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.

 

[lil Mule]

so if you dont want to replace the suspension on the jeep (leaf springs), and its not sagging and blown out. You could to a reverse front shackle mount. In the road the impact is much less jolting. In the rear you could use oil filled shocks like stock Monroe.

 

[mjclimber]

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

I suspect my tires are part of the issue. They are very stiff like truck tires and running about 30 psi on front and rear. The tires show 50 psi as max inflation pressure.

 

[mjclimber]

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

Thanks for the info!

 

[mjclimber]

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.

Thanks for the info!

 

[mjclimber]

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.

Thanks for the info!

 

[Belizean]

I suspect my tires are part of the issue. They are very stiff like truck tires and running about 30 psi on front and rear. The tires show 50 psi as max inflation pressure.

Holy ! Yeah I usually drive around with 20 - 22 psi even going down the interstate. 30 psi will jolt the heck out of you. Give up the thought you are driving a Porsche 911 and doing tight turns at 70 mph.

 

[Sgt EriK]

I have an '86 CJ7 and have done four things recently that has noticeably improved the ride, not drastic, but better! I put new rubber all around (31x10.5 15), remounted the spare tire adding additional weight, new body mounts (rubber being better) and finally lowering tire pressure from 40 to 30psi (I may go down further in that CJs are relatively light). The shocks are basic and springs are OEM. My understanding is there were three different spring packs used, so you may have the stiffest one and going lighter would help.