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Just Another Inch Will Do

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by Lane Meyer, Oct 25, 2022.

  1. Oct 25, 2022
    Lane Meyer

    Lane Meyer Member

    Maryland
    Joined:
    Apr 23, 2019
    Messages:
    65
    All,

    My '74 mutt has an unknown amount of lift. Given the 33" tires, I assume ~2.5 inches. To my eye (and this may not be the best camera angle) it needs to sit just about an inch higher in the front to give it a level stance. I had been planning to buy a set of 4" springs for the front but I don't want to end up getting close and then needing another 1/2" in the rear, etc. Seems like an add-a-leaf type solution would make the ride unbearable. The front spring bushings are shot and I have replacements just waiting on me to find the time and motivation to install them. That might be good for .25" or so. I believe the shackles to be stock. I'm already running 6 degree caster shims and am happy with steering performance. I don't really want to upset that apple cart.

    It's primarily street and mild fire-road driven.

    Are there options that I haven't thought of?

    Doing nothing might be the winning choice. It's not terribly important, but it would be worth a few hours and a few bucks to me to have the front end up and level with the rear. cj5 FE.jpg
     
  2. Oct 25, 2022
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2013
    Messages:
    5,593
    I don't think going with a LITTLE longer shackle will change your caster angle much at all or affect your steering - as long as you don't go overboard. Remember that the amount of lift you get from shackle is only about half of the additional length of the shackle. So, a one inch longer shackle will provide about 1/2 of lift at the axle....Between the new bushings and 0.5-1" longer shackle, you might find close to an inch more tire clearance. On my 58, I also replaced all the tired body mount bushings with fresh new pucks and gained another 1/4-1/2 inch.
    FWIW - when my 70 came to me, it had very long (6") front shackles and it had about 0 degrees caster. I replaced those shackles with 3.25" long shackles, and my caster only changed a little less than a degree, so adding less than an inch to your shackle, I guess would reduce your caster by an almost immeasurably small amount.
     
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  3. Oct 25, 2022
    danielbuck

    danielbuck Uncle Buck

    USA
    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2013
    Messages:
    301
    that tapered shim on top of the leafs is lowering the ride, acting as thin lowering blocks. If you put new spring perches on the axles, you can clock them to correct angle and remove the need for the shims. You'll gain a bit of height that way too.

    Doesn't hurt to try longer shackle's like James suggested. That might give you the height you want.
     
    Lane Meyer likes this.
  4. Oct 25, 2022
    Rich M.

    Rich M. Shoe salesman 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Maryland
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    Mar 23, 2008
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    2,169
    Bob Ross overflow can, excellent!
     
  5. Oct 25, 2022
    Joe Dokes

    Joe Dokes New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 15, 2016
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    36
    That’s a good lookin Jeep.
     
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  6. Oct 25, 2022
    Lane Meyer

    Lane Meyer Member

    Maryland
    Joined:
    Apr 23, 2019
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    65
    Yup. The caster shims are really what made me want to do something about it. It’s probably 3/8 inch lower with them in place and it’s just enough to affect the look for me. I should relocate the perches one of these days. Getting that 3/8” back, plus 1/4” ish from new bushings would get me close. Moving the perches would allow me to correct for slightly longer shackles too.
     
    Ol Fogie likes this.
  7. Oct 25, 2022
    Lane Meyer

    Lane Meyer Member

    Maryland
    Joined:
    Apr 23, 2019
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    65
    It’s a happy little can.
     
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  8. Oct 26, 2022
    Norcal69

    Norcal69 Out of the box thinker 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Northern California
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    I would address the safety items (spring/shackle bushings) and leave the rest alone.
    Full tank of fuel, cooler in the back and it will probably sit level. Throw a passenger in there and it may even sag in the back!
    In the picture you don't have a spare tire, that alone will level it right out.
     
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  9. Oct 26, 2022
    Lane Meyer

    Lane Meyer Member

    Maryland
    Joined:
    Apr 23, 2019
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    65
    Yup, I really need to get those done.

    It would ride better too!
     
  10. Oct 26, 2022
    Oldpappy

    Oldpappy A.C. Fults - Curmudgeon at large 2022 Sponsor

    East Tennessee
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    I am just glad this discussion is not about what I thought of when I read the title.:D
     
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  11. Oct 26, 2022
    Stakebed

    Stakebed Member

    Lake Co....
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    :lol:
    Different forum.
     
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