Question re: Lift and Tires

[Samzilla]

Hey Jeepsters,

I've got a stock 1986 CJ7 with a 4 cyl. 4 speed and I want to install bigger tires on it. Taking into consideration the 4 cylinder and the weight of bigger tires, should I even consider a lift kit and 33x12.5x15 tires? If 33's aren't too heavy, how high should the lift be (2", 3", 4") for them to clear?

If 33's are too much for the 4 banger, what size would be more appropriate?

Regarding tires, I'm thinking about BFG Mudders or General Grabbers. I should point out that I'm going for the look only and won't be taking this thing off road at all.

What do you think?

Thanks for your help.

Ken

 

[Old Dog]

IMO 31's are all a 4 popper can handle.

 

[BusaDave9]

IMO 31's are all a 4 popper can handle.

I agree with Old Dog. Are you sure this is the jeep you want to stay with?
Are you going to sink money into it and then decide you want a bigger engine. Decide now because it can become a money pit (I guess most jeeps are).
My point is if you think you may want bigger tires that will need lower axle gears. Then you will need a bigger engine, In the long term it may be better to get a CJ with a V8 (or a 6). Then it will be easier and cheaper to upgrade it to the way you want it.

 

[Samzilla]

IMO 31's are all a 4 popper can handle.

Thanks Old Dog. That was my main concern. 31" will still look good and I won't have to push.

Thanks for the input.

Ken

 

[Samzilla]

I agree with Old Dog. Are you sure this is the jeep you want to stay with?
Are you going to sink money into it and then decide you want a bigger engine. Decide now because it can become a money pit (I guess most jeeps are).
My point is if you think you may want bigger tires that will need lower axle gears. Then you will need a bigger engine, In the long term it may be better to get a CJ with a V8 (or a 6). Then it will be easier and cheaper to upgrade it to the way you want it.

This is the jeep I want to stay with because it is all original with only 2200 miles on it. I want it to look great, drive safely on the road, and polish it in the garage next to the harley.

Your advice is on point. I do not want the time, expense and headachs associated with a major engine swap including axels, rear ends, shackles (reverse or not) shocks, gears, different Transmission , carb, tires and wheels. You're right, could turn into a money pit that would make a boat blush. I'll put 31x10.5x15's on it and "live to drive...Drive to lunch".

Evenutally I may replace the leaf springs, shocks and bushings only because they are vintage 1985/1986.

Thanks again for your help. My mind is back in the happy place....

Ken

p.s., due to the fact that the springs, bushing, shocks, etc. are all original and keeping in mind the low mileage on the "Beast", would changing these out for new and improved be recommended at this time? Might it promote a safer, smoother ride with the new tires? Would you consider a small lift as well for looks and tire clearance?

Ken

 

[Cheepjeep85]

You might want to consider a yj spring conversion if you want it to ride good, the stock cj springs never rode great, a lift will be even worse. And I agree with olddog 31s are as high as I would go if you don't want driveability to be affected to much.

DROOOID2

 

[54cj3b]

This is the jeep I want to stay with because it is all original with only 2200 miles on it. I want it to look great, drive safely on the road, and polish it in the garage next to the harley.

Your advice is on point. I do not want the time, expense and headachs associated with a major engine swap including axels, rear ends, shackles (reverse or not) shocks, gears, different Transmission , carb, tires and wheels. You're right, could turn into a money pit that would make a boat blush. I'll put 31x10.5x15's on it and "live to drive...Drive to lunch".

Evenutally I may replace the leaf springs, shocks and bushings only because they are vintage 1985/1986.

Thanks again for your help. My mind is back in the happy place....

Ken

p.s., due to the fact that the springs, bushing, shocks, etc. are all original and keeping in mind the low mileage on the "Beast", would changing these out for new and improved be recommended at this time? Might it promote a safer, smoother ride with the new tires? Would you consider a small lift as well for looks and tire clearance?

Ken

If it has 2200 miles and is all original
IMHO I wouldn't change a thing

 

[Samzilla]

If it has 2200 miles and is all original
IMHO I wouldn't change a thing

Do you think the springs have sagged or the bushings have dry rotted simply due to time and replacing them with today's technology would improve the ride and safety?

 

[Cheepjeep85]

Well rubber will degrade over time and springs can start to sag even just sitting with weight on em, but unless everything is just really loose and sloppy, though, I don't see there being much need to replace all of your suspension with only 2200 miles on it.
You might just wanna put new bushins in the springs, sway bar, and shock, and be done with it. Cj springs ride like and always will, as I said before yj springs is about the only feasable way to improve ride over the factory cj stuff.
DROOOID2

 

[Samzilla]

Well rubber will degrade over time and springs can start to sag even just sitting with weight on em, but unless everything is just really loose and sloppy, though, I don't see there being much need to replace all of your suspension with only 2200 miles on it.
You might just wanna put new bushins in the springs, sway bar, and shock, and be done with it. Cj springs ride like and always will, as I said before yj springs is about the only feasable way to improve ride over the factory cj stuff.
DROOOID2

I put it up on the lift and inspected the suspension and everything was tight and seems to be in good shape. I think I'll drive it for now and possibly install yj springs down the road. Thanks for your help and advice.

Ken

 

[Az84cj7]

2200 original miles? Thats 88 miles a year! Wow!

 

[Dempsy1fat0man0]

we put 32x11.50 on a stock CJ---had very little rubbing and used no lift

 

[Samzilla]

Thanks Guys for all your input. I decided not to install a lift kit and simply replaced the original tires with General's NEW Grabber tires in 31x10.5x15. So far they look and ride great.

Ken