Tire/wheel/lift Combo

Just picked up a 1975 CJ5. Super clean, but completely stock. Looking to add some lift and tires. Nothing crazy, 31-33”. How much lift do I need. Leaning toward the Skyjacker kit, but debating between the 2.5 & 4”. Please share your setup with details if you don’t mind.

 

33" and 4" you need to really mean it.

31" and 2.5" is attractive and uncomplicated. What I'd do.

Just my opinion.

 

Personally, I would recommend bds for springs way better ride.

 

What axel gears do you have? That will determent tire height, Lift is what ever you want, but remember you don't want it to be tippy, Jeeps are short and can tip over if too high. Just saying, Good Luck what ever you do.

 

Here are a couple of charts I lifted from JP magazine that has suggestions / recommendations.

 

2.5" BDS springs & 33x10.50R15 tires. V6 & 4.88 gears. Several other members here have the same set up. This works out pretty well on a CJ without a ton of modifications.
I have noticed a loss of power and a loss of turning radius compared to the 31's that I ran for years.

 

Welcome to site.
Introductions are here: Introductions | ECJ5 (earlycj5.com)

 

X2 on the 2.5 lift. I've been running a Rancho 2.5 and 31's. The mild lift gives some extra space between the bump stops and the axles and there is just enough lift to make it look good.
I've wheeled the crap out of my CJ and the combo is good for 95% of everything I've encountered.
33's may require added diff gearing or a T18, especially if your are doing any technical wheeling.

 

Welcome aboard the best site! Part of this discussion should be influenced by what is under the hood. With either the 258 or 304, your performance will not be compromised as much as with the 232. That said, like Doug posted, it will take a hit, most especially if you are running 3.73 gears.

 

Attractive and uncomplicated. Is there a better combo? Thanks. That’s how I was leaning.

 

Cant go wrong with BDS in my opinion

 

Same Jeep, same springs, 31" compared to 33"

 

I put the Spidertrax spacers on and got my turning radius back. 1-1/4" so not to radical and the wheel studs fit without cutting.
They seem to have a good product but I believe there are some "foreign" knockoffs being marketed on Amazon.
https://www.spidertrax.com/Jeep-1-25-Thick-Wheel-Spacers?sc=2&category=10001

 

Here's my '71 with Dana 30 conversion, BDS 2.5" lift & 33X10.50 tires (full enlargement of my avatar).
There is some rear fender rubbing at full suspension flex.
The front tires will hit the frame rails at full steer left or right. I'm not a fan of wheel spacers.

 

Not really a fan of wheel spacers myself but thought it worth the shot. As said , the quality is there and it gives just a slightly wider track.
Some here are running 2" spacers which seem a bit much. I did the stud conversion on the Dana 27 and have a 30 waiting for the future.
I don't remember if you are using the a Dana 30.
Wish that BDS had a little more arch in the front springs.

 

X2. I hate having to run longer shackles on the front to get the Jeep to sit level. I actually much prefer the Pro-Comp 2.5" lift springs I have on the '69 over the BDS springs I have on the '71. They ride smoother and sit level out of the box, but sadly they are no longer available.

 

here’s a BDS 2.5” suspension lift BUT still running factory tire size for a comparison.
Stock 5.5x15” rims with 235 75R15 tires.

 

To pile on with the photos, here's my '71 with 32x11.50R15 tires, BDS 2.5" springs, 1" longer front shackles, and fender flares:





And my '69 with 2.5" ProComp springs and 31x10.50R15 tires:

 

Wowza, that's a beautiful CJ. That Jeep on that background makes it look like it's a movie or a puzzle.

 

There is a visible difference in the Pro Comps. Pretty cool fence you have there or is that not yours? More pictures for my collection.