CJ6-Help Stage 2

[neilferguson]

Just performed some basic dimension checks on my new buy ( 1974 CJ6 )and find that the 4inch lift is a combination of 33 inch wheels ( compared to original approx 30in) and body lift bushes . Former gives 1.5 inch ( I have 33in tires now) and the other 2.5 inch is from tub bushes.
ie the suspension has not been lifted. Not sure whether the above is good or what but some queries for the wise....
Can I go back to standard body lift bushes or do I need some body lift to accomodate the 33inch tires? If so how much is the minimum?
Which body lift material and supply is best?
Will dropping the body give other problem re hoses, steering column etc?
Wiil the body lift have contributed to the handling wander ( cant imagine how but interested in comment) ?

Any other suggestions....

 

[hole]

I remember reading a thread a while back about a guy who was having steering issues similar to what your describing.He too was running 12" wide tires. Someone suggested he find a friend with narrower tires to swap for the day. He reported that it made a night and day difference on the handling.I just tried a bunch of searchs and couldnt find anything, but it might be worth a try. Sorry I cant help much with body lifts, never had one before. I believe 33's are too tall without body and/or suspension lift, but someone more familiar in this department will chime in soon. Good luck!

 

[imbobbbb]

I seem to recall your steering was real twitchy.When I converted my '75 CJ5 to power steering I used a box off a z28 camaro with a real quick ratio and had a small aftermarket steering wheel.It hadnt wandered much before but would change lanes if I breathed hard afterward.I switched to a box off of a '79 buick stationwagon[much slower ratio] and put a slightly larger steering wheel on and was much happier at 70-80 mph.I'm not sure of your swap options since your box is on the 'wrong side' but i'm sure you could find something similar.

You need at least 2.5" to clear 33s and will likely rub a little then.

 

[neilferguson]

I have a similar configuration .Extremely light steering (It needs a fingertip to move ) and a minute steering wheel ....and am working through the whole gamut of the 'steering and suspension ' recommendations. I want a long legged stable jeep and a speed of 80 to 100 kph...
..but am also doing following in parallel...
...Changing the 33in monsters to 31in,10.5in Goodyear Destination A/T tires
...Increasing steering wheel size ( current one is minute ) to try and get a wee bit more 'control '

 

[imbobbbb]

I have a similar configuration .Extremely light steering (It needs a fingertip to move ) and a minute steering wheel ....and am working through the whole gamut of the 'steering and suspension ' recommendations. I want a long legged stable jeep and a speed of 80 to 100 kph...
..but am also doing following in parallel...
...Changing the 33in monsters to 31in,10.5in Goodyear Destination A/T tires
...Increasing steering wheel size ( current one is minute ) to try and get a wee bit more 'control '

Well ive had 5 cjs[from'58-'83],a yj and a tj and I think running wider tires always enhanced overall stability in general.The wider tires do follow ruts a little more but were more stable in corners and higher speeds.On my '75 CJ5 I went from mild bridgestone 10.5/31-15 at's to mickey thompson 33/12.50-15 baja claws and drove it daily over 70+mph for a couple years.People can have different standards for what constitutes an 'acceptable ride' but a long wheelbase CJ6 shouldn't be scary at all driving the speeds you desire if everything is ok .I'm sure you'll figure it out.....sometimes it takes a little experimentation

 

[neilferguson]

thanks for comments and experience. Like most things in life there are usually a few contributing factors. I have nought new bushings etc and as well as tires , steering whell and the configuration check/adjustment I'll replace all spring bushings.I will get there as I am a systematic bod and comments re usual safe speed for the shorter CJ5 are encouraging....