Low CCenter of Gravity (LCG) CJ7

[ColoradoCJ7]

I am trying to achieve a great daily driver that can also handle most off road trails. I am focused on keeping it low, stable, and fun to drive. I have already installed 33 inch tires, and TJ Rubicon fender flares (cutting the fenders to fit) for clearance. I have no lift. I am installing sway bar disconnects this week. I am curious if anyone else has built there CJ with this same focus and what other items they approached. Pictures are great to demonstrate how low and capable your rig is.

Here is a photo of where I am at today.



Suggestions are appreciated!

 

[gert]

I had 34x9.50 superswampers on the stock rims with a lockright and 1 peice axles in the back using a 2" body lift to clear the tires......IMHO if I were you look into the wrangler leaf springs so you have more flex and softer ride I installed them on mine and am in the resto mod right now with a SOA going on

 

[ColoradoCJ7]

I do need to replace the existing leaf springs because they are worn out so I really like the idea of converting to the YJ ones and doing soa as the only lift. Any other major items need addressing if your going soa and wrangler leaf springs?

 

[gert]

Well your original posting was concerning staying low going SOA gives you alotta lift (5.5-6.5 or so). I was mearly telling you to go wrangler leaf front so you have a gentler ride. There is a lot to think about going SOA you have to get new perches, U bolts, shocks, sway bar links, steering draglink, drive shafts, brake lines. I am doing mine with a Dana 44 front which was built to be SOA from Dana your Dana 30 is not so it takes some fab skills

 

[Old Dog]

First let me say, nice looking jeep ya got there.
I never really understood the whole LCG thing when it comes to off roading.
I have a 4" lift and my Transmission /tc skid plate still takes a beating.
I guess it all depends on what kinda trails you plan to run.

 

[ColoradoCJ7]

I live in Colorado so I have every type of trail from fire road to Moab available when we go on. I am looking for something that can do all things good but safely. The whole LCG thing is to ensure you minimize the chance of turning it wheels side up. I also apply a hefty amount of reason and driver smarts.

I would not be interested in the SOA if it gives you that kind of lift but I did see that the YJ springs might be a good choice. I see there is a full kit to do it at the following link:

YJ Wrangler spring conversion kit for Jeep CJ, 1976 and newer

Like I said at the beginning I want maximum function and safety.

I appreciate the positive comments about the CJ as well!

 

[gert]

Thats a great start especially if you can find some used stockers and run them for awhile to see how much lift you want to run

 

[amcjeepman]

In my latest rebuild of my trail Jeep I tryed to make it a little lower. It's still fairly tall though since I'm running 36" IROKs which run around 37" tall.

This is with a Full width narrow trac Wagoneer axle, spring over.
Spring hangers up on side of frame for lowwer height and protection.

 

[Kane]

The last pic is what has been going through my head to get an SOA without the crazy lift. I looked at my 3 inch lifted BDS spring under CJ and if I used flat Wrangler springs I could do the side mounted springs front and rear with my new wider Scout axles. It looks like I could attain only 3 inches of total lift but have the great ride quality and flexible set up with 33 inch tires. It looks like that set up is at least 1.5 inches lower than a traditional SOA set up.

 

[bmflyfish]

My dream CJ will have about 2.5 inches of lift with YJ width springs, 32-33 inch tires, a family type of roll cage for the friends and family and some sort of roof rack. Since I am not a rockcrawler type of person, I want to keep my CJ as low as possible, but somewhat trail capable. So my idea of a perfect CJ is a Jeep that can get a canoe or a couple kayaks to the fishing spot of the day, carry enough gear to camp and go caving with for a day or so.

 

[ken98k]

Since I am not a rockcrawler type of person, I want to keep my CJ as low as possible, but somewhat trail capable. So my idea of a perfect CJ is a Jeep that can get a canoe or a couple kayaks to the fishing spot of the day, carry enough gear to camp and go caving with for a day or so.

A bone stock CJ5 or 7 would do that. That's what they are for!

 

[bmflyfish]

A bone stock CJ5 or 7 would do that. That's what they are for!

Very true... But a slight lift makes a bone stock cj just a little more capable with ground clearance and flex. Especially with ruts and and the occasional water crossing.