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Replacing unknown suspension, suggestions?

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by Skorpyo, May 28, 2013.

  1. May 28, 2013
    Skorpyo

    Skorpyo New Member

    Washington, D.C.
    Joined:
    Jun 17, 2009
    Messages:
    3
    When I rebuilt my '72 CJ-5 the one piece I didn't bother with was the suspension. It already had a lift on it, and the 33's it came with fit fine. I did replace the homebrew 2" steelpipe body lift pieces with a proper 1" bodylift setup. So since then it's come to my attention that the CJ is a bit lopsided. It sits about .75" higher on the passenger side and I think it boils down to the fact that a previous owner was rather large and used to take the jeep mudding.

    I only take it for joy rides around town and never much more than that, but I am at a point where I'd like to replace the springs and level the jeep out. My only concern is to ensure I have enough clearance I don't need to get new tires. The 33's fit well, but the one-piece hood does snag on them when I raise it. Mostly on the driver-side since that's the sagged side.

    With 33's and knowing it has a 1" body lift would a 2.5" lift kit give me enough clearance? I really don't want to put on a 4" kit as I feel it would be too much, and with an all fiberglass body the CJ weighs far less then stock. Would I get 3" or more out of a 2.5" kit? Here's a shot of the jeep (sorry it's kinda dark)

    [​IMG]

    TIA for advice,
    Skorpyo
     
  2. May 28, 2013
    hudsonhawk

    hudsonhawk Well-Known Member

    North Texas...
    Joined:
    Feb 4, 2005
    Messages:
    1,939
    Swap the springs side to side and see it is corrects the lean. Cheaper than buying new.
     
  3. May 28, 2013
    jeepers24

    jeepers24 Acreage Brush Beaters

    Port Huron, MI
    Joined:
    Jul 15, 2012
    Messages:
    93
    X2:iagree:
     
  4. May 28, 2013
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Aug 10, 2003
    Messages:
    23,596
  5. May 28, 2013
    Skorpyo

    Skorpyo New Member

    Washington, D.C.
    Joined:
    Jun 17, 2009
    Messages:
    3
    While I appreciate the links and info, I suppose I should have added that the jeep rides terribly, and after researching kits I'm pretty sure I know which brand I want to buy to just flat out replace the "welded to the axle" ride quality I have now and am mostly curiuos if a 2.5" kit would be sufficient. My concern is clearance for 33" tires with a 1" body lift in considering the sprung-weight of an all fiberglass body and hood. Fixing the lean would be a bonus in my opinion, but mostly I want to ensure I won't end up with a lower clearance than I currently have.

    Thanks!

    *edited for terrible grammar*
     
    Last edited: May 28, 2013
  6. May 28, 2013
    johneyboy03

    johneyboy03 The green beast

    Quebec, Canada
    Joined:
    Jan 15, 2011
    Messages:
    2,118
    What do you mean by the jeep rides terribly?
    There is other thing than suspension that can be the trouble, shock, caster angle, aligment, steering shock absorber....

    Maybe discribe the sympton on the road to make sure problem come from there...
     
  7. May 28, 2013
    Skorpyo

    Skorpyo New Member

    Washington, D.C.
    Joined:
    Jun 17, 2009
    Messages:
    3
    The suspension is very stiff. You essentially feel every nuance of the road and there is no feel that the suspension gives at all. It steers true, and doesn't pull when you brake. I have corbeau racing seats and with very little padding you essentially feel every bump, rock, crack or swale in the road. With my past experience with my XJ I do wish there was an OME kit for this CJ. Thank you for the responses thus far.

    Skorpyo
     
  8. May 28, 2013
    johneyboy03

    johneyboy03 The green beast

    Quebec, Canada
    Joined:
    Jan 15, 2011
    Messages:
    2,118
    Big deal is here, you said it you have a fibr body, so there is less weigth that apply to the suspension so i may result in a stiff suspension. I had this problem before too (before going to coil spring). there's couple thing that you can look over you're suspension, the bushing at the end how are they? and are the spring shock absorber in good shape? it happen to me 2 year ago, a suspension shop put me new leaf spring, jeep was going very bad on the road until i found shock were worn out.

    Post some picture if you're nut sure.
     
    Last edited: May 28, 2013
  9. May 28, 2013
    sterlclan

    sterlclan Member 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    exploring the...
    Joined:
    Feb 21, 2009
    Messages:
    3,892
    bds 2.5 springs on my 74 with glass tub ride fine and are lifetime no bs warranty.
     
  10. May 30, 2013
    w3srl

    w3srl All-around swell dude Staff Member

    Port Orange, FL
    Joined:
    Nov 6, 2002
    Messages:
    4,275
    X2 for BDS. Very nice on-road ride quality, and still flexes pretty well.

    Oh yeah, the no BS guarantee is a nice touch as well! 8)
     
  11. May 30, 2013
    uncamonkey

    uncamonkey Member

    Greeley CO
    Joined:
    Jun 2, 2009
    Messages:
    2,104
    Can you tell us a bit more about the springs, #of leaves etc.
    Pictures would help too.
     
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