How to tell what's been done to my Jeep

How to tell what's been done to my Jeep

JeeperChris

Old Time Jeeper
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Michigan
Vehicle(s)
'79 CJ5, 258 I6, T150 w/Dana20, Dana30 front and AMC20 rear. My first Jeep! I'm looking forward to doing some minor upgrades and restoration while enjoying the ride.
Hi gang, I recently picked up a '79 CJ5 and I'm wondering how to tell what's been done to it in the past. I can tell that most of it is stock with bigger wheels/tires so I'm mainly interested in the suspension area. Has it been lifted at all? Even a little 2 inch lift? What would be some signs that something has been done to it if things like the brake lines and pitman arm do not need replacing?

The engine is said to be a remanufactured stocker- AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l I6 with Carter BBD (being changed to a Weber) and it has a header (very rusty so it's been there a little while).

Thanks for any tips you can provide.

https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca8...trp/jeep2_by_christophersacry_dcwtkwh-pre.jpg

https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca8...trp/jeep4_by_christophersacry_dcwtkyj-pre.jpg

https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca8...trp/jeep3_by_christophersacry_dcwtkxf-pre.jpg
 
Yeah, it looks pretty much like a stock suspension. Its probably worth more in that condition anyway. My first suggestion would be to get it in good operating condition.
 
Yep, running order is in the works. It's at the mechanics for a complete lube and check-up. He'll give me a list of things I need to start doing to bring it back to normal and I'll start work from there. Switches and small motors (wiper, heater) are first, then fuel tank / sending unit and radiator / heater core ..... etc... etc..

Somewhere in there I'd like to do a 4" suspension lift, single axles in the rear and rear disc brakes... you know, the usual upgrades.

Really want an eye on what might have been done to it early on is all.
 
Somewhere in there I'd like to do a 4" suspension lift, single axles in the rear and rear disc brakes... you know, the usual upgrades.

Really want an eye on what might have been done to it early on is all.
I'd argue against the 4" lift on a CJ5 . At most I'd recommend 2.5". Since you're from Michigan (so am I), I'd recommend a BDS. If you're not going to be running any difficult trails where there's the possibility of 'stuffing' the tires, the 2.5" lift can handle a 33" tire with minimal rubbing. Add a 1" body lift and you shouldn't have any problems at all. I've got a BDS 2.5" lift on my 76 CJ5 and run 32x11.50-15 TSL/SX tires and have lots of room.

Really no need for rear discs, unless you just want them. Or your plan on going with very large rubber. I'd probably consider 1 pc axles (I have Moser's in mine).

Where in Michigan?
 
It looks stock to me what size tires are on it?
 
Hack, I'm in Highland, by Milford (Detroit Metro). I'm actually from California and will eventually be moving to Texas (again).

Currently it has 32 x 11.5 tires on it and I like the way they look so I'll stick with those or go to the 33's (can't see much difference there) and eventually put new wheels on it too.

As for rear discs, I think they are just much easier to maintain than drums so I'm going to keep those on the wish list :-)

I am diggin that OEM tire on the rear though!
 
The drag link should give a good indication of the amount of lift (if any). Stock, the DL will should be flat (or very close to it). ~2-2.5" of lift, the DL will have a slight downhill angle (from pitman arm to knuckle) unless it has been flipped to the top of knuckle, in which case it will be flat. A 4" lift should have a drop pitman arm with a fairly flat drag link.
 
I'd argue against the 4" lift on a CJ5 . At most I'd recommend 2.5". Since you're from Michigan (so am I), I'd recommend a BDS. If you're not going to be running any difficult trails where there's the possibility of 'stuffing' the tires, the 2.5" lift can handle a 33" tire with minimal rubbing. Add a 1" body lift and you shouldn't have any problems at all. I've got a BDS 2.5" lift on my 76 CJ5 and run 32x11.50-15 TSL/SX tires and have lots of room.

Really no need for rear discs, unless you just want them. Or your plan on going with very large rubber. I'd probably consider 1 pc axles (I have Moser's in mine).

Where in Michigan?

What Hack said...

Just to give you an idea, I attached a pic of my '76 CJ5 ...It has the 2.5" BDS spring lift and 31x10.5-15 tires. It's personal preference, but I think a 4" lift would be too tall for the vehicle...but it all depends on what you want to use it for. If you go any higher than 2.5", you'll need a drop pitman arm.
 

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I'm running a 4" Pro-Comp suspension lift. Great fit and finish. That being said, it's up to the user and end use.
 

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The 4" lift all the way, love how it looks, and I will still be putting wide track axles on it.
 
Idahododgeram, do you have a Transfer Case drop on that? It doesn't look like it from the side pic.
 
I'm running a 4" Pro-Comp suspension lift. Great fit and finish. That being said, it's up to the user and end use.

Are you running lift shackles too? what length are they?
 
Yes, I have a 1" Transfer Case drop. I ended up not needing it though since I ended up running a double cardan in the rear. I swapped in a Dana 44 from a '73 and that wouldn't work with the stock driveline so I figured I might as well spend the $$$ on a double cardan shaft and be done with it.

The shackles are stock but I made my own greasable shackle bolts. The Pro-Comp lift is pretty much foolproof and comes with everything you need. Hardest part was getting the old stock junk off.
 

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