Typical `70 CJ5 suspension upgrading?

Hey guys, I have a pretty much stock `70 CJ5 but has a Rancho springs and shocks kit. Is this likely to be a mild lift kit or a stock replacement?

Maybe I am just used to a better ride from my `83 CJ7, but my 5 is quite the rough and tight suspension, what are typical kits utilized to lift and improve ride for street and the occasional mild off road non-rock crawling adventure? I'm not looking for anything that would require any fabrication or modifications. I know there are YJ conversion kits for CJs, is this easily possible as well.

Thanks for answering a mostly likely, FAQ!

 

The skinnier springs of the older cj's tend to ride rougher than the wider springs on later models. It's possible someone put a mild lift on the jeep. The older kits were usually pretty stiff. There are lift kits that range from 1" up to like 4" and modern ones usually ride better. Personally, I like my Rancho 2.5" lift for ride quality but, everyone has their own opinion.

 

I had Rancho 1" springs on my CJ and it rode like a lumber truck.
Switched to BDS 2.5" and it still rides rough, but better than before.

 

I have 2.5 BDS on my '71 and it rides better than stock- almost as smooth as the 2.5 Old Man Emu YJ springs on my '79 CJ-5- almost...still no Cadillac

 

I switched from stock to skyjacker soft ride and the difference was night and day. I've heard that the old ranchos were rough riding but I haven't seen them myself. Lots of info if you search.

 

X2 on the shackle bolts, they swing back and forth as your suspension moves and if they are tightened too tight they cant move, and your ride will be very stiff and rough. About half of the jeeps I have owned have had them too tight.

 

http://www.holbrookspecialties.com/

 

The 2.5" Rancho that PO put on my '70 isn't too bad. It doesn't ride near as nice as something like a YJ, but it's better than some stock CJ5's I've ridden in. I certainly wouldn't call it *smooth* though.

Considering doing the shackle reversal on it, just for that reason. Should smooth the front end out some.

 

What is "too tight"? I'm about to install a Pro Comp 2.5" lift on my 66. Anybody got a good idea on the proper torque to apply to the shackle bolts?

 

Its not a matter of a torque spec, its a matter of making sure the shackles are loose enough to allow the springs to move. I would just draw the bolts up till they just touch the spring bushings and then go about an 1/8 turn maybe, most guys draw them up till they feel snug or tight.
My 71 has a 2 1/2" Rancho on it, been on ther for 20+ years, while stiff it rides pretty good and is really good in the rocks and on trails.
The later Cj's with wider springs and the YJ's just ride much nicer.

 

I wondered about this when I was installing my lift. My directions said to torque at 35 lbs. but that didn't really make sense. I'm going to just run them up snug and then either double nut or get some lock nuts for the shackle bolts.

 

The nuts for the shackle bolts should be pinch nuts. These are the ones that are lock nuts without nylon inserts, they are pinched at 3 points on the face/side of the hex making them locknuts. There available at any NAPA that sells bolts and nuts.

 

Mcruff- thanks for the reply. I can always count on good advice here.

 

As mentioned above, forget the torque specs. I usually tighten them up close to specs and stand on the bumper and bounce the jeep up and down real good and back the nuts off about a half turn or so untill the shackles are swinging nice and smooth.
There is a fine line between too tight and too loose though.. If you get them too loose you will feel it in the handling and can just tighten them up a little. Check them from time to time also.