CJ7 rides rough, what to do.

[jbabb]

Ok so, I have read tons on wrangler conversions, different lift kits and so on. I am getting a bit overwhelmed with the amount of info I have read. I have a 78 CJ7 with AMC 304 and T-150 , soon to be T-18 I hope. Anyway, the previous owner did a SOA lift. I think it is on stock springs. I am running 33/12.50s no with plenty of wheel well above the tire. Now this things rides really rough, park bench in an earthquake rough. I know some of it is because its a jeep but I am pretty sure I can cure some of it. Right now I think it is around 5.5-6" of lift. Measures 15.5" to center of the hub and around 26 1/4" to the body mount. I could easily clear 35s I think. I either want to go up to 35s or drop the suspension down a bit and keep the 33s. Either way, I want a smoother ride. I do very little off roading and just enjoy driving the old jeep around. OME seems like the way to go but a little pricey. I am not opposed to just doing away with the SOA like it is now and putting on a newer lift kit even if it drops the jeep down a little. My main reason for posting this is for opinions on my situation. What would ya'll do.

 

[cj7inthetwigs]

You may go 35s so I would go BDS or Rubicon Xpress with YJ springs, some quality shackles, 1.5 body lift. Or whatever it took to clear 35s without trimming on the tub. Imo.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk

 

[ramotough]

Post some pics of how it looks now.

 

[caveman]

How much air are you running in your tires? Larger tires don't need as much. I run about 20 pounds in my 35x12.50s and the tires are wearing prety even acoss the tread. I've seen many over size tires off of jeeps that have run full preasure in them with the middle of the tire bald and almost full tread on the sides. It will also ride a lot better.

 

[Gclyne]

You can buy wrangler or YJ springs used for cheap and they ride very nice. I would also get a good pair of shackles.

Same question as above, what PSI do you have in your tires? 33s only need about 25PSI depending on the tread and width.

 

[jbabb]

I run about 20 psi in them already. I will try and get a picture up today. It sits too high for 33s now. With the costs of 35s, I am thinking newer softer springs and bring it down an inch or so.

Sent from my C811 4G using Tapatalk

 

[cj7inthetwigs]

How much air are you running in your tires? Larger tires don't need as much. I run about 20 pounds in my 35x12.50s and the tires are wearing prety even acoss the tread. I've seen many over size tires off of jeeps that have run full preasure in them with the middle of the tire bald and almost full tread on the sides. It will also ride a lot better.

We had a box of hopscotch chalk for the kids so I colored up a parking lot and drove over it to check tire contact . I too see folks riding on uneven wearing tires.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk

 

[jbabb]

Ha, not a bad idea!

Sent from my C811 4G using Tapatalk

 

[Torxhead]

20 psi in 33s should provide a pretty good ride for a CJ, Shocks are another consideration, or with an soa the springs could have gone flat.

 

[jbabb]

Here is a picture of how it sits now.

 

[Old Dog]

Looks go to me.
With you having narrow track axles you will loose a lot of steering from the front 35" tires hitting the springs. So I would keep the 33's.
If the SOA was done correctly I would keep it and look for the flattest springs I could to keep the lift down. Going back to SUA would mean rewelding all the spring perches at the very least.(there should be more)

 

[cj7inthetwigs]

I agree with olddog, it does look good. Your right about room, looks like the tires actually have room to breathe under there. Flat yj springs?

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk

 

[jbabb]

Yeah I am thinking stock YJ springs is my easiest bet. OME doesn't make stock height springs do they? I know everyone loves how they ride.

Sent from my C811 4G using Tapatalk

 

[DHugg]

Yeah I am thinking stock YJ springs is my easiest bet. OME doesn't make stock height springs do they? I know everyone loves how they ride.

I pulled a leaf from the rear suspension spring pack...... now my kidneys have stopped aching. I run 20-22 lbs in 35X12.50's.

 

[Torxhead]

DHugg, thats good to hear, I think you should keep an eye on them though. It will probably start to sag in time since your reworked spring pack is probably overloaded.

 

[jbabb]

My springs are pretty flat already so I am wondering if I take those off and put wrangler springs on that have some life left in them if it will actually lift the jeep back up some more.

 

[Torxhead]

jbabb, an soa has different load requirements than sua. So you might want to consider a springpack designed just for soa. Which probably means getting a custom set made.

 

[jbabb]

Hmm... custom leaf springs. That has dollar signs written all over it. If that is my only option then I will be sticking with what I have! Maybe thicker seat foam is my answer to a better ride.

 

[Mnbluepits]

i agree with everyone with 20 psi what some forget is that the faster you go and warmer the tire it gets it builds tire pressure. also if you look at my post on what lift i have you can see what mine looks like with stock spring on the rear on the soa conversion..... Have you been driving yours without a axle wrap? can you tell if your binding or hopping when you get into it?

 

[jbabb]

I have been driving it just as it sits now for about 3 years. I haven't noticed any hopping or binding but I don't get on it too hard that much and hardly every off road.

I guess my question has now turned into, has anyone here used stock YJ springs on a CJ7 with SOA. Is it worth it in the ride of jeep to do this?