Need Advice

[defrancech]

I just got a '78 CJ5 about a month ago, and it's in great shape. Everything on it is stock (258i, 150T, Dana 20 , etc...). I want to put 34" Super Swampers on it. Is a skyjacker 3" lift adequate this? Also, what else should I upgrade to make this lift work? Should I upgrade the axles, driveshafts, steering rod? I'm completely new to this, so solid advice would be great.

 

[73CJ]

Consider gears with the 34s. I'm not a fan of the AMC20 rear axle. 2-piece axles that like to fail. Plan on doing spring bushing with the lift kit.

There's a lot more you can do and will depend on how hard you want wheel it. Locker, power steering and on and on. . . .

Have fun!

 

[gert]

You need 1 peice axle shafts in the back. If your going offroad you might wanna go ahead with deeper gears and lockers

 

[defrancech]

what would be a good axle and lockers upgrade?

once again I'm completely new to the automotive world, so I'm sorry if I sound dumb.

 

[Old Dog]

We really need more info on what your plans are. Is this a daily driver or a trail jeep?
Heres a couple thoughts.
Theres a good chance you will need at least a new rear driveshaft.
The front tires will probally rub the springs so you will loose some steering.

 

[defrancech]

I'm definitely planning on it being a trail jeep. I'm okay with losing some steering just as long as it doesn't make my jeep incapable.

As for the axles, is this what I need to accommodate my lift

Alloy USA AMC 20 1-Piece Conversion, Narrow-Trac, Kit ALL-12125 by the Jeep Specialists | Morris 4x4 Center

 

[Old Dog]

Yes thats the 1 piece axles. I would not go with alloy usa though. Buy Mosser or Superior.
IMO if this is more of a trail jeep I would look for some 44's to build before I spent money on axles,gears and lockers for a Dana 30 & AMC20 .
Your going to have a lot of money in weak diffs.

 

[defrancech]

What modifications would I have to do to a 44 to make it fit? I'm okay with it being wide because I'm not really gonna be driving it on the road.

 

[Mattduran]

What modifications would I have to do to a 44 to make it fit? I'm okay with it being wide because I'm not really gonna be driving it on the road.

Sounds like your keeping your rig off road. Depends how large your wallet is. If you want to do things right for offroading. 44 axles front and rear from a scout work nice. You can narrow down or use as is. Lockers? Arb's are my personal favorite but if you offroad all the time you could get away with something cheaper that would really work just fine. Spool maybe>? Lots of scouts came with 4:10 gears which are good for offroad also. Newer scouts have the open Knuckle. Much better then the closed Knuckle. Do your research. Good luck.

 

[ken98k]

You've got a nice little jeep there. Since you're new to jeeping, mabey you should start out with a good set of 31"s and go from there. I think you will be surprised what a CJ5 will do without all the extra hooha.

 

[kickitandholdit]

You've got a nice little jeep there. Since you're new to jeeping, mabey you should start out with a good set of 31"s and go from there. I think you will be surprised what a CJ5 will do without all the extra hooha.

Good advice. A CJ5 with some simple mud terrain tires is a very off road capable vehicle for your normal farm terrain. If you have big bad slushy mud holes or big rocks you should get a lift and tires and rims too. But we all completely understand if you want a 12" lift and a supercharged v8 to put around in the front yard.

MOST IMPORTANT ADVISE: You should research every night for (at least) a week before you spend over $500. this will keep you knowledgeable about what your doing and keep you from getting discouraged by surprises. The second most important thing is... Dont even open the tool box without grabbing your camera to show us some pictures of what your up to!

 

[eldercaddy]

You need 1 peice axle shafts in the back. If your going offroad you might wanna go ahead with deeper gears and lockers

Is that adviceable? If that is, I need to get one piece axle shafts. Thanks dude.