lowering

I would like to lower my '60 CJ-5, and was wondering if putting 1" lifting blocks between the springs and the axle (spring under axle) would be the way to go, or will it change the geometrics of the steering? :?

 

I guess that would work. Yeh it is going to mess with steering but how much I don't think anyone knows.

 

Are you talking about lowering it from stock height. Hot Rodders and homeboys lower their junk by putting in the blocks you refer to in your post. But with a JEEP it begs the question.....Why?

 

I agree with what everyone else has said. Lowrider guys use lowering blocks, and you can also remove some of the springs, move bump stops, notch the frame, and all kinds of other things to lower it if you have some fab skills, but I also agree with the "Why?" part, unless you are talking about putting a lifted vehicle back to stock height. If it has lift springs under it, and you want it back to stock height, I'm sure someone would trade some good stock springs for the lift springs, that is, if that is the case.

If'n you do make a lowrider out of it, post up some pics.

 

I guess that I would have to chime in with the "why" question myself. I have seen some lowered Jeeps in my day...but the driver normally has his pants hanging off the crack of his butt and his hat on sideways.

 

Well, to begin with.. I don't know what stock height is, all thought I think the beastie is higher than the cj2a I had back in the '70s. I didn't have to climb up into that one, it was completely stock.

The bottom edge of the door opening is 30 inches above the ground on my '60. I have 30x9.5x15 Big Foots on all four corners, but want to go back to stock rims and tires if I can find them ( or reasonable facsimilies thereof).

the rear wheel well sits 10" above the middle of the tire tread and the front is 5". The wife is shorter than I am ( I'm 5'6", she's 5' or a tad shorter.)

I'm also looking for the side steps, but can't recall where I saw them online.

I also feel that the rear drive line angle is close to the extreme end of where it will operate safely. Dropping the springs and inch lower from the axle will lessen this.

I'm not into extreme rock crawling sports , and don't need to be set up for them. (I also need to crawl back under there and get a spline count for Hermie to get the right overdrive for the T90/d18 combo.)


and while I have your attention... can anyone tell me what the gear teath mounted to the parking brake drum could be for? None of the pictures I see in the books or on this site show these. My '47 didn't have them either. Thanks R)

 

It was to drive a sickle bar mower. Here is link to a discussionhttp://www.earlycj5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37460
The stock tires on your Jeep should have been close to 30" maybe 29" tall but much narrower. A picture would help with the lift issue.
The side steps can be had from Krage motorsports. http://www.jeepdoc.com/catalog/zproducts.asp?id=205

 

Well, it would get her foot up closer to the side, you know like stepping up into the saddle.

 

Heres an idea.. ship me your rims and tires and I'll ship you mine (stock rims and tires) Try stock shackles

 

The right way to do this is to change out the springs to stock or 1" lift. You should be able to ebay your current springs pretty easily.

You usually see blocks added for more lift on spring-over vehicles. Blocks on the front (spring over the axle) are bad bad bad, but ok on the rear. I'm not so sure about blocks on a spring-under though. Jeep used to put a 1/2" block on to level Jeeps as a warranty repair, but much more than that may not be advisable. The block won't change the suspension geometry at rest, but the new lever between the axle and the spring won't help suspension stability. This may not be a problem if the springs are stiff enough, but be aware.

 

Well, that make much more sense. I was reading your vehicle profile, and saw "stock". So sorry for the misconseption.

 

You need some stock springs shackles and you will love your Jeep again.

 

Sorry just couldn't help myself- this topic just doesn't come up very often. Useful response- would be to install smaller tires (30 x 950s) or remove and lift kit you might have.

 

Looks like I need to change the profile on my jeep.
Except for being harder to climb into I thought it was stock!

Of course at 55 I could be just getting old.

As for sending the rims (chrome ones) to any one that would be all that could be used as I think the tires are on the well used side.

And could any one tell me what the stock height should be?

The Haynes manual say 68" but doesn't say where to measure... I assume the windshield. Funny, but my windshield height is 68 3/4 ". Maybe that has been changed, too? top of the frame, vacuum operated wiper motors.

When I figure out where the digital camera went, I'll post picks of the jeep stance, springs and the driveline angles.

 

Hellsfyer,
I know you apologized, because you (as the rest of us) misunderstood the post, but now, knowing the details and age of 60willyscj5 makes that post even more hilarious!

 

I just walked out and measured Black Jeep to the bottom of the door frame. I realize mine is a bit newer, but it measured out to 32". That is with 2.5" of lift and 33" tires.

Ever since my total hip failure and replacement of both I really struggle to get in and out. Depending on how my osteoporosis is on a given day is how tall I am, but i go about 5'5" to 5'8". My wife is also 5' tall.

I would think if you have a big spring pack you could get to the height your looking for with leaf removal. I didn't see anywhere where it said you had extended shackles, but if you do, that is a no brainer. I would have thought the stock tires closer to 29"?

If that doesn't work out for ya, do what I do... I carry a 5 gallon bucket with a rope attached to it. I drop the bucket down on the ground to get in and out. When I get in I just snatch up my bucket and toss it in the back.