SOA question

[nickmimi]

Hi Guys,

New to the forum. I bought a 1980 CJ7 with a SOA conversion and huge lift shackles. PO was running 35s. Bad bumpsteer and wandering. I am ordering a BDS 2.5" lift kit, replacing the shackles with no lift.

I alread removed the "body lift" made of cracked and warped hockey pucks.

I am thinking of returning to SUA instead. It appears the under axle spring perches are still there. Would I have to change the drive shaft?

If I decide to keep the SOA with the new lift, would I be able to run the 35s still?

Thanks
Nick

 

[havokstorm]

if you keep it soa and run the 2.5 inch springs , it will be too tall for 35's
realisticly, unless you want a LOT of clearance

I have an 86 with flat used YJ springs and 33's, they look a bit small,( thats with well worn springs) , with fresh springs i bet i gain another inch or two, so with 2.5 inch springs your gonna have some altitude

if you go sua then a 35 will be too big for a 2.5 lift
as far as the axle goes, if they lengthened it ( they should have)
then you will more than likely need to shorten it, you might get lucky though since you arent returning it to stock but rather 2.5 inches higher

just my 10 cents,lol

 

[kickitandholdit]

haha haha got to love the good ole PO stories. Pics would help alot. Im running a SOA and im not sure if the leaf springs are stock or not but I have normal shackels and im somehow running 36''s with room to spare haha

I would stay with a quality SOA without huge shackles depending on what kind of off roading your doing. If your staying out of the woods a SUA would be more practical. The SOA mixed with the big shackles is causing the bump steer.

 

[nickmimi]

I was able to return the procomp kit and I ordered the BDS kit. Cant wait untill it gets here so I can install it.

Thanks
Nick

 

[havokstorm]

let us know how the BDS kit rides and post some pics

on my earlier post i said "they prob shoulda lengthened the axle", lol

i meant lengthened the drive shaft

 

[nickmimi]

I figured that's what you meant

 

[nickmimi]

changed to standard heavy duty shackles today and the jeep is tracking straight, the steering wheel is straight. Way better handling. Now onto the suspension lift kit. will post pics