Should I stretch my CJ5? (wheelbase)
jasonmark1993
Old Time Jeeper
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- Location
- El Paso TX
- Vehicle(s)
- FJ cruiser (wifes ride)
2008 ZX10R,
73 CJ5, 408W, Toploader, Dana 20, 9" Dana 30 5.38 gears, next purchase=slicks
Pretty sure the answer is yes. This thing is way overpowered (just shy of 500hp). Spoke with a custom spring shop and they mentioned that A: Im going to twist the hell out of the factory springs B: short wheelbase increases the tendency for the axle to rotate (right tire lift). Not sure if all leaf springs do this but when I unbolt mine they move to the right (looking from the back of the jeep) about 4 inches. Guessing that means they are twisted already? Hangars and shackles dont appear to be bent.
I do intend to take it to the dragstrip now that Ive moved to a town that has one.
Been reading and reading and there are lots of different ways to do it. I do want to step up to the wider springs used on later CJs. I am not going to lengthen the frame. I can do the metal work for the wheel wells. Fuel cell can go in the back.
Found an interesting write up where a guy used XJ Cherokee springs turned backwards. Moves the axle back 6"s. Springs are longer so the front hangar doesnt move; I know I need a new hangar anyways due to wider springs. This guy actually did a tube bumper that went around his factory tank and built a body panel for it. Im trying to get a picture of it to see how that looks. The tire is actually going to be about flush with the rear of the jeep.
Only have 500 miles on the whole setup but if I'm gonna do springs I want to do this once.
Hoping with some of your expertise/experience I can weed through the 30 different ways to do it.
Rustys has 4" XJ springs for like 250.
Thanks in advance
I do intend to take it to the dragstrip now that Ive moved to a town that has one.
Been reading and reading and there are lots of different ways to do it. I do want to step up to the wider springs used on later CJs. I am not going to lengthen the frame. I can do the metal work for the wheel wells. Fuel cell can go in the back.
Found an interesting write up where a guy used XJ Cherokee springs turned backwards. Moves the axle back 6"s. Springs are longer so the front hangar doesnt move; I know I need a new hangar anyways due to wider springs. This guy actually did a tube bumper that went around his factory tank and built a body panel for it. Im trying to get a picture of it to see how that looks. The tire is actually going to be about flush with the rear of the jeep.
Only have 500 miles on the whole setup but if I'm gonna do springs I want to do this once.
Hoping with some of your expertise/experience I can weed through the 30 different ways to do it.
Rustys has 4" XJ springs for like 250.
Thanks in advance
