Newbie looking for suspension advice

[gaddough]

Hey guys,

New here, but my dad and I have been talking about fixing up our 1983 CJ7 for a few years now but until now funds haven't been available for a complete fix up. We have replaced parts as they have broken over the years, but now we really want to start making it look brand new. We decided we should start with the suspension. We were just wondering about what suspension would work best for us. She rides decent now with the stock one but if you hit a bump hard enough it feels like you're about to split the axle. We figured we would just replace it all and get a lift out of it at the same time. Looking for 33-34" tires on it probably. We want a smoothish ride, want to be able to not feel like it'll break if it hits bumps, and want to be able to get a good trail ride out of it. Its only driven in the summer time really for fun unless its needed for winter purposes. Would like something to handle anything we could throw at it that isn't going to break the bank.

 

[Bog Dog]

I just recently installed a rough country 4" inch lift on my 84. my advice is to do some research on the lift kits and be prepared to spend a little more for a good one. none of them will ride like a caddy but there are plenty of good options out there to get the smoothest ride as possible. I think I know now why their call "rough" country.

 

[hole]

After much research, I decided on Old Man Emu springs. My 8 actually rides better than it did with stock springs, but they were shot . OME only makes springs for YJ's, so you'd have to do the conversion but it's simple, and 3" is the max lift they offer. Good luck on your quest and keep us posted on the final outcome.

 

[Old Dog]

Springs are one of those areas where you get what you pay for.
It seems that everyone that uses Old Man Emu (OME) springs have been happy with them.
I ran 4" Super Lift springs for years and was happy with them but, they road kinda ruff but I was expecting that.
I'm running 4 1/2" RE springs now but don't have enough seat time on them to say to much other than they seem to be a little softer.

 

[CJim7]

If money is no option, I would recommend a set of Alcan springs. They will custom build them for your application, and are the best out there hands down. Also the most expensive.

 

[1986cj7]

If money is no option, I would recommend a set of Alcan springs. They will custom build them for your application, and are the best out there hands down. Also the most expensive.

I think this will be your limiting factor. It depends on what you want to spend. I personally have a 4" rough country and yes the ride is ROUGH. But to put this in perspective, it was a complete kit the only extra parts i needed to purchase was the brake line extensions. One other thing to consider is drive-line vibration. You will either have to use the Transfer Case lowering kit or correct the pinion angle to Transfer Case using degree shims or other methods. You mentioned that you would like a smoother ride so in my opinion the rough country brand wouldn't be a good fit for you.

 

[PaRenegade]

Several things can contribute to a harsh ride, especially after 30 years. Take a look at your body mounts as well. And not all suspension kits come with shocks so make that part of the suspension replacement parts. I opted to go with OldManEmu but am still in the build stage.

 

[gaddough]

I just recently installed a rough country 4" inch lift on my 84. my advice is to do some research on the lift kits and be prepared to spend a little more for a good one. none of them will ride like a caddy but there are plenty of good options out there to get the smoothest ride as possible. I think I know now why their call "rough" country.

Is there any that you would personally recommend? I've been looking and I heard that BDS and Rubicon express are good. What about skyjacker? I'm looking to spend 500-750 on a 3-4" lift kit then I know I need to buy some other things to extend the stock parts as well.