guidance

[ZFLASH]

New guy with questions, '79 C7, 2.5 " lift, 33"tires, bought it to drive in the rain, no off roading except maybe the beach, so nothing crazy. What shocks are you running and why ( I'm fond of Bilstiens ), what steering stabilizer and would a new steering box take the slack out of the steering? It has new springs when they did the lift, so I know that they're tight for now. What seats offer better support, my back is taking a beating. Just trying to do it right the first time, so I don't have to keep doing it over and over again. Thanks in advance, Happy Thanksgiving. L8R ZFLASH https://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/images/smilies/beerchug.gif

 

[Patrick]

The Bestop lowback seats worked amazingly well for me. I hurt my back several years ago and ever since certain seat designs in vehicles trigger pain very quickly. For some reason these seats work for me even though they are fixed and non adjustable and on a bumpy CJ ride. Good luck.

 

[gert]

I would have to say the lightest shock you can get since the jeep is already stiff enough.

I have also always been fond of Bilstein, i went with Rancho RS5000 because i needed cheap shocks to get me on the road and i have custom length shocks for the front

check your tie rods, ball joints and steering shaft for any looseness or play that will have a negative effect on steering

the CJ steering box is not variable ratio where the wagoneer and J truck were. it makes riding on the road nicer

 

[JeeperChris]

I've read on here a short while ago someone said to use Monroe shocks. Just the cheap simple ones because they won't add any stiffness to the suspension. Havn't tried it myself yet as my lift will be next year but it sounded good.

 

[Patrick]

Shocks hardly have an effect on our leaf sprung CJ’s, especially lifted ones. High end and expensive shocks are more geared for long travel coil type suspensions and some leaf springs on full size vehicles , so don’t waste your money. Instead, select the right leaf spring for a soft confortable ride. Shackle reversal is also recommended.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Shocks hardly have an effect on our leaf sprung CJ’s, especially lifted ones. High end and expensive shocks are more geared for long travel coil type suspensions and some leaf springs on full size vehicles , so don’t waste your money. Instead, select the right leaf spring for a soft confortable ride. Shackle reversal is also recommended.

Completely disagree about the shock deal.
Monroe's are about the softest in ride. They let the springs work.
BTW-The sway bar doesn't help the ride one bit.
Gary

 

[Patrick]

I agree to disagree.

 

[ZFLASH]

I agree to disagree.

Thanks for all the feedback and various opinions, I also did a search on here. It mentioned also that since I lifted it,I should add wedges( I know that's not the right term,sorry) between the axels and leaf springs? Keep it coming,L8R ZFLASH

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Thanks for all the feedback and various opinions, I also did a search on here. It mentioned also that since I lifted it,I should add wedges( I know that's not the right term,sorry) between the axels and leaf springs? Keep it coming,L8R ZFLASH

Do some research, those shims are to correct the front end alignment, and in the rear the driveshaft u-joint angle.
Gary

 

[caveman]

If you go with shims to correct the drive line angles, Don't use the aluminum ones. They don't hold up. Use the steel ones. Personal experience.