Lift kits for V8s and maximum size with minimal lift

I have two questions, maybe it should be two threads.

1. Are there any lift kits specifically made for the added weight of the V8? How much more does the stock 304 weigh than the 258 I6? I've seen two different front springs listed as stock replacement, I assume the 10 layers are for V8s and the 7 layers are for the sixes.

2. How big of a tire can I fit with a small lift and sheet metal trimming? I assume the biggest issue will be the rear fender openings. Has anyone used a 4 Wheelers Supplys Fiberglass Rock Crawler Hood?

Thanks,
David

 

If we are talking about Intermediates, we are comparing the the 304 and 232/258. The 304 is about 50 lbs heavier than the I6s ... 550 v. 500 - not significant. In 1981, the 258 (no more 232) was lightened by 80 lbs (the best estimate I have heard). Thus the 258 goes to maybe 420?

AFAIK there was no distinction made by Jeep between springs for V8s and I6s in this era. They offered standard and heavy duty suspension.

 

1) the v8 only weighs 50-100lbs more than the I6 in the grand scheme of things its really not a huge difference. Most likely the 10leaf is for the heavy duty suspension with a 4000 GVW and the 7leaf is for the standard 3600GVW suspension.

2) 31's no lift with minor rubbing.
33's 2.5in lift with little rubbig or no lift with a good bit of trimming.
35's 2.5in lift with a good bit of trimming.
Anything larger than that your looking at axle swaps and spring overs

 

Thanks for the answers.

Were only the front springs different for the heavy duty suspension?

 

I believe the rears were different too.

 

As I recall from removing the stock HD Springs from my CJ all springs had the "military wrap" that is, the #2 spring wraps around the spring bushing as well. This adds redundancy in case of spring breakage at the bushing as well as stiffening the #2 leaf as it does not slide along the spring pack with the other leaves, making for a slightly stiffer ride.

 

Different springs F&R, std v. HD. Different GVWRs, std & HD - it's in the VIN. Std rears are 5 leaves IIRC. Different shocks F&R too.

 

this is on 38's with i believe 6" of lift and still spring under. (by the way the top of the cj is 81" and you can see the snow is still over it)