Suspension Recommendation for a CJ Hunting Rig Build
Torxhead
Always Off-Roading Jeeper
Just what is the best performing lifted full size 4x4?
Suspension Recommendation for a CJ Hunting Rig Build
- Thread starter Blackout
- Start date
Blackout
Jeeper
- Posts
- 22
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- Location
- Fremont, CA
- Vehicle(s)
- 1977 CJ
4.2 eng
3 Speed Trans
Stock Xsfer Case
Stock diffs
Good Question. Anybody?
Hedgehog
Always Off-Roading Jeeper
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- -1975 Jeep CJ5, 360 V8, Headers, Duel Exhaust,T15 transmission, D-20 Transfer case, Twin Stick Conversion, Warn 8274 Winch
-1951 Willys Wagon, 4 cylinder, "F" head, little rust, very close to stock
I think the key to a practical vehicle is to have what you need rather than some theoretical number. A CJ jeep is generally a high profile vehicle to begine with, lifting it will make an already top heavy vehicle more prone to tipping over. I've been on enough old mining roads to have been scared to death because the outside track was considerably lower than the inside, higher than necessary is asking for trouble.
With that being said, I sort of don't agree with the idea that ground clearance is completely related to differenial height. When 4 wheeling I was tought to put my wheels and tires on the high spots and drive over it/them. Generally it's the middle behind the wheel that hangs up and I've said it many times, "Short makes heigh". Of course the previous written statement only applies to sensible driving over reasonable ground at reasonable speed. If your out to prove how tough your vehicle is, well good luck.
With that being said, I sort of don't agree with the idea that ground clearance is completely related to differenial height. When 4 wheeling I was tought to put my wheels and tires on the high spots and drive over it/them. Generally it's the middle behind the wheel that hangs up and I've said it many times, "Short makes heigh". Of course the previous written statement only applies to sensible driving over reasonable ground at reasonable speed. If your out to prove how tough your vehicle is, well good luck.
jdcaples
Old Time Jeeper
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- J0M93ECxxxx
J - Jeep
0 - Year 1980
M - 1980: 4-speed Manual
93 -Inches of Wheelbase?
E - 4150# GVW
C - 6 Cyl, 258 CID, 2 Bbl
Dana 300, SR-4, stock and rusting; I'm the fourth owner.
Thanx Hedgehog. What I am driving at is the practical, minimum mod do you (Blackout) need for your Jeep. It is implied that it is too low right now, and possibly improperly geared for the application (crawling your hunting grounds).
I would take it out and see what needs changing before making any changes. What if you get out there and your clutch fails? Raising the Jeep is of no matter if you can't change gears.
The most valuable tool in your set is your brain and it's experiences. An experienced driver can make a factory jeep out perform a full sized 4x4.
Now, if you know you'll drag your differential pumpkins over unavoidable rocks and other hazards, then quantify what you need to clear them, and this community can help you get there.
Nine times out of ten, it is the operator, not the tool that wins the day.
-Jon
I would take it out and see what needs changing before making any changes. What if you get out there and your clutch fails? Raising the Jeep is of no matter if you can't change gears.
The most valuable tool in your set is your brain and it's experiences. An experienced driver can make a factory jeep out perform a full sized 4x4.
Now, if you know you'll drag your differential pumpkins over unavoidable rocks and other hazards, then quantify what you need to clear them, and this community can help you get there.
Nine times out of ten, it is the operator, not the tool that wins the day.
-Jon