Best riding lift

[CJKevin]

I have a 1980 CJ7 that I would like to lift around 2.5 inches to 3 inches. I will probably go with a 2.5 inch spring lift and 0.5 inch to 1.0 inch shackle lift. I am wanting the best ride for weekend cruising and an occasional deer camp trail ride. I have had locals recommend rough country springs and skyjacker softride springs with hydraulic shocks. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

 

[gert]

I am planning to do old man emu springs when I get everything settled on mine, they have the wider YJ front spring


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[gr8dain]

If you want a soft ride, do not go with the rough country springs.

I have the rancho springs and shocks and they are rougher than my YJ’s stock springs.

I am looking for new ones as well since my current Rancho springs are now sagging. So I am interested in this post as well.

 

[caveman]

I have the 4" YJ Skyjacker soft rides. They ride better than any that I've had or ridden in.

 

[hole]

Ome

 

[Torxhead]

My vote goes to Rubicon Express which uses the longer front and wider springs.

 

[HackFabrication]

What size tire do you intend to run? What is the gear ratio in your axles?

Ride quality is a subjective thing. You're not going to make a straight axle, leaf sprung, short wheelbase vehicle ride like a Mercedes, without some serious re-engineering.

That being said, the common internet opinion is to go with the wider YJ springs and basic shocks (non heavy duty). I wouldn't run much or any shackle lift. You can get aftermarket shackles with '0' lift or 3/8" lift. Remember that a 3/4" shackle only yields 3/8" of lift. You will still, most likely, need to add axle shims to get the caster angle into the 'sweet spot'.

I run a regular width 2.5" BDS lift on my 76 CJ5 , and I think it rides great (for a Jeep CJ5 ). I can easily fit a 32" tire, and can possible get a 33" tire under it (if I don't articulate the suspension fully).

 

[elkgroveguy]

I really like the Rancho lift springs!

 

[1979bettywhite]

2.5" BDS for me, crabtree stock length shackles. Rides precisely as Hack described. Leaf sprung, straight axle, short wheel base bouncer. Currently running 33s, but 32s would be the better option if I wheeled it more.

Don't forget to think about gearing as well when going up to a larger size tire. I am currently in 3.54s and they are fine for the 33s. Would not choose to stick there if I wanted to wheel it harder though.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

One common mistake folks make with lifts, is using shocks that are way to stiff.
Get the 'softest' ones you can find. Monroe have worked well for me.
LG

 

[tahoe]

For me a 2” lift and 31 BFG’s is perfect. Procomp should have the springs or Skyjacker. Remember as you lift higher you will need to worry about driveshaft angles and steering.