79 CJ5 No-lift Suspension Upgrade?

79 CJ5 No-lift Suspension Upgrade?
T

Tankstew

Jeeper
Posts
28
Thanks
0
Location
Cumming, ga
Vehicle(s)
1979 CJ5 stock. Engine: Inline 6
So my dad and I just picked up this jeep and really only want to do a few things to it and then just enjoy the fire out of it! I'm 45 and he is 68 so this is a later in life father son project that we will use at our family cabin up in Blue Ridge Ga. First is an upgrade to power steering which he is working on. We want mom to enjoy driving the "mountain convertible" to the grocery store too! My part will be the suspension upgrade. It's currently on 31 x 10.5 with 15" rims which we are going to replace with new rubber but stay with the same sized tires. I suspect that the springs and suspension are original, based on how little "spring" is left in the leaf springs. My thought was new springs and shocks. It would be nice to gain a few inches but that would be the max I'd want because of the short and narrow wheelbase. I plan to do some off roading in north Ga so I do want decent ground clearance but I don't want a weeble that falls down when my mom takes it to the grocery store. ;) The other item is that I've seen a lot of people recommend a YJ spring conversion. Is this really a good recommendation because this would be the time to do it if it is truly a worthy change. I've never done this kind of job before but want to have a good parts list to order from and make sure that I have all the parts and pieces that I'll need to make this upgrade. You input is greatly desired.
1. Go with new stock CJ springs front and rear. If so what shocks and whos springs?
2. Go with new BDS or equivalent 2" spring lift. Shocks?
3. Go with YJ spring conversion (which appears to be only for the front) then which springs should I use front and rear. Shocks?
4. Any other option that I didn't know to consider.

Also, has anyone done this to where they could tell me what other "Accessories" (bolts, brackets, etc.) that I'd need to order to get this done. I will have to take the jeep to a buddy's house 4 hours out of town to do this work and will not be where I can just leave a non-functioning jeep for a few weeks till I get the rest of the parts that I didn't know I needed. :)
 
For what you are looking for there are a number of choices. So I would consider what is easiest to get. Ride quality can be an issue and cost comes into play here. Shocks are critical in my book and as I recall a good one costs around a hundred bucks. I have not compared the ride difference with the YJ front setup and cannot comment on that. When I get into the dirt, I always lower the tire air pressure and that absorbs the bumps the most. So that means being able to air up when I get back to the pavement, I use a converted air conditioning pump for air, but there are other ways of doing this. If you are going to swap springs, u-bolts must be added to the list since yours are probably tired by now and inspect the other nuts and bolts as you replace them. Purchasing a complete lift kit is a good way to go also.
 
Thanks Torx. Good info. I'd love to hear more about the air conditioning pump conversion. Are you talking about a condensate pump?
 
I also have a 79 CJ5 and considered the coil spring conversion awhile ago. I could only find a kit for a CJ7 . When I looked into it more, that spring conversion was discouraged for a CJ5 . It recommended that only someone with a lot of experience with these conversions do it because of the angles needed, and the Limited space to achieve those angles. Also every application will probably be different so there is no good "parts list" to go by for what you would need. (Lemme poke around on the net a bit and I will try and post the links I found this stuff on.)
As far as a lift goes, I agree with torx. A kit will have all the necessary items (shocks, brackets, leafs, shackles, etc...) As far as what make...you can have a hundred people tell you a hundred different reasons to go with specific brands. I am partial to Pro Comp, but I have had no issue with Rancho, or SkyJacker in the past.
 
My 55 Willys CJ5

Hit the "My 55 Willy's CJ5 " link above. This guy did it, but read his notes. His cutting was done with level and lasers, and he has rebar welded on holding part of the axle.

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f8/their-cj-coil-spring-conversion-442205/

And this is the link talking about where you can find kits for CJ7 's and why it is not recommended for CJ5 's

I am not completely trying to say dont do it, but I just want to give you what I know, so that you know what is involved before you start. If you have the time and tools to do the spring conversion, I would love to see it.




Here's a link to go to the wider springs. I know its from 4WD but its a start.
http://www.4wd.com/Jeep-Lift-Kits-J...it.aspx?t_c=1&t_s=38&t_pt=3533&t_pn=BSS4WD683
 
Last edited:
Great links CJ5 ! thanks for posting those. That YJ conversion sounds different than the one I was looking into. That looks like a Coil spring conversion, which I was unfamiliar with. The one that I read rave reviews about was the one to convert the front 2" leaf springs on the CJ5 to 2.5" YJ leaf springs. The explanation was that it improved the ride and handling. However, I'm not planning to raise the jeep more than 2" or so and didn't know if anyone had more information on if it would really benefit me.

Torx, the information on the air compressor was awesome too!! I'll have to save up for that cool "gadget"!!
 
Tankstew said:
Great links CJ5 ! thanks for posting those. That YJ conversion sounds different than the one I was looking into. That looks like a Coil spring conversion, which I was unfamiliar with. The one that I read rave reviews about was the one to convert the front 2" leaf springs on the CJ5 to 2.5" YJ leaf springs. The explanation was that it improved the ride and handling. However, I'm not planning to raise the jeep more than 2" or so and didn't know if anyone had more information on if it would really benefit me.

Torx, the information on the air compressor was awesome too!! I'll have to save up for that cool "gadget"!!
Click to expand...

Yeah I was on the wrong path with the first 2 links. Something to think about tho, right? :D The last link I put up there is for what you are looking at. I have heard it is a softer ride in every application, but have not experienced it first hand. Ok last link I promise... Notice it says that the installation of the conversion will increase your wheel base by 1 inch.

1976-1986 Jeep CJ Series CJ5, CJ7, Scrambler4" lift kit 406H | BDS Suspension
 
Yep, that's the one that I'm interested in hearing some feedback on. :)

I read that part where it extended the wheelbase by an inch and I'm curious how that affects the placement of the the wheel in the wheel well.

I also want to know if people really did notice a marked difference in the ride and handling. :D
 
I was curious about the same thing, because with my 33's the rear wheel does not have a ton of travel, and if that tire offsets too much, I will lose even more wheel travel. Let me know if you end up doing the conversion and what it does for ya.
 
It just sounds like you are closer to actually doing it than I am. Tell ya what, if I get it done before I have heard from you I will let you know how mine went. I just probably wont be doing mine for a month at the least.
 
Deal! I will probably be a month or so out too but I'll definitely share my experiences with what I do!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Jeep-CJ Donation Drive

Help support Jeep-CJ.com by making a contribution.

Help support Jeep-CJ.com by making a contribution.
Goal
$200.00
Earned
$25.00
This donation drive ends in
Contribute
Back
Top Bottom