Shock question

Shock question
H

Hobiedad

Jeeper
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Location
Austin, TX
Vehicle(s)
'79 CJ5, 258 I6, 3 Speed, 33x12.50 BF Goodrich MT
On my 79 CJ5 I just purchased, I have a few items to address, and already appreciate the experience I've seen in the replies on other posts. I'm learning.....

This CJ has what I believe is a 4" lift and 33x12.50 tires. My concern is the shocks, and how much it appears they are compressed. The ride is very rough, (not sure how it compares to "normal".) I'm not sure what shocks they are. Maybe some of you will recognize them in the photo.

Are shocks stiffer the more they are compressed?
Attached is a picture of the shock and leaf springs. Does this look to be out of the ordinary?

My other question concerns the tire size. When the wheel is turned all the way, either direction, in reverse the mud grips bump the leaf spring. Same problem in forward sometimes. Do you think that going to a narrower tire, or a shorter one, or both would stop this? Maybe a 31x10.50 instead?20161115_181019.jpg
 
From that perspective, it doesn't appear to be a 4" lift. Not enough arch in those springs, but it could be just the angle of the pic.

Also looks like you've got the wrong shocks installed. If someone put 4" shocks on a stock suspension they would be compressed (and possibly bottoming out). Would make for a rough ride, similar to having the axles directly bolted to the frame.
 
:agree:

Also-There are limit screws on the axle 'knuckles' that will limit travel, to keep the tire from hitting the spring.
LG
 
I agree that the arch on those springs is too flat for a 4" suspension lift. You appear to have shackles that are a little longer than stock, gaining a little lift, but maybe 1/2". Those leafs look like a 2" lift that is old and flattened some.

Do you have a side shot of the Jeep showing how much the tire fills the wheel well?

A lot of folks run 33x12.5 on a 4" lift. So you should be able to do it without rubbing the springs. But I would agree that going with a 10.5" wide tire would help that out.

I am running 31x10.5 with a 2.5" lift and like the look and ride. Toying with a 4" lift and 33s. But not sure about 10.5 or 12.5 width. May depend on availability when I need new tires.
 
Would have to agree with above conclusions. This is the view of my 4" lift running 33x12.5x15. No contact with the springs ever.
 

Attachments

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No biggie brother, a forum should never be a place where people beat their chests over how much they know. Rather, a place where those of us that don't understand can find some help. It's about the joy of the jeep! I believe that the normal distance between shackle bolts is 3 inches. that would make yours a bit longer. You will find that the PO (previous owner) of most vehicles on this site have done things that make no sense now but made perfect sense to them at the time. Probably got some advise from a forum they were on. LOL
 
:agree: 110% with this.
:chug:
LG
 
WHATROAD said:
No biggie brother, a forum should never be a place where people beat their chests over how much they know. Rather, a place where those of us that don't understand can find some help. It's about the joy of the jeep! I believe that the normal distance between shackle bolts is 3 inches. that would make yours a bit longer. You will find that the PO (previous owner) of most vehicles on this site have done things that make no sense now but made perfect sense to them at the time. Probably got some advise from a forum they were on. LOL
Click to expand...

Well Said!
 
WHATROAD said:
No biggie brother, a forum should never be a place where people beat their chests over how much they know. Rather, a place where those of us that don't understand can find some help. It's about the joy of the jeep! I believe that the normal distance between shackle bolts is 3 inches. that would make yours a bit longer. You will find that the PO (previous owner) of most vehicles on this site have done things that make no sense now but made perfect sense to them at the time. Probably got some advise from a forum they were on. LOL
Click to expand...



Another agreement here. And as stated above, you have 1/2" of lift with your shackles.
 
gr8dain said:
When i did my frame swap, I had the body mounts welded an inch higher. So I should be able to fit 33s without going to a higher lift. That is good.
Click to expand...

Make sure to drop down your bump-stops.
LG
 
Lumpy Grits said:
Make sure to drop down your bump-stops.

LG
Click to expand...



When I put the 33s on? Afraid I will over stuff the fenders and rub? Maybe. I will see. I still have life left in my tires. And I have some shackles that will give me a little bit more lift. So I have options.
 
To keep from cutting up your tires on the fender's lip.
LG
 
img_0771__2.jpg

I have done the combination of adding extended bump stops, that I got from one of the big box 4wd outfits, adding longer travel stop bolts to the front axle knuckles, adding longer travel shocks, a 1" body lift, and trimming the body fenders. Then I had to take the CJ through a good rock garden to test it all out.
 
Torxhead said:
img_0771__2.jpg

I have done the combination of adding extended bump stops, that I got from one of the big box 4wd outfits, adding longer travel stop bolts to the front axle knuckles, adding longer travel shocks, a 1" body lift, and trimming the body fenders. Then I had to take the CJ through a good rock garden to test it all out.
Click to expand...

Come out and run any of the 'Hammers' in Luc. Vly. That will test it for you. :D
I see you did the TR flip-Nicely done.:notworthy:
LG
 
Lumpy Grits said:
Come out and run any of the 'Hammers' in Luc. Vly. That will test it for you. :D
I see you did the TR flip-Nicely done.:notworthy:
LG
Click to expand...

I have run through the famous Hammers a couple of times and have dents to prove it. The front axle assembly is from Tri-County Gear that I installed after bending up the oem Dana 30 . The rear also has a slight bend in it also. Those CJ oem tie rods are quite weak even with stock tires and I am sure many of us have seen them bend up. If you have not then you need to go Jeep someplace else lol.
 
Have Jeep'd with Jason of TCG many times. He built my 44 front and stood over me as I put a 4:1 kit in my D/300 t'case.
One thing I took away from driving the hammers. Was all the 'rock-rash' on my frame, skid plates & axles. :laugh:
On my OEM tierod. I just slid a piece of 1/2" rebar inside it and have kept my fingers crossed. :laugh::rolleyes:
LG
 
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