shocks

[staceyronq]

Hey calling all smart Jeepers. I said only smart Jeepers. A couple of years ago I came across a lift suspension for my 79 CJ5 . How ever we cannot figure out the following: (remember I am new to this rebuilding stuff) 1. How can we measure/figure out how high the lift kit measures? It is all new springs that bolt to the original holes on the frame. Now number 2. I have been to Carquest/Napa/etc with this question. How do I measure for a shock when I cannot answer the above question? On the front from spring plate stud to frame stud is 18" and the rear measures 20". How do I determine the size of shock needed? Also how much travel does one need? My suspension is stiff. Thanks all

 

[CJ]

Mmmm... Tough one... I must not fall into the "smart Jeeper" category...

Just a hint... You'll get many more responses with a little better lead in to a post.

If this was an attempt at humor, I really didn't read it that way and your statement could turn off some members. This could easily make it so no one responds with the help you requested. Something to think about...

 

[Old Dog]

Hey calling all smart Jeepers. I said only smart Jeepers.. How do I measure for a shock when I cannot answer the above question? On the front from spring plate stud to frame stud is 18" and the rear measures 20". How do I determine the size of shock needed? Also how much travel does one need? My suspension is stiff. Thanks all

With the shocks off, jack the wheels off the ground and measure for the extended lenght. now with the tires back on the ground just jack up one side, or drive up on something to compress the supension and measure again.( I'd give it an extra inch or so for hitting a pot hole or rock.)
Than check with the shock manf. for the lenght you need.
As far as the lift goes, park it next to a stock one and measure.

 

[CJ]

Another thing you can do to measure a compressed spring is to use a STRONG floor jack, place it under a spring perch and run a chain around it and the frame. As you raise the jack the spring will compress (the frame is pulled down to the axle) and the Jeep will lower.

BE VERY CAREFUL IF YOU DO THIS!!! I drilled holes into one of my jacks for this, do not trust a weld.

 

[54cj3b]

This is the easiest way to figure how much lift you have

 

[IOPort51]

What you are saying is that on a stock spring the tops or the spring eye will be flush with the top of the axle??

This is the easiest way to figure how much lift you have

 

[staceyronq]

Hey thanks for the picture. I found an extreme 4x4 shop here in town and the guy there gave me great advice. The picture of the spring is similar to what he said. Thanks that was smart advice. Hey cj relax I was joking so sorry for you, that you didnt get the humor. Your advice was also given to me but as stated it was risky and somewhat dangerous, not smart. ha ha But thanks anyways. Also in jeepfourm, not jeep-cj fourm they suggested the measuring of the spring travel also, smart and safe.

 

[Old Dog]

This is the easiest way to figure how much lift you have

What you are saying is that on a stock spring the tops or the spring eye will be flush with the top of the axle??

I had to try this today, here is what I found. My 4" lift only measures app. 2" to the top of the axle, 4" to the bottom. (front axle)
It is getting old and broken in but I don't think it's settled that far.