making a 1 inch lift out of a 2.5 for softer ride?

[jesseb]

I am trying to build my jeep up and keep it low. I was wondering if anyone has taken a 2.5 inch lift and removed a leaf to get a softer ride and lower height. I have found a few lift kits on craigslist. Just wondering if anyone has done this. Or even a 4 inch lift with 2 leafs removed to make it soft and lower. No garage and snow on the ground means I am just collecting parts. Thanks

 

[BusaDave9]

I wouldn't spend much. Jeeps do ride rough and a lift will only make it rougher.
What I would do is post a trade. There are a lot of people that would love a lifted jeep. Then they have the OEM springs they don't know what to do with. Trade your springs for OEM springs. Everyone comes out ahead.
I don't think taking a lifted jeep and then taking springs out is the way to get a lower softer ride.

 

[IOPort51]

I would suggest a day or two of rock time. find a pretty rough trail and exercise the springs. Mine spent most of it's life playing in mud, after a week in the Rockies it sure seemed to ride smother. maybe just my imagination.

 

[Old Dog]

If I was wanting a 1" lift and a good ride I'd look at OME I believe they offer a 1" lift spring.
You could also stay with the stock height springs and do a shackle and body lift.
I'm not a big fan of removing springs from the pack, but I know people do it and seem to be ok.
If you already own the 2 1/2" springs than take IO's advice.

 

[BusaDave9]

I'm not a big fan of removing springs from the pack

Same here

I would suggest a day or two of rock time. find a pretty rough trail and exercise the springs. Mine spent most of it's life playing in mud, after a week in the Rockies it sure seemed to ride smother. maybe just my imagination.

take IO's advice.

Yes, come on the 3rd Annual Jeep-CJ.com Colorado Trail ride. That'll soften you up!

That reminds me, I need to at least come up with some tentative plans and start a thread but the trail ride will be in late August in CW Colorado.

 

[Torxhead]

You could work on getting quality shocks for your rig, the short wheelbase and light weight makes the CJ quite sensitive. This also means spending the big dollars. Cutting back on the tire air pressure can be a factor also, you did not state the tire size.

 

[jesseb]

Keep this build small. Planning on 31-33 inch tires. I haven't bought a lift yet and my stock springs ride alright. I was more just wondering how it would ride with a leaf or 2 out of a stiff lifted pack.

Plan is to keep it stock height or maybe an inch taller and get the rest out of fender trimming. For my local trails I am pretty confident 31s and a lunch box locker in the rear will be able to get over anything. Plus narrow track make line choice easy. This is going to be an over weight UTV.

Where in Colorado is CW? I would love to go on the jeep run.

 

[IOPort51]

there are tons of things you can try but truth be known, the CJ rides like a buffalo with a saddle on it.

 

[jesseb]

fair enough. Low tire pressure will probably be my best bet. Snow and cold temps mean not a lot of wrenching so plenty of time to over think things and reinvent the wheel.

 

[Old Dog]

there are tons of things you can try but truth be known, the CJ rides like a buffalo with a saddle on it.

Make that buffalo a rodeo bull.
Stick with 31's, you will start having more rubbing problems with 33's.

 

[BusaDave9]

Where in Colorado is CW? I would love to go on the jeep run.

If we can blame guns for deaths then I am going to blame my keyboard for my typos.

I meant to say the Jeep-CJ Trail Ride will be in SW Colorado. Ouray or Silverton CO.
Think you can make it Jesseb? It will be late August.

 

[rocmoc]

Have a '69 CJ5 . Did a 2 1/2" Rancho lift and it was toooooo stiff. Took out the two smallest leafs. Did the trick, soft comfortable ride and I gave up only 3/4" of the lift. Posted what I did on here a few month ago! I am running 32" tires and I played with the air pressure and NEVER got enough improvement in the ride. Air pressure is a band-aid not a fix IMHO. Good luck, try it. You can always put the leafs back in!

rocmoc n AZ/Mexico

 

[thiswontbetooexpensive]

there are tons of things you can try but truth be known, the CJ rides like a buffalo with a saddle on it.

I was going to go with "Like a squared wheel wagon", but I think you have put it a little more eloquently IO.

 

[mtnwhlr]

You could do a YJ spring swap that would give you a softer ride.