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Cj-5 Verses Cj-6 Ride Quality

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by oldtime, Apr 12, 2022.

  1. Apr 12, 2022
    oldtime

    oldtime oldtime

    St. Charles,...
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    Considering a long wheelbase CJ.
    I have no experience with long wheelbase CJ’s.
    Seeking opinions from those that have both long and short wheelbase CJ experience.

    81”/ 84” verses 101”/104” wheelbase.

    With standard and aftermarket leaf springs and the best shock absorbers for smooth hiway ride quality without body roll.
     
  2. Apr 12, 2022
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Depends on the road surface. I found my 104" CJ-6 had a choppy ride more often than my 84" CJ-5. I think the added length picks out the periodic unevenness of roads more. Also handling is no better, and turning radius is larger. IMO not a big difference in ride quality. I also feel there's a big difference between a '71 and '72 CJ-5, particularly in highway ride and handling ('72 being much better).
     
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  3. Apr 12, 2022
    Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    Apopka, Fl
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    I've never driven nor ridden in a CJ6 but I have ridden in a CJ7 with stock springs and wasn't impressed. It left me preferring the stability/firmness of a CJ 5 or 3B with aftermarket lift springs versus stock springs. I don't have any experience with a '72 or up CJ5.
     
  4. Apr 12, 2022
    oldtime

    oldtime oldtime

    St. Charles,...
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    From what I can estimate the 72-75 frames and leaf spring should ride near identical to pre 1972 CJ’s.
    I think likely the D30 was the most notable improvement toward better road manners.
    I have no intermediate era experience but did own a new 76 for a couple years. It seemed pretty good to me even with the factory heavy duty leafs.
    I would expect that all post 1975 cj had smoother leaf spring action due to major frame, shock and leaf changes.
    Just thinking out loud here but I would have expected a 101 wheelbase to ride better on road than a otherwise identical 81 wheelbase.
     
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  5. Apr 12, 2022
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

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    Geometry of the 30? Could be.
     
  6. Apr 12, 2022
    oldtime

    oldtime oldtime

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    Yeah for one thing I know that the distance from pivot point to wheel centerline is notable further on the early axles. So the tire has to swing further as you turn.
     
  7. Apr 12, 2022
    colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

    At the foot of...
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    If you want a better riding Jeep, get yourself a Commando.
     
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  8. Apr 12, 2022
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

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    Wheelbase will certainly help. I know just from stretching from 80” to 86” has completely transformed the ride. Hard to believe only 6” would make a difference, but that ‘bucking bronco’ feeling is all but gone.
     
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  9. Apr 12, 2022
    garage gnome

    garage gnome ECJ5 welder

    Western MA
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    x2! Commandos have long leaf springs and the rear is outboarded. Just driving my beater commando around with beat shocks and springs I see a difference between that and my cj3a/5
     
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  10. Apr 12, 2022
    EDDY ARNOLD

    EDDY ARNOLD Member

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    71 cj5 with yj conversion old man emu springs not much better than 69 stock worn out oem springs . No experience with other models
     
  11. Apr 12, 2022
    Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

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    The blue one?
     
  12. Apr 12, 2022
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

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    Yes. I moved the rear wheel openings 3” rearward and the front axle is 3” forward.
     
  13. Apr 12, 2022
    Jw60

    Jw60 Sitting up n buckled down. 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    I'm not sure that's the only thing different about it.
     
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  14. Apr 12, 2022
    Tom_Hartz

    Tom_Hartz Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    Exactly why I have my 67 CJ5 and building a 67 Jeepster Commando. It will have shackle reverse and YJ springs.
     
  15. Apr 12, 2022
    Tom_Hartz

    Tom_Hartz Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    Can I throw out a "That's what she said".
     
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  16. Apr 12, 2022
    3b a runnin

    3b a runnin Active Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    I got a cj3B, a cj5, and a cj6.
    The 3B has stock type springs from KW or Walks. Don't remember
    The 73 cj5 has 2in Skyjackers with RS 9000 shocks I think.
    The blue cj 6 has 2in Skyjackers with RS 8000 shocks, I think thats the right shocks. Of course the 56 cj6 has the shackles for the front suspension in the rear. Factory style.
    There's no question, the cj6 rides the best. The 3B comes in 2nd.
     
  17. Apr 12, 2022
    fhoehle

    fhoehle Sponsor

    Harford Township, PA
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    I have had a number of 5s over the years and my CJ6 rides considerably better. It is heavier but I feel the wheelbase makes it smoother. Trailering is infinitely better with the 6 as well. BDS springs in the 6.
     
  18. Apr 13, 2022
    duffer

    duffer Rodent Power

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    Something about coils and links????
    That said, I'm not impressed with the JK ride but that 116" wheelbase certainly is more stable at 80 mph on the highway. Assuming you are not bucking a head wind and/or it's downhill so you can actually go 80 mph with the *##!* 3.6.
     
  19. Apr 17, 2022
    Daryl

    Daryl Sponsor

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    Ask anyone with an A1 or a 5 ( most 59s?)that came with shackles in the back and they will tell you it is a much better ride. It does take some engineering to get it just right and needs to run an a1 longer driveline slip joint. None of the many CJ6s that I have had a better ride then a same period 5.
     
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  20. Apr 17, 2022
    oldtime

    oldtime oldtime

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    Thanks Daryl.
    Your experience seems to coincide with Timgr.
    Glad to see your still an active member.
    Was considering stretching a Jeep partly to smooth out the ride a tad but it seems that stretching it will not be worth the effort.
     
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