Need some advice

Need some advice
8

85Renegade

Active Jeeper
Posts
292
Thanks
0
Location
Central jersey
Vehicle(s)
1985 jeep cj7 6cyl
1985 vw jetta diesel
Hello all... I just want some advice from the more experienced jeepers on the forum. I know doing the job of upgrades right the first time will save cash in the long run. Here is what I got, 1985 CJ7 inline 6 Renegade with no emissions, a mc2100 carb, so basically not much in the way of engine performance. The goals is mild off road duty, dirt road, woodland passes type of thing. I'll use it primarily to cruise around and enjoying the open air. Ive got 31s currently and would like to move up to 33s. I'm thinking something in the realm of a 2.5 inch lift. My questions are, I'd like to upgrade some of the steering components and handling traits. What am I looking for? Basicly what's an upgrade? How crazy do I need to get with Tie rods and drop links etc?

Ultimately how would you guys achieve these goals?
 
If I were to do it again, I would have 4" lift YJ springs using a pair of rear CJ spring hangers and shackles on the front. That will clear your 33" tires with no body lifts or fender trimming and you will have a smother ride to boot because you will now have the 2.5" wide springs front and back. Also If you still have the stock T-5 manual Transmission look into gear swap to something like 3.55 to 3.91 that would make your jeep a lot more fun to drive:chug: To upgrade your steering the first place you want to start would be to replace any worn parts, ball joints/ tie rod ends etc. You can swap your steering box out with a variable ratio box from one of the performance steering companys and get a borgeson steering shaft that should get most of all the slop out and you would have an improved "feel"
 
Last edited:
85Renegade said:
The goals is mild off road duty, dirt road, woodland passes type of thing. I'll use it primarily to cruise around and enjoying the open air.
Click to expand...
This is my recommendation for your intended use.

2.5 lift
Keep the 31" you have now, or 32" (you lack the proper axle gearing for larger tires)
new, good quality, ball joints, TRE DLE
After installing the above a reman box if needed
Lunch box locker in the rear, but not needed.
Lastly, go have some fun!
 
^^ what they said^^
I would add a HD steering box mount and also a brace.
A good HD tie rod and drag link is always nice,
I'd do a rod end flip while I was there to get them up out of the way.

If you really want 33's go 4" lift. You will need to regear to 4:10's or so.
 
Thanks for all the great advice... Can anyone suggest a specific brand for tierods? I like the idea of the flip... I'll read up on the flip
 
TRE = Moog
 
Moog great they seem reasonably priced, great warrantee and readily available. Anything else I should know before picking them up.... Any part numbers... Some seem to have zerk fittings some don't... I'd like the fittings...
 
You might want to check but I believe the R.R. set uses 7/8" tre's where most others use the 5/8" ones. Yes, they are stronger but they are also more expensive and harder to find. Just some food for thought.
Also, check out RockAuto and PartsGeek for some good pricing, but as with any place, double check the part numbers from the manuf. Pics are misleading some times.
 
I'd look for a set that took standard cj rod ends. That would be 11/16-18
I bought some 1 1/4 od X 5/16 wall DOM and made my own, but I work in a
machine shop so I didn't have to buy the taps.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Jeep-CJ Donation Drive

Help support Jeep-CJ.com by making a contribution.

Help support Jeep-CJ.com by making a contribution.
Goal
$200.00
Earned
$25.00
This donation drive ends in
Contribute
Back
Top Bottom