'75 CJ5 Suspension conversion or repair?

Ok guys, ive been doing my first full restoration project and i need some advice. I have the jeep down to the frame -- axles off and everything. I'm at the point now where i need to know what to order. My dilemma is ... The two shackle hangers on the front end are rotted out, and the shock mount posts broke off when i removed the old shocks. SO ... should I just try to find replacement parts for those guys, or should i just bite the bullet and go for a YJ conversion?

Now ... I have found in catelogs where i can purchase the YJ conversion kits for '76 and up ... will those kits also work for a '75? If not, where should I go / what should I do?

I would be more that happy to post pics of specific areas / components if you like.

I really appreciate your help. Any any ANY comments are welcome as sometimes i feel i have no clue what i have gotten myself into.

-Ian

 

Just a general point - I'd say the manufacturer would include '72-75 if the YJ conversion kit worked for those years. It may be possible to adapt the kit, but it wouldn't be a simple bolt-on.

I'm pretty sure the springs got wider in '76. You may be able to use the fronts if you weld on new hangers. Not sure about the rears, since the frame widens at the rear in '76.

 

thx timgr - this is exactly the kind of info im looking for...

I am willing to do a little drilling and welding if i have to, but i dont want to get into a huge project that might not be necessary.

If anyone knows where i can find replacement shackle hangers and shock mounts for a 75 CJ5 ... PLEASE LET ME KNOW.

I dont plan on doing alot of off roading with the jeep ... just making it look nice and drivable. Of course, i wont rule out off roading all together ... So perhaps just replacing the few brackets is the right way to go ...

Any strong thoughts to steer me otherwise?

-Ian

 

Depending on your welding/fabricating skill I'd opt for the YJ stuff. You can get later CJ rear spring/shackle hangers and use those to get the front 2.5" wide springs in place. Can't remember if pre-76 CJs used 2.5" rear springs or not. If not, you can just another pair of those 2.5" later CJ rear hangers. I know 4wd had them Quadratec probably does too. As for the front shock mount.. I'd either fab one up to allow the use of longer shocks or look for a widetrac CJ front shock mount.. they're nice and long. Once you get everything mocked up, you can take measurements from upper to lower shock mounts and then look on the shock manufacturer's website to find a pair of shocks that'll fill the bill. Most shock manufacturers list their shock's closed/open length as well as what type of shock ends it has (stud, eye.. etc).

 

I snagged some longer shock mounts (front) off a J-Truck. JP mag also says F-250's front shock mounts are adaptable - they have some on the red flattie that's always in the mag.

 

I would stay stock; fix or repair what you have; simple, quick, inexpensive
You don't say what condition your existing springs were in; sagging, broken etc.
Put 'er back stock; if not happy, replace the springs, mild lift maybe
(if that's what you are really looking for here)
my opinion

 

all springs and shocks are getting replaced ... what with, is the question

 

You can find the parts to put it back stock at 4WD Hardware. I had to replace the shackle hangers on the front of my '75 CJ5 and that is where I got them.

That said, I hear the ride is much better with the YJ springs and if you are looking for a comfy ride that would be the way to go. I plan on converting mine one of these days. Besides, if you have the Jeep stripped down to the frame you might as well do your conversion now. It will never be any easier. I'd put new shackle hangers on it front and rear. I know some of the older Jeep rear shackle hangers will work with the YJ springs, but as easy and inexpensive as it is to replace the hangers I would just go ahead and do it while I had the Jeep stripped down. Just my .02

 

So JeepJeep, is the right thing to buy from 4WD Hardware the Old Man Emu Spring Conversion Kit, CJ, YJ, 1976-95 ... even for a 1975?