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[DarrRed1]

My 80 CJ5 was bought with a 5 inch shackle lift and 31 inch tires. The ride is horrible and gets into the scary category above 50 mph. Thinking of taking the shackles off and going stock. Does anyone know if I can get the 31's under it if I do? If not will a minimal body lift help with clearance. I have a set of 275 R15's, but would like to keep the new 31's.

 

[CJ]

Pull the shackles as fast as you can. The 31's will fit but may rub - you will be much better of thou...

 

[thiswontbetooexpensive]

Pull the shackles as fast as you can. The 31's will fit but may rub - you will be much better of thou...

I have 31's and a stock 80CJ5. About the time you think it's going over, the tires rub ever so slightly and holds it all on the ground. I have been in this thing and thought it was going to rub way worse, but it is ever so slight. (PO was a good friend and he has owned the CJ for 20ish years. It's all apart now but I have had quite a few miles in the seat myself!)

 

[DarrRed1]

Thanks for the fast reply's, I drove it again after the post and it is not fun above fifty. I am using primarily for hunting and fishing, with a little days off messing around. Nearest rock pile if a couple of days away. Thanks again, I guess I'll get to work, let ya know in a few hours how it turned out.

 

[CJim7]

Pull the shackles as fast as you can. The 31's will fit but may rub - you will be much better of thou...

Wait..take pictures first
Seriously though, you need to get away from this setup as fast as you can...some extended bumpstops will keep the 31's from rubbing.

 

[DarrRed1]

Well with some help from two neighbors it's done, all the original leaf spring mounts were there except the front leaf spring mounts. Will have to get a set of those to finish. Left the front shackle mount in place and drilled a new hole leaving it 3/4 of an inch high on the front but I can drive it until I can locate the front stock mounts. Wife doesn't like to see things in the garage that I just bought in pieces so it will have to do for now. Drove it again and it is mmmmmmmmmmmmmmuch better, shocks actually work and it drive like my stock 73 did. Thanks for the help and the support. You guys rock.

 

[CJ]

Quick reply. it is the castor angle change that worked... Take care...

 

[DarrRed1]

Thanks CJ,
Had to read up on Castor Angle thou. I think I understand. It drives and steers much better.

 

[Saddle Tramp]

Confer use to make a super strong replacement shack that added about ¾” of lift helping with the occasional rub with 31” tires. I haven’t seen Confer stuff in the 4wd catalog for some time so I assume they are out of business or have been absorbed by others, but if you can find a good similar product you might consider putting them on in lieu of stock. Maybe others can add some more info on this.