How do I know if my 5 is lifted?

How do I know if my 5 is lifted?
cdlongjr

cdlongjr

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Newark, De
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1983 Jeep CJ-5, 1987 Wrangler YJ, 1974 J-10
I have 31" tires, but it looks like I have room for 33s. How can I tell if the 5 has a lift kit?
 
How many springs are actually in the spring pack (front and rear)? If they are 7 and 9 then they are most likely stock springs (at least on a earlier model). Most aftermarket springs use heavier springs but less of them.

From this pic, your front end is pretty low on the tires. I'd say they are either sagging or stock...

cj-7_ls.jpg
 
Probably sagging.
Do you guys have the springs redone or replace them?
I need to replace all the rubber items on the suspension. Should I get greasable bushings?
Can I lift her with longer shackles? I'd like to be able o get 33" tires under her.
 
Here is another item I wish they would just quit making..Lift shackles. Just my personal opinion of course, but If you want some lift on your jeep, do a proper one and install lift springs. It's an easy, and relatively inexpensive job to do, and once done properly will serve for many years without problems. Lift shackles are a cheap way to try and go around doing the job properly, and often times cause more problems than not. Look at it this way. for 5-6 hundred bucks, you can install 2.5" of lift on 4 brand new springs and shocks, and have a spankin new properly designed and tight suspension under your jeep. With 2.5" you can still use the stock pitman arm with no bump steer or loss of geometry. again, ONLY MY OPINION! But over the years I have learned that with certain things, there is only ONE way to do it, and that's the RIGHT way. Suspension, steering, and brakes are what hold your life, don't skimp.
 
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I have never heard good long term results from getting springs re-arched and can cost more than new springs most of the time. Longer shackles will change caster and add extra play into the steering. They were installed on my cj when I bought it. I will probably be removing them pretty soon. If you plan on keeping it a while, lift springs are the way to go, especially if you are already planning on replacing the bushings anyway. A small body lift may be a better solution than the shackles, but not as good as new springs.
 
I really appreciate you guys tellin' it like it is. I valve the knowledge here, that's why I ask so many questions. I belong to several forums, but think of this one as home. While looking thrucatalogs today, it was recommended to have a 4" suspension lift for 33" tires. Is this correct?
 
I belong to several forums, but think of this one as home.
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That really make me happy to hear that!

You can actually get by with no lift. You may rub some during a hard turn or if the suspension is maxed out like straddling a ditch or something. I had 33's on my old 2.5" lift and it worked fine except during very extreme articulations.

I just bought a new set of springs for my CJ and I went with a 3" lift. I have 33's.
 
BDS , Black Diamond Suspension makes a very nice 3" lift kit that'll do the trick.
 
Personally when I re-do the suspension on my CJ5 Im going to go with Yj springs this time around. I'll probably use BDS springs. I want to get more articulation. I'll be locked front and rear though so lifting a tire wont be so bad. :)
 
Petescj said:
Personally when I re-do the suspension on my CJ5 Im going to go with Yj springs this time around.
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On my next CJ I'm defiantly going to do just that. This one I wanted to keep the modifications as bolt on as possible.
 
coldwater said:
Here is another item I wish they would just quit making..Lift shackles. Just my personal opinion of course, but If you want some lift on your jeep, do a proper one and install lift springs. It's an easy, and relatively inexpensive job to do, and once done properly will serve for many years without problems. Lift shackles are a cheap way to try and go around doing the job properly, and often times cause more problems than not. Look at it this way. for 5-6 hundred bucks, you can install 2.5" of lift on 4 brand new springs and shocks, and have a spankin new properly designed and tight suspension under your jeep. With 2.5" you can still use the stock pitman arm with no bump steer or loss of geometry. again, ONLY MY OPINION! But over the years I have learned that with certain things, there is only ONE way to do it, and that's the RIGHT way. Suspension, steering, and brakes are what hold your life, don't skimp.
Click to expand...

while in most cases I agree with CW, I gotta say the shackles on my CJ complete the package for me, not detract from it.
I couldn't get the flex I have now without the added flex of the 2" lift shackles. They work with the 4" lift springs and the cut fenders to really stuff the 35" Swampers up in the holes when doing the rougher rocks and really rough mud pits.
 
4wd hardware and Quadratec both sell bolt on kits , with 4wd hardwares being less expensive. ;)
 
Petescj said:
4wd hardware and Quadratec both sell bolt on kits , with 4wd hardwares being less expensive. ;)
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LOL - Just the opposite for me most of the time... We have a 4wd in my state but not Quadratec. I have to pay tax and shipping for 4wd so it usually cost more from them... :)
 
The one Quadratec sells is Old man emu brand and is $430. 4wd has there own for $360.
 
Petescj said:
The one Quadratec sells is Old man emu brand and is $430. 4wd has there own for $360.
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To me that is apples and oranges, you can't compare two different brands.
And for my year CJ, OME doesn't even sell a kit.
 
Were gonna have to come up with a rule on how long you have to post pics after saying something like this. :drool:
CJ said:
Wait till you see my next CJ! :D
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