Suspension lift for 74 CJ5

[dlg]

Hi all, new here and just got a 1974 CJ5 with the AMC 304 and three speed in it. For now i really want to lift it up enough to put 33X11.50 tires underneath it. Bear with me im new to Jeeps. I was leaning towards a suspension lift. Would ya know what kit to buy or how high i would need to lift it to provide enough room?

 

[JR74CJ5]

really depends on what you're wanting to do with it. Suspension lift is by far the best lift option.

33's are a great choice for them in my opinion.

Are you wanting off road jeep, on road jeep, or both?

I have 33's with no suspension lift, but rubs off road a little. It does have a small shackle lift, which i am not crazy about personally.

 

[JR74CJ5]

also...

When I was looking into this, I had decided on a 2-1/2" lift (suspension spring lift) and possibly a little body trimming. This was to keep my center of gravity as low as possible, while gaining clearance, both ground and body.

 

[dlg]

I am mainly looking to just off road it and tear it up. I really doubt i ever get it tagged and insured. How high of a suspension lift would i need then to get 33's under it?

 

[JR74CJ5]

Well, for off road only, the limits are endless.

If you want bare min to fit 33's you can go shackle lift (i think mine only measured about 3/4" of lift, 1.5" over stock 3" (so 4.5" -3" /2 = .75 or 3/4")

And i run 33's off road fine, still a little rubbing here and there though, but for me i do drive to and from the trails, and use it as daily driver, so again, stability is important to me.

For you, look into (depending on budget) the 2-1/2" - 3" lifts.
Go spring over,
or look into Old Man Emu lifts.

How much lift is really a individual preference.

This is how mine looks with 33" tires, and just the lift i mentioned above. No spring lift or body lift.




You can see i wheel on the trails and trip threads,


~Jr

 

[johnbilt]

Hi - The 72-75 Jeeps are a special breed. I have a 73 CJ myself. I have run a 2.5" lift with Rancho springs and a set of heavy duty shackles with about 3/4" lift. I would avoid a tall shackle as they put extra leverage against the frame mount. The narrower springs on these models don't help this issue. The heavy duty shackles have a brace welded between the side plates, such as the older ConFerr style.

This should allow a 33" tire with a bit of rubbing in the rough stuff. I did trim a bit of the rear fenders to give a bit more room, but I had 34" super swampers. Any 2.5" spring should work. Look for full military wrap on the ends and tapered leafs for a soft ride. You don't need a stiff spring for a CJ. The urethane bushings are easier to replace, but will wear over time.

You will need to get new brake lines, and shim the axle and Transfer Case to get a good angle for the driveline and u-joints. Keep them greased well as it will have a steep angle, but will work ok. I had to get a CV style when I converted to a 4 spd with the extra length.

You can also add an extra body mount between the frame and tub to get an extra 1/2" at a time. You may have some clutch trouble so be sure to check the linkage. Most of the old CJ's need new mounts anyway. Hopefully, most of your mounting points are fairly solid. I have rebuilt many of mine. The front tub mounts typically crack and sag over time.

Have Fun