Advice on unlifting a CJ5

[KO1]

Im a newb who just picked up a fully custom 1978 CJ5 , just a little to much for me, I'd like to tame it down to a slightly lifted form. It has what looks like a 3" body lift and that is going to be difficult to remove as the roll cage is tied into the chassis. It has a drag strip ready solid lifted 406 Chevy not really suitable for affording or especially daily ir even comfortable weekend driving. Im going to install a more or less stock AMC 360 or if that proves to me too much of a PIA I havre a stock mid seventies Chev 305. The drivetrain includes Currie built axles 9"f and high pinion Dana 60 r 9". It has 35 x 15 tires now and sits way too high for this old man. Any ideas on the best way to lower it and what tire wheel combo to be more aggressive than stock but easy to handle getting in and out.

 

[harleydragon]

like you say,just a lot of work...no doubt that someone would love to have it just like it is.you might work up a good trade for a stock one.might even get some cash to boot

 

[Sasquach]

With all the work & $ it would take to undo thats a tough call, first thought was as said above and sell or trade and start from a more basic beginning. But then again finding one in nice shape is never easy.
I'm with you on that one being "too much" but there are guys who would drool all over themself for your CJ.:drool:

 

[Old Dog]

Looks like it has at least a 4" lift springs, you could start by going stock springs and leaving the body lift and see where that leaves you.
Is that a trak bar in the second pic.?

 

[KO1]

Yes it is a track bar but it doesn't seem to help. The handling sucks. Dives one way under acceleration, then dives the other way on decel.

 

[thescot]

I think the drives one way then the other is the diff and whats in it traction device wise. I think that would be remedied,but the rest will be a pretty big undertaking to undo. Personally id try to part with it like it is and look for a more fitting CJ. No offence but I find the CJ forums guys to be pretty conservative on mods and highly informative thru personal trial and error. The other jeep site is loaded with testosterone pumped up young ones who'd love to have something like what you have. Might try putting it up over there. Nice rig but it looks like a handful.

 

[VolJeep]

I have the same issues (first time CJ owner and to much lif). I have a 3" body lift and what appears to be a 4" suspension lift. I think I may even have a little lift from the shackles. My cage is not attached to the frame so Im thinking i can remove the body lift and only have to modify the clutch pushnrod, steering shaft and filler hose. Am I missing something???

 

[harleydragon]

I have the same issues (first time CJ owner and to much lif). I have a 3" body lift and what appears to be a 4" suspension lift. I think I may even have a little lift from the shackles. My cage is not attached to the frame so Im thinking i can remove the body lift and only have to modify the clutch pushnrod, steering shaft and filler hose. Am I missing something???

if you have a fan shroud you might have to readjust it..other than that I can't think of anything else but of course look it all over after you drop it to make sure

 

[IOPort51]

I guess every thing must eventually come full circle. Not often you hear the phrase "too much lift".

 

[harleydragon]

I guess every thing must eventually come full circle. Not often you hear the phrase "too much lift".

very true but the older I get,the better it sounds

 

[Scooter402]

Hah....I must be getting old. I lowered my CJ a couple months ago. I'd try and take it even lower if I had the time and place to do it.

 

[Old Dog]

Yes it is a track bar but it doesn't seem to help. The handling sucks. Dives one way under acceleration, then dives the other way on decel.

leaf springs don't need a track bar, and it might even be your problem,
I'd disconnect it and see if it makes any difference.
Also check your u-bolts for tightness and the spring bushings for wear.

 

[KO1]

I think the drives one way then the other is the diff and whats in it traction device wise. I think that would be remedied,but the rest will be a pretty big undertaking to undo. Personally id try to part with it like it is and look for a more fitting CJ. No offence but I find the CJ forums guys to be pretty conservative on mods and highly informative thru personal trial and error. The other jeep site is loaded with testosterone pumped up young ones who'd love to have something like what you have. Might try putting it up over there. Nice rig but it looks like a handful.

I think you are correct about the locker. I was told it is a Detroit Locker. I have had experience with these in the rear of the car and they aren't the smoothest operating devices, lock/unlock no in between. I think the reason I now own this Jeep is because of this handling issue.

 

[KO1]

cj5 not drivable and frustrated - JeepForum.com

I found this post from the previous owner

 

[Old Dog]

Looking at one of the pic's the OP had posted in your link, the draglink is on a really bad angle. it should he close to parallel with the tierod or you will get crazy steering. Is it still like that?

Not to say your locker can't have something to do with it but I also have a Detroit in the rear of my cj and it goes straight when on or off the gas.

 

[Sasquach]

Old Dog remember your CJ has 10 more inches of wheelbase for what its worth.
the detroit in my 5 makes for unnerving driving on pavement, if it were not for the fact that I tow it to the trail mostly I would really consider going to a selectable to make it more street freindly.
its hard to describe but in a turn when throttle is applied it makes the Jeep want to straighten out so curvy roads are driven with minimal throttle changes.

 

[Old Dog]

its hard to describe but in a turn when throttle is applied it makes the Jeep want to straighten out so curvy roads are driven with minimal throttle changes.

I agree 100% on this. Curves with hills are even worse as throttle changes are a must.
You might be right about the extra 10" as mine is good on straight roads.

 

[KO1]

Where would be the best place to buy stock springs? Also how would I tell what springs are actually on the chassis? The chassis is an aftermarket chassis make by Advanced

 

[harleydragon]

Yes it is a track bar but it doesn't seem to help. The handling sucks. Dives one way under acceleration, then dives the other way on decel.

I wonder if better shocks would help this

 

[Sasquach]

After rereading this and the attached previous thread I'm most puzzled how a guy with enough knowledge to build this Jeep? but yet unable to get it to drive good. Original builder has to be even previous to the guy you bought it from because he would not be asking those types of questions on the other forum imo.
I would start with ditching the Detroit, even if not the total cause of your issues it's pretty universally believed they have terrible road manners, next and it's in your initial post would be the tires for something less aggressive AND correcting the steering gear.
The tire wheel combo will need to be based on what you want the finished cj to be although I dont see going too much smaller or lowering it much with regard to the axle width.
As for the springs in your above post, maybe contact the frame builder and see what light they can shed on this, if any.