesterday on the following:

- Skyjacker 3.5" Lift with pitman arm replacement and steering stabilizer
- 5 Mickey Thompson Classic III 15x10 polished wheels
- 5 Falken Wildpeak M/T 33x12.50R15's

Also doing a black to stainless conversion for the following:
- Mirror set
- Hood latch
- Windshield hold-down set
- Hood vent
- Hood hinge set
- Rampage H4 Headlight Conversion Kit

Debated long and hard over the 2.5" vs 3.5-4.0" lifts for 33x12.50's. This is purely a weekender for back country and trail riding for my son and I. The AMC 304 3-speed should handle this upgrade. I'll post pics after the upgrade, but here is the start. Will be selling the existing 31's if anyone is interested. Thanks.

 

[gert]

wow that's a pretty Jeep. I have the Mickey Thompson IIIs on mine and i was informed by another user here that they have changed the center hole diameter in the rims from 108 mm to 106 mm. I hope this wont affect you. I have heard that the later CJs have an issue with it.

 

[Posi]

I'm with gert, nice looking CJ!

This is purely a weekender for back country and trail riding for my son and I.

I would suggest 2.5 lift, you may have to adjust your stops to keep your front tires out of the springs.

Pic of my 71 with new 2.5 BDS lift on 33x12.5

 

[Erervin]

Thanks for the reply Gert and Posi. I spoke with my local Jeep fab shop and they recommended the Skyjacker 3.5-4" over the 2.5", mainly so we wouldn't have to install a 1" body lift and could remove the existing shackle lift. As for the MT III's, I read conflicting posts regarding the bore size issues. If by chance they won't work, I can return them and go another route and not be out anything but time. Went with a higher offset to push them out a bit further. Hope to have this completed in the next couple weeks.

 

[Posi]

I spoke with my local Jeep fab shop and they recommended the Skyjacker 3.5-4" over the 2.5", mainly so we wouldn't have to install a 1" body lift and could remove the existing shackle lift.

Hmm, stock shackles with no body lift on my 71.

 

[Erervin]

Project finished; at least for now. With the 3.5" lift, had to get a longer driveshaft and yolk, but the ride is better now without the long shackles - softer too. Wheels fit - no problem. Took it out for a ride yesterday with my son. Also added new headlights and center console.

 

[mtnwhlr]

Very nice looking Jeep

 

[mbaldwin11]

I love the look with the lift/wheel/tire combination! Nicely done!

 

[Heavychevy]

Your jeep looks new, so clean and shiny. The wheels and tires compliment it.