Best Lift Kit?

Want to swap the 33 12.50's off my commando onto my CJ-5, but I need more height. I currently have stock springs running 31-10.50s on the CJ. Looks like I will have to run a 4" lift to do the 33's? Which kit is the best ride? There are so many after market kits that I don't know where to start. Thanks.

 

Don't worry about that kinda stuff Grouperboy, just sell that old rig to Me!

 

Best is very subjective, kinda like Ford vs. Chevy vs. Dodge, etc.

Might try doing a search. Tons of info as this has been covered many many times.

 

Believe me, I did. Searched on: Lift, lift kit, 4" etc. I didn"t notice anything about a PARTICULAR manufacturer, except someone who didn't like rancho, I believe. Oh well, I tried.

 

I think the main problem is that very few of us have the means and time to sample more than 1 or 2 of the brands and types. If you talk to Bob, he sells a lot of lift kits and may have a better idea of what will work well, based on your needs. Of course, he's in business to sell Jeep parts, so not totally unbiased, but many have posted about their good experiences with him.

You could try a Google search on ECJ5 for the manufacturers, like Rancho, BDS, OME, etc. "site:earlycj5.com" plus your search terms.

 

i have a black diamond in my 73 it seems to be the same as if it have no lift driving wise

 

Thanks guys. Who is Bob btw? ...And I did wonder if I would REALLY require 4" for 33s! All the manufacturers recommend 4" of lift for anything past 33, but I really questioned whether that much lift was required. I don't haul a lot of weight around either.

 

That's where I bought my BDS 2.5" kit!

 

Thanks guys.

 

Will do. I sprayed 500 lbs of mud off of it last night. I couldn't even see the U bolts on the axle until I did! Will spray the bolts with PB Blaster tonight and start that regimen until I can afford to buy the kit. Thanks.

 

Check out the LongLeaf Springs from Holbrook Specialties. I run 33" 12.50" tires and just removed my 2.5" rancho kit and installed them on my 75 CJ-5 and they ride smooth and flex like you wouldn't believe. These springs provide a solid 3" of lift and require you to install new spring hangers as the springs are asymmetrically lengthened (front spring lengthened to the rear of the jeep, rear spring lengthened to the front of the jeep). Since the lengthening is asymmetric, the position of the axle does not change. The longer leaf spring provides a better spring rate than the short CJ springs.

Kit comes with rear axle shims. Custom quality springs with full military wrap. Check them out at: http://www.holbrookspecialties.com/. These guys are old school and know a ton about CJ's. I chose these springs over swapping RE YJ springs onto my CJ. Install was simple and took me 2 weekends (I'm a med student), should take 1 weekend. I bolted on my spring hangers and drove it to the welder. The rear springs flex so much, I need to increase the height of my bump stop. Totally happy with this product.

 

Im going to put 2.5 BDS YJ springs on my 72 but I already got SOA

 

Related question, anyone know which companies make their springs in the US vs building them in Canada, Mexico, India, etc?

 

You could call the companies and ask them. The Omix-Ada springs are undoubtedly imports, and are what the Jeep retailers offer as original replacement springs.

 

No OMIX springs for me.

Years ago 4WDH's replacement springs used to come out of a place near Pittsburgh, but I'm sure those days are gone now.

Some time ago I used to know where aftermarket Jeep leaf springs came from, OME Australia then switched to India, BDS Canada, Rancho was South America I think, Skyjacker said they were US. I'm in the market for some narrow leafs so I'll probably check around unless somebody else has recent info.

Anyone ever have a company like Alcan make some 1-3/4 leafs?

 

If you decide to do the lift job and want to sell your stock springs, I would like to buy all four. I have a 77 cj5 that has some kind of lift kit and 33's. I want it back down whereit is supposed to be, too hard for this old fat man to get in and out of. Thanks and good luck.