Suspension Lift Question

With so many suspension lift kits out there, I would like to know what would be my best choice. Here's my goal: To run 33's on a '79 cj5 , used mostly as a DD(around town, and on the highway), occasional off-road(mostly trails). I want it to ride as smoothly and handle as safely as possible. That is more important to me than being able to handle aggresive off-road situations. Thanks in advance!

 

As a DD with 33" I would suggest looking @ 2.5" lifts. I run the Pro Comp 2.5" with MX-6 adjustable shocks. Couldn't be more happy with the stance, ride and overall performance. The avaitor is before - I'll post after install shots.

 

...And I want a toilet made out of solid gold, but it's just not in the cards babyR) R)

Actually I put a 2.5 lift from 4wd.com and I am really happy with it. It is a complete kit and includes everything you will need. I needed a transfer case drop and shims to keep the driveline happy.

My pic in the avatar is post lift with 33's.

High5

 

Thanks for the suggestions. I looked up these kits @ 4WD.com. The Pro Comp 2.5" kit suggests running a 32" max. tire( I have a set of 33's). Garbageman, do your tires hit, or did you add a body lift also?
Lynn, I didn't see a Skyjacker Softrider kit available in 2.5". They went from 2" to 3 1/2 - 4". Maybe another supplier has them.
High5, how do you like the handling and ride(soft/hard) on the road?
I just got this jeep(e-bay). I'm working on electrical,tuning, and other issues, so I haven't driven it enough to "know it well". What I do know is that when I hit a bump in the road @ 25 mph., it practically goes airborne, and my spine wants to shatter! It's a 79 cj5,304,t150/d20,d30,amc20,glass body,stock leafs(probably shot),new Rancho 5000 shocks, and a 2" body lift. It currently has 32's on it.
I want it safe and as "smooth as possible", with 33's. Thanks, again.

 

The ride in my Jeep is MUCH better than it was. The springs I had on there before were so stiff I couldn't even get the front to move by jumping on the bumper. It feels pretty stable at speed, but I don't drive it like a race car. I don't have sway bars on mine, but they are available from the aftermarket. When I put the lift in I also used their shackles which gives another 1/2 inch of lift or so. Mine is a daily driver and hasn't been off road since I put the lift on so I can't say if it rubs at all. To be safe you could go four inches. If I did that, I'm sure I would have needed longer driveshafts and probably a CV shaft on the back.

It was relatively easy to install as well. I tried to lube the ubolts before and tried a breaker bar on them. I then wised up and cut the U bolts off with a grinder. Much quicker and easier. I have also heard that about the RS5000.

High5

 

I run true 31" tires, seen 33" and even 35" tires ride fine with a 2.5" lift. Measure your 33" and see if they are true 33" or 32". If you plan on trail rides with lots of articulation where you will stuff the tires up in the well a lot, then more lift may be what you need. If you want control, good ride, nice stance and the ability to jump of the road and onto a trail, go with the 2.5".

You will be surprised after installing. I gained right at 4", measuring from the bottom of the frame to the ground due to the age (74) and sagg of the old springs vs new. I got the adjustable shocks just since they were in the deal. I still have them on the softest setting as the new springs break in.

Sorry so long, but since you plan on doing the whole suspension, pick up new HD shakles, stock length. You will glad. @ 4wd the HD, stock length, greasable shackles are very reasonable.

Link to after photos...
http://picasaweb.google.com/irmosc/74JeepCJ502/photo#5023664228649185090

 

Garbageman: Hey, I went a little picture happy on your album link and love the nice collection of pictures you have posted! That is a great Jeep and I am really impressed! Hey, loved the picture of your "best helper", that was sharp...just had my first son two weeks ago...hope to get some pictures like that one day!!

 

I run 33's on black jeep with a 2.5 inch BDS lift. It rides OK with the BDS shocks. Would probably be a lot smoother with the RS9000s set down. I could recomend it in good faith. Green jeep has a 4.5 inch lift wrangler lift kit on it. I don't think that is what your looking for. The wrangler kit uses 3.5 lift springs with 1 lift shackles. I am going to cut the shackles down to stock lenght. Anyway, the wrangler springs are really soft compaired to the 2.5 CJ lift springs. Black one has 33 inch swampers. The green one has 35 inch pro comps. I get a little rub here and there with black jeep off road or plowing. But overall it is very good.

 

You guys all present convincing cases. Looks like I'll have to flip a coin! I really appreciate everyones' input, as I only want to do this once.

 

Nice Jeep, I am running the infamous Rancho 4" suspension lift and running General 33X12.50X15 tires on 10" wheels. I am getting ready to change to BF Goodrich Krawler 35X13.50X15 soon. My General 33"s are as new with about 870 miles on em... but I want an aggressive tire and the Krawlers seem to fit the bill and alot more. Hope you find a lift your ride and you will be happy with. Sure,my Jeep rides rough and is not as comfortable as the FAMILY RIDE...but it is my Jeep and I know he is built to take what I place in front of it. Try and keep gathering information and contact the different manufactures with your particular needs (ie: tire size you want to use, your Jeeps info, etc.) All the best in your quest... And remember... Patirnce is a virtue... NOT a jeep owner requirement. ;o)~
Semper Fi! Gunner

 

Thanks Don, whenever I go out into the garage or crank it up my boy comes a running. He is learning about different tools and can sometimes fetch the right tool in a jam. Momma still won't let me put the car seat in it for him so he sadly watches as I drive off.

Maybe next year.

Last $.02 on this topic, if you know of other jeepers in your area, see what they run. Get their input and drive their rig if they let you. Ask lots of questions to the mfg and dealers like Gunner said. Adjustable shock are very worth it in my opinion if you want a good ride on pavement.

And a belated Welcome from SC!

 

RIXCJ, alright, look man, here's the deal. All these dudes have put down money on good, reputable suspension lifts, and they all work well, and don't ride too bad, that's for sure. I've run Skyjacker and liked it, but it rides a bit stiff. I've run Black Diamond, which also rides good but a bit stiff. However, I like it a bit stiff to help prevent body lean in corners on the road. However, if you really dig into this topic more, do more research, and begin to talk to guys that are a lot more into four wheeling, you will find that nobody can touch Rubicon Express. I know you have a DD and easy off road trails, but listen up. Rubicon Express is hands down the best lift money can buy. You can choose either standard or extreme duty springs for if your jeep has a bunch of aftermarket junk bolted on. You can get 2.5", 4", or 4.5" lifts. The springs don't settle or sag, even after extreme off road driving and lots of flex on the springs, they keep their ride height. They flex better than any other springs off-road to get you up and over any obstacles, yet they are also extremely stable on the road and have excellent driving and highway manners. The whole kicker is the lifts are a bit more money, but they are definitely worth it, as they achieve all the above, and do it better than any other suspension company. So, save your money for just a bit longer, get a Rubicon Express 2.5" lift, and you'll never look back, I guarantee it.

 

Heh.