'79 CJ5 Front Shock Mount Locations?

[CJ5Driver]

I recently converted (or am in the process of converting) my '79 CJ5 back to the original stock suspension. The PO had installed 33" tires and heavy duty springs with Monroe Magnum shocks. Made for a pretty stiff ride with the tires taking most of the abuse. My question is why are my front shocks compressed as much as they are and shouldn't they be mounted in front of the front axel? Do I need to move the upper shock mount further forward into the open hole in the wheel well and reverse the spring plate (L & R) so the shocks mount in front? Also, any idea why there are six holes drilled into the frame just aft of the upper shock mount?

 

[mtnwhlr]

The shocks on the front of both my '84 and '78 mount behind the axle like yours and are stock.

 

[CJ5Driver]

Thank you, Good to know! I wonder what the large hole is for in the wheel well just forward of the upper mount?

 

[mtnwhlr]

If you are talking about the one in the inner fender well the one on my '78 is much larger and goes around the top shock mount.

 

[Torxhead]

The later CJs have a frame mount that is a bit taller and the lower mount is welded on the front axle. It looks like you have the shorter frame mount with the lower mount on the u-bolt pad. I think the holes in the frame are for manufacturing purpose. The ride comfort has always been an issue with the CJ as you can see what has been done to the new Wranglers. I have had the best results with the more expensive adjustable shocks.

 

[CJ5Driver]

My biggest concern is it looks like the front shocks are already compressed as far as they can be? These are the 0" lift shocks from Rough Country. Which makes me wonder whether or not the mounts are in the right place?

Thanks for all the help!

I was able to rotate the picture showing the compression of the shock under the weight of the vehicle with everything on the ground.

 

[mtnwhlr]

I think your problem is the shocks. I would go over to Napa and buy some Monroe gas shocks and check out the difference.

 

[jp360cj]

Your fenders are either aftermarket or from a newer, widetrack CJ. The WT CJs used a taller bolt on shock mount. The opening is for the taller shock mount.


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[CJ5Driver]

Seems everything is correct then, I just need to get some better shocks...

Thank you all for your expertise and help!!!

 

[mtnwhlr]

Seems everything is correct then, I just need to get some better shocks...

Thank you all for your expertise and help!!!

 

[jay59l]

Yup those are stock for then narrow track axles. Your shocks are just too long. Going to shorter shocks will hurt your suspension droop travel so if that’s an issue I’d go with taller shock towers.

 

[cglax6]

I recently converted (or am in the process of converting) my '79 CJ5 back to the original stock suspension. The PO had installed 33" tires and heavy duty springs with Monroe Magnum shocks. Made for a pretty stiff ride with the tires taking most of the abuse. My question is why are my front shocks compressed as much as they are and shouldn't they be mounted in front of the front axel? Do I need to move the upper shock mount further forward into the open hole in the wheel well and reverse the spring plate (L & R) so the shocks mount in front? Also, any idea why there are six holes drilled into the frame just aft of the upper shock mount?

I had the same issue on mine, but probably for a different reason...

My CJ5 rode like ...even more than they normally do...so I took a crapload of measurments and took all 4 shocks off. Turns out the PO used 4 different sized shocks, and 3 of them were bottomed out with the Jeep just sitting in the driveway.

I took my measurements...bolt to bolt with no weight on each axle, and bolt to bolt minus distance between axle and bump stop...and went to the auto parts store and looked up what I needed myself. The dude behind the counter had no clue. I should have just gone to NAPA, because I never run into issues with those guys. You just need to make sure whatever shock you get exceeds the greatest measurement by a half inch or so at full extension, and same with full compression.

I also think it's worth it to spend the extra coin on adjustable shocks. Anything that makes the ride better helps out these aging bones...

 

[Torxhead]

Your last sentence pretty much answers itself. I purchased 2 Rancho RS9000XL shocks by using the max and minimum extension lengths and type of mounting. I moved the lower rear mounts on to the rear axle housing since I kept bending the lower mount that was on the rear u-bolt pad. That did require a shorter shock. I cannot find that page to order shocks from but I would think a local dealer would help you out.

 

[CJ5Driver]

New shocks are on order... should have them installed hopefully by Thursday.

Thanks again for everyone's input!

 

[CJ5Driver]

Changing out shocks tomorrow, will let ya'll know how it goes..

I will probably keep the front shocks as they are. The distance from the bump stop to the axel is 3 inches and the shock is supposed to have another 3 inches of travel, wish it had a bit more but that would require changing out the upper mounts.

I'm installing Bilstein 33-233970 for the rear shocks they have 20.3" to 13.0" travel which given where my mounts are should be about right.

Looking at the frame, it has some pretty big patches running down the length of it and the rear bump stops are not installed. If I drill a hole into the frame to install the bump stops how am I going to get to the back of it to install the nut? How is this done even on a new frame?

 

[mtnwhlr]

Like this I think
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LE-PYnRhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8sy_Glha28QZdI

 

[mtnwhlr]

Lets try this again
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8sy_Glha28&t=2s

 

[CJ5Driver]

Awesome! Thank you!

 

[CJ5Driver]

New rear shocks went on almost as if they were made for it... Thanks again for everyone's help!