What Size Lift CJ7 & Tires?

[oceanicmike17]

I'm trying to figure out what size Rancho lift is installed on my 85 Laredo by the PO. Leaf springs say Rancho. Currently running BFG 33 X 12.5 X 15's on BFG A/T's. They have decent dry rot on them but plenty of tread. I just replaced the passenger rear non matching tire with an almost new one. It looks like the treads on the old ones touch the ground all the way across and the new one just seems to be in the middle. Tire pressure the same. Obviously there is more tread on the new tire. Just looks strange. Would this affect my steering? I was thinking of going down to 32's. BFG A/T's again or Muds?(I like the look). I won't be off roading. Any opinions? Better ride? Look?

 

[HackFabrication]

Looks like a 2.5-3 inch lift. 32's will look okay on it. Mostly street use, I'd run the AT's. The mud tires 'look' cool, but they will have their issues. I'm looking for a set of AT's in 33x10.50 to go on my CJ5 with a 2.5" BDS lift for street use. I've got 32" TSL/SX, and they looks gnarly, but they aren't street tires by a long shot.


BTW: Nice looking CJ7 ! And welcome to the forum.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

WELCOME!
Agree 110% with Hack.
I ran BFG/MT for a year. Sold'em and went back to AT's.
Lose wet road traction and LOUD.
You could try add-a-leafs with your springs and lower the dump-stops.
LG

 

[Hedgehog]

If it's running well with the tires and size you've got. Replace'em with an AT version of your tires. Changing things like suspension components that work can quickly get time consuming and expensive.

You have a very nice looking CJ there, no need to go changing her around for no good reason.

 

[IOPort51]

Set level and measure the distance between the top of the axle to the tip of the bump stop. On a stock suspension this will be 1" anything greater than that is your lift.


Looks to me to be closer to 4" but will wait to see what it measures. I run 31s on road and 33s off. with a 2.5 lift. I think that A/Ts are the best all use tire ever. Of course, I don't have a great field of reference. The 33s are swampers and the 31 are A/ts

 

[oceanicmike]

Thanks for your replies guys. I've been having some log in issues so I made a new user name. Hopefully after I log out again I can get back in. From measuring from the tip of the bump stop to the top of the axle I got 4". Good call. I think I will stick with the A/T's. Not sure about the size still. Will it make a big ride/handle difference to go from 33 X 12.5 to 32 X 10.5? BTW the jeep has an AMC20 with 3.31 gears. Not looking to go off road or crazy highway speeds. Had it up to about 50-55. No pulling or vibration and tracks straight down the road. I am not too bothered by the way she drives now. A little more pick up couldn't hurt though I guess. 32's then? Also, I installed a Borgeson steering shaft and Tom Woods driveshaft. Old steering shaft worn and driveshaft was in rough looking shape. Recently I have noticed a noise in the rear driver side wheel while I make slight right turns around curves but not while turning left or driving straight. (Even before replacing the drive shaft) And I can see a slight gear lube leak on the back of the rotor.(Not brake fluid). Sounds like a Bearing and a leaky Seal. Checked gear oil. Not milky or smells burnt but want to pop off the diff cover and inspect. I have a new set of moser 1 piece axles w/ new bearings and Seals in the back seat waiting to be installed. What do you guys think?

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Moser's are a smart move.
You'll never really have much 'pick-up' with those 3:31's.
Yes-The BFG/AT are very good tires. I have run'em for decades on my '7'.
NOW--Your lose'n an axle bearing. STOP DRIVING IT till fixed, you'll tear up the axle-housing where the bearing rides.
LG

 

[Hedgehog]

Dropping to 32's isn't a bad idea. It can be enlightening to actually measure your tires. some 32's and 33's are surprisingly close to the same size. I run 3.31's (31" tires) and like'em on the highway, makes the engine seem like it's just loafing along at 65 and that was worth the swap. I'm planning on making up the difference in off road performance in other ways.

 

[IOPort51]

33s are good when you can spend the day in low lock 4 in 1st and 2nd. 31s on the other hand ride better and handle better on the street at speed.