79 CJ5 Build Getting Started

[gadawg31]

Admin, if I am in the wrong forum, please let me know and I apologize.
Getting everything ready to start my CJ5 build and wanted to ask some opinions/expertise, before I start spending money. Once I get the ole girl home, I will be pulling off the tub (fiberglass).

1. I want to do a disk brake swap on the front, not sure if I should do the rear or not. For those that have done this, where was your choice parts house and did you do the rear as well?

2. Also, I want to install a 4" lift while I have the tub off, any suggestions/recommendations where to get this kit? Right now it has only a spring lift and I was even told to cut my cost I could do an axle flip. I presume they meant putting the springs on top of the axles. Is this safe?

3. Finally, the soft-top I have chosen is the BestTop "supertop", comes with two soft 2-piece doors. Thanks in advance for the help and hope to gets some pics of her in a couple of weeks. Thanks.

JD

 

[Petescj]

I moved this to here because its not a build thread. Build threads show your Cj being built in chronological order till its done. You should get answers to your questions better in this forum. I didnt really know what you were asking about the soft top so I just left it alone.

Admin, if I am in the wrong forum, please let me know and I apologize.
Getting everything ready to start my CJ5 build and wanted to ask some opinions/expertise, before I start spending money. Once I get the ole girl home, I will be pulling off the tub (fiberglass).

1. I want to do a disk brake swap on the front, not sure if I should do the rear or not. For those that have done this, where was your choice parts house and did you do the rear as well?

2. Also, I want to install a 4" lift while I have the tub off, any suggestions/recommendations where to get this kit? Right now it has only a spring lift and I was even told to cut my cost I could do an axle flip. I presume they meant putting the springs on top of the axles. Is this safe?

3. Finally, the soft-top I have chosen is the BestTop "supertop", comes with two soft 2-piece doors. Thanks in advance for the help and hope to gets some pics of her in a couple of weeks. Thanks.

JD

 

[Old Dog]

Doing a SOA (spring over axle) safely and correctly will cost a lot more than a reg. spring lift. There's a lot more to it than just putting the springs on top the axle.

 

[Petescj]

Thats the truth. It will also give you more like 6 to 7 inches of lift instead of 4 inches. What are you looking to do with this Cj anyway?

Doing a SOA (spring over axle) safely and correctly will cost a lot more than a reg. spring lift. There's a lot more to it than just putting the springs on top the axle.

 

[Petescj]

Another thing I thought of is you can probably get a narrow track disc brake Dana 30 for the front cheaper than converting it. Atleast around here , I couldnt give mine away so off to scrap it went.

 

[gadawg31]

Thanks for the advice. I am mainly going to set it up for a basic hunting vehicle and I really only need about a 3-4" lift. I want to keep it relatively safe and not get too top heavy. One day, my kid will probably drive it, so I don't want to get too crazy with it. It is really that more difficult to swap the drum to disk? I would think that replacing the entire axle would be more of a job. Again, thanks for the advice so far. I am just ready to get her in the garage and start doing something.

JD

 

[Petescj]

From what you stated below Id recomend you get a 2 1/2 in spring lift and add some aftermarket shackles for the other 1/2 inch of lift. That will give you enough lift to run 33 inch tires. Its the same set up I had on my 78 CJ5 years ago. Stay away from the Spring Over Axle lift on a CJ5 for the reason you answered already. It'll get a little tippy in off camber situations without stretching the wheelbase and widening your track width.

Replacing the axle is lot easier than you think. If you find a replacement with the correct gear ratio your good. And it'll be cheaper for sure. Like I said I couldnt give mine away. taking out the front axle will require you to drop the front driveshaft, drop the drag link from the pitman arm on the steering box , remove the nuts on the 4 U bolts holding it to the springs and detaching the brake lines.

You will need new brake lines wich should come witha good lift kit , a prportioning valve for front disc / rear drum brakes and 4 new Ubolts cause you dont want to re use the old ones.

Thanks for the advice. I am mainly going to set it up for a basic hunting vehicle and I really only need about a 3-4" lift. I want to keep it relatively safe and not get too top heavy. One day, my kid will probably drive it, so I don't want to get too crazy with it. It is really that more difficult to swap the drum to disk? I would think that replacing the entire axle would be more of a job. Again, thanks for the advice so far. I am just ready to get her in the garage and start doing something.

JD

 

[Old Dog]

To change to discs you only need to change from the ball joints out, not much work but finding the parts become a pain.
I think what Pete was trying to say is that you can buy a whole used axle cheaper than buying the brake parts, and than just swap parts.

lol Pete and I just posted at the same time. If you can fine a front with the same gears you can change the whole thing, if not just change the parts you need.

 

[gadawg31]

Copy that guys. I understand now and thanks for the advice. I have been looking a little around for possible parts in my area, since I am still waiting to get the jeep in my garage. So far not too many places, but I am still looking. In the meantime, I have to find a trailer wide enough to transport the ole girl to my house, but I am not in any hurry. Gives me a little more time to clean the garage out and make the boss lady think I am getting my together, just before I clutter it up again with another project. LOL! Thanks again and I will definately be back for more questions and answers.

JD