Advice on unlifting a CJ5

[KO1]

The suspension on these Jeeps is totally simple, if everything is tight the the springs are straight and stiff enough it should have these problems The guy I got it from owns an alignment and auto repair shop. I am a certified Master Automotive and HD Truck technician with over 30 years experience I just asked a coupe questions just to get a quick answer and maybe someone has encountered these issues and would save me spending time and money chasing a problem that has already been chased with no results. I would just like to return it to stock form and I know that works. I don't need 600HP, I don't need 10" lift I don't need a 9" front and Dana 60 rear. Id like to sell all those items and install stock rears and springs and a nice mild mannered engine. I like the Jeep, my grandkids love it but its too unsafe for me to feel comfortable driving them in it. Maybe a regular person wouldn't notice the handling issue, maybe I'm just paranoid Ive driven hundreds of Jeeps before and I know what normal is.

 

[Old Dog]

Is there any #'s on the springs? If not some pic's of them might help us id them.
If you want a stock jeep than just start rebuilding it. Stock axles are usually cheap and I'm sure you could sell the used parts to someone.

 

[harleydragon]

yeah,too bad you aren't in south georgia..I would try to trade you out of all of it

 

[Petescj]

I'll trade you my stock Dana 30 and AMC20 for your junk if thatll help you out.

 

[Old Dog]

I'll trade you my stock Dana 30 and AMC20 for your junk if thatll help you out.

I bet you would even drive up there and change them out for him.
I know I would.

 

[BIGTRUCKNUT]

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.

KO, that's a great looking Jeep. I've got a CJ5 that has a nice running Chevy 350, manual NP435 4-speed, lockers front and rear, 4" lift and 15-35-15 TSLs on a '76 frame. It has similiar handling characteristics but I guess I'm kinda used to it after driving the beast for 27 years. I tell you that the short wheelbase of the CJ5 just doesn't work well on the road with high HP, a manual Transmission , big lift, and a tight locker. Before you get really crazy swapping out expensive, well-built drivetrain parts (axles and motor), I suggest replacing the detroit locker with one of the many Limited slip diffs available for your D60 rear axle. Following that, I'd lower the Jeep a little by removing the body lift and maybe shortening the suspension lift by removing a leaf or two from each pack or going to a 2 1/2" set of springs. Inspect the spring and shackle bushings and replace if necessary. Remove that front track bar and add a stock front sway bar. With the suspension drop you will likely get tire rub on the rear edge of the wheelwell. This will require you to find additional tire clearance with a saw at the trailing edge of the rear wheelwells and modifying the existing flares or perhaps using Scrambler or YJ style rear wheelwell flares to cover the tires.

Hold off on the engine swap until you do the suspension mods and rear locker removal/replacement. Maybe detune the motor with a cam change if practical and engine internals will support a shorter duration. If you still want the motor replaced, I suggest staying with a Chevy SB to keep it an easy bolt in swap that won't require new engine mounts, radiator, exhaust, bellhousing, clutch, Transmission mods, engine accessories, wiring harness mods etc etc associated with replacing with an AMC motor. Save your money.

Call me if you want to discuss. (757) 630-0960.

Ty

 

[Sasquach]

Great post.
do you really want your phone number in it? Maybe share it through a pm.

 

[BIGTRUCKNUT]

Great post.
do you really want your phone number in it? Maybe share it through a pm.

Yeah, you're right but can't find the "edit" button.

 

[Hedgehog]

Ask the moderator to remove your phone number, should be no problem for him.