Suspension Rough ride

[mjclimber]

I have a '75 CJ5 with a AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l . The jeep and suspension are stock and I am curious what can be done (if anything) to reduce the extremely rough ride on rocky terrain. I realize these old CJs are old school single axle and don't have the suspension of newer jeeps. But I'm wondering if anyone has had experience with a leaf spring replacement or shock absorber? I have heard that using a Bilstein 5100 shock will improve the ride, however these shocks are expensive and I think the front and rear leaf springs are so stiff that Bilstein shocks may not be much different. Has anyone had the same experience or found improvements for this?
Thanks!
MJ

 

[Nekfor]

I have a '75 CJ5 with a AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l . The jeep and suspension are stock and I am curious what can be done (if anything) to reduce the extremely rough ride on rocky terrain. I realize these old CJs are old school single axle and don't have the suspension of newer jeeps. But I'm wondering if anyone has had experience with a leaf spring replacement or shock absorber? I have heard that using a Bilstein 5100 shock will improve the ride, however these shocks are expensive and I think the front and rear leaf springs are so stiff that Bilstein shocks may not be much different. Has anyone had the same experience or found improvements for this?
Thanks!
MJ

I replaced the springs and shocks on my 72 and it was a note worthy change

 

[CJ]

I have a '75 CJ5 with a AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l . The jeep and suspension are stock and I am curious what can be done (if anything) to reduce the extremely rough ride on rocky terrain. I realize these old CJs are old school single axle and don't have the suspension of newer jeeps. But I'm wondering if anyone has had experience with a leaf spring replacement or shock absorber? I have heard that using a Bilstein 5100 shock will improve the ride, however these shocks are expensive and I think the front and rear leaf springs are so stiff that Bilstein shocks may not be much different. Has anyone had the same experience or found improvements for this?
Thanks!
MJ

This really depends on your budget and how much work you are willing to do.

The lowest budget fix is to remove the shortest helper leafs from the spring packs. This allows the springs to flex more. At the same time put on some non nitrogen type shocks.

The next is install just about any after market kit. Many new systems offer a better ride.

The most expensive option but the best is to install YJ springs. Here is a link to a member doing this now. (Link)-> Old man emu YJ spring conversion -<
Here is a kit.

CJ OME Suspension: Jeep CJ OME Lift System

CJ OME Suspension (Old Man Emu) system... we have them for all years! The absolute best ride, handling, flex, and most fun you can have with your CJ!

rocky-road.com

 

[jzak]

I have a '75 CJ5 with a AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l . The jeep and suspension are stock and I am curious what can be done (if anything) to reduce the extremely rough ride on rocky terrain. I realize these old CJs are old school single axle and don't have the suspension of newer jeeps. But I'm wondering if anyone has had experience with a leaf spring replacement or shock absorber? I have heard that using a Bilstein 5100 shock will improve the ride, however these shocks are expensive and I think the front and rear leaf springs are so stiff that Bilstein shocks may not be much different. Has anyone had the same experience or found improvements for this?
Thanks!
MJ

I recently replaced my 10 year old shocks with Rancho RS5000Xs, and the ride did improve. That said, any improvement replacing shocks or leaf springs is going to be small. These CJ's came out of the factory riding rough. If it really bothers you that much, you may want to consider selling the CJ and buying a modern SUV.

 

[Belizean]

What tire pressure are you at going down the hi way ? What tire pressure are you at when you are off road ?

 

[KRUPP]

I concur with CJ on aftermarket springs as probably your best bet.
BDS comes to mind as a pretty good option.
The Old Man Emu YJ springs are likely nice too. But, since the spring lengths and widths are all different between the Early CJ and the YJ, the work will be fairly substantial going that route.