Lift Kits Body lift removal

[jimonfly]

Hey all, I'm new to the group, but not to Jeeps.

I just bought my first CJ-5, a 1978 model. It was a two owner vehicle. The grandfather purchased it new and I bought it from his grandson with just under 35,000 miles. It sat in storage several years with the uncle pulling it out and doing some upgrades several years ago. These included what looks to be a Superift lift, based on the decal on the springs. I measured the front shackles to be 4", not the stock 3. There are also body lift spacers, four at each location, measuring about 2 inches. It's got 33x12.50 tires, with plenty of clearance.

I don't really like the way it drives, and I don't like the stance. I'd really like to get it closer to stock height, but won't replace wheels and tires until they're worn more. Can I remove just the body lift picks or will that mess something else up? I'm thinking steering column or something like that.

If they can be removed, what's the best way? Do I just start unbolting one spot, move them out and move through the rotation?

Will the 33s clear with 1-2 inches of lift from the springs and shackles?

TIA

 

[TSB8C]

I have the same twin-stick shift setup on my Dana300 x-fer case, with those same shifter knobs and pattern, as Belizean showed. Have used the "front wheel drive" (left knob centered for rear axle in neutral and right knob up for front axle in low) position once when the rear wheels were in mud and spinning but the front wheels had traction. Not a frequently used option for me, but nice when I needed it. Perhaps others that do more wheeling get more use from it. Got the anodized knobs with the shift pattern from Amazon.

Twin stick shift knobs

"flyn hawaiian" - When you did your body lift one side at a time, when did you do the one centered under the grill? The front centered one is why I recommended from back to front (or vice versa) rather than side to side. Whatever works I guess. Maybe it also makes a difference in the amount of lift you're installing as well. To me, the more important factor and tougher part of the job is getting the bolts out and back in. Had to cut into my tub in a few spots to access the "capture nuts" and then replace all the sleeves and bolts when I put it all back together with the poly bushings. Once done it's done; but what a PITA!