New Jeep... advise needed...

[Rejeep]

Not at all new to Jeeps, but have a new Jeep in the Family...

1973 CJ6 AMC 304 Hardtop!!!



Looking to fully restore this Jeep and build it for mild wheeling..

This is my first intermediate CJ and I am noticing the offerings are a bit light compared to their earlier or later brethren.

literally starting from the ground up I wanted to seek out some advise as what lift options are out there.
Looking to keep the Jeep SUA and run 33" tires with good clearance..
I have only seen 2.5" lifts by the brands I have trusted in the past.. not a huge fan of body lifts and the lack of lift height concerns me about flex..

Any real world opinions out there..
I have searched this forum and others without concrete answers.. any help would be appreciated.

 

[Torxhead]

I would support the body lift idea, and have had one for many years. Along with the added tire clearance, there is a lot of additional clearance gained between the frame and body that can be useful for cleaning and room for wrenching. A good body lift job does require a lot of stuff having to be adjusted. Although I am talking about 1" max and that is it.

 

[Old Dog]

IMO the only way to run 33's off road is with a 4" lift, unless you want to cut the wheelwells open, and it sounds like you don't.

 

[Rejeep]

IMO the only way to run 33's off road is with a 4" lift, unless you want to cut the wheelwells open, and it sounds like you don't.

I actually agree.. so why don't the big lift manufactures make a 4" lift for the 72-75 CJ?

Ive googled and seen a few intermediate jeeps running 33-35" tires.. just wondered what people are running and how they like it.

 

[Petescj]

That Jeep is gonna be nothing but trouble. You should sell it to me. I'll check around on lifts after the race.

 

[DHugg]

I actually agree.. so why don't the big lift manufactures make a 4" lift for the 72-75 CJ?

Ive googled and seen a few intermediate jeeps running 33-35" tires.. just wondered what people are running and how they like it.

I'm running 12.50X35's on an '80 CJ7 AMC 304 . I like everything about it, even the tire hum on smooth pavement, EXCEPT the stiff lift springs I believe to be ProComp - they were new enough in 2009 when I bought it to have the stamped number still white.

I've read that too much shackle length mucks with your steering, and you already know my sad tale about high-arch springs. My jeep is about like mounting a big horse, just to get a foot into the step below the body line to pull yourself into the cockpit. Your Grandmother might not like it (and she may be about my same age) but except for the bounce (see my post today) I am delighted with the setup of the rig.

 

[Rejeep]

like I said in earlier posts...

I've been many jeeps before, just not 72-75 CJ5 /6 that have different springs than later CJ's and YJ's..
Not looking to make a jungle gym on wheels.. to be honest the lower the lift height the better in my opinion..

My issue is keeping a restored body intact while still being able to flex the suspension.
I currently run BDS springs on my YJ and I have great articulation for a SUA Jeep..

Issue being BDS only lists a 2.5" suspension for the Intermediate CJs (72-75)
I was hoping to find some real world applications on this board, what people might be running and how they perform..

 

[Old Dog]

It looks like both Super lift and skyjacker both make 4" lift springs.
I have superlift 4" springs on my 83, their not to bad.

 

[poppatello]

Man, that is a sweet looking CJ6 . I didn't know they came with the AMC 304 though. Thought they came with the V-6. Anyhow, a CJ6 is the only thing I would let my CJ7 go for and I can't find one near me. Good luck with it...

 

[sheddiggs]

Awesome CJ6 and Renegade slots to boot! To run 33's on an intermediate all you need is 2.5" of lift, a lot of guys have had great results running a BDS setup.
I went with Holbrook long leafs, and haven't looked back. Holbrook Specialties recommends an extra leaf in the rear for CJ6 's running a hardtop. On my 73 CJ5 I went with an extra leaf all around because I run a steel top and have a Ramsey PTO on the bow.
The long leafs give you 3" of lift and are super flexy/droopy. They do require you to weld on new spring mounts inboard of the OEM ones. Once you've got em where you want em, chop off the OEM mounts. A little more work, but man what a difference!
I'm running 33x12.50's on Renegade Slots, and had to go with a 1" spacer up front to keep the tires out of the springs on tight low speed turns. If you ran 33x10.50's on those Renegades it probably won't be an issue.
Congrats and good luck!

 

[Rejeep]

axles almost built... build to start shortly.

 

[Rejeep]

Running and driving..
still not done..

just got myself into a 6..

 

[Torxhead]

Sweet ride, but they are never done. What is your choice on tires and suspension,btw.

 

[Rejeep]

2.5" BDS springs..
33" BFG's

both are subject to change as more miles get put on the truck