gearing and lift for 82 cj7

[cj7pimp]

so i have a 1982 CJ7 that has the stock axles and gearing on it. i want to go to 33s or 35s. i have an AMC20 with 4.56 gears, one piece axle shafts, and an arb locker but it looks like the locker needs some work. i can get 4.56 gears and a one piece axle kit for $AMC 150 . so should i just redo the front gearing to 4.56 gears and the rear gears and one piece axle kit or should i swap out rear axle and see about swapping out the front?? i was thinking to go spring over lift eventually so i could get the bigger tires under it. any help would be appreciated. thanks!!

 

[cj7pimp]

i also have the option of getting a front Dana 30 with 4.56 gears already setup for spring over. it came out of an 88 yj. would that fit my CJ7 or no??

 

[Old Dog]

The yj front will not work as the pumpkin is on the wrong side.

I'd check out the arb as there isn't much to go wrong with them, should be an easy fix.

 

[cj7pimp]

The arb has the pins that go all the way around. 4 holes on the outer part. One of the pins is lower or broken it looks like

 

[Torxhead]

You could contact ARB, with your issue, they have great customer support.

 

[cj7pimp]

does anyone have the number for arb so i could contact them?? i would appreciate it. thanks!!

 

[Old Dog]

ARB 4x4 Accessories

 

[cj7pimp]

awesome! thanks old dog!! i was also curious about the lift. should i just do like a 4 inch lift with springs and keep it spring under axle and more stable or should i just do spring over axle?? i heard spring over axle lift makes it pretty unstable.

 

[Old Dog]

A 4" spring lift is a lot cheaper and easier than a SOA and will work fine for 33's, for 35's a 1" body lift and some fender well trimming is needed if you play anywhere that you will be flexing it out.
The SOA and some flat flexie springs will flex and ride smother though.
I'd go with the 4:56's as you probably have 2:73's or 3:31's at best in your stock 82 axles.

 

[cj7pimp]

yeah not sure what gearing i have in the axles right now but the AMC20 with the arb has 4.56 gearing so i will just match the front to 4.56 also.

 

[BusaDave9]

A SOA lift is 6 or 7 inches.
IMO that's too much.

 

[cj7pimp]

yeah that sounds like a little much. i dont want the jeep tipping over around corners.

 

[jdarg]

yeah not sure what gearing i have in the axles right now but the AMC20 with the arb has 4.56 gearing so i will just match the front to 4.56 also.

I think you'll want 4.88's with 35's and your current drivetrain if you do much highway driving.

 

[BusaDave9]

I think you'll want 4.88's with 35's and your current drivetrain if you do much highway driving.

I would agree if both axles had to be regeared. Since the rear already has 4.56 I would just put another set of 4.56 in the front to match. That gearing will work out good for the highway.

Shoot for the green. For 35 inch tires either 4.56 or 4.88 will work.

 

[jdarg]

Maybe on a four speed but OP has a five speed Transmission . I predict 5th will be useless (probably marginal even w/ 4.88 though.)