Lift

I have very early CJ with U-bolt style spring hangers. I would like to lift to put 32" or 33" tires what size lift and type do you recomend?

 

I think 32's will fit but will be tight. I am pretty sure 33's will rub.. If you have a pre 75 CJ, I have shacles you can have for $35 shipped that will give you 2.5in lift..

 

2.5" lift shackles are extremely not recomended. A 2.5" spring lift is about standard for 32-34in tires on Early CJ5s

 

Just wondering, why would that be? I have 2.5 shackles on my 68 and the only problem I have is the steering geometery which would still exist with the lift springs.

 

first off is the shackle 2.5 inches longer then stock or 5 inches? 2.5 in longer then stock is only a 1.25in lift.
And a lift raises the axle from the front to the back of the mounts. A shackel will only raise the front of the axle thus throwing the camber out. Also the other problem is that long of a shackle will put a great deal more leaverage onto the frameside spring hanger along with possibly createing a situation where the mounts actually bend and shift because of the extra leverage that the extra long shackle induces.

 

Do not use the shackle lift because it changes the camber and makes the jeep drive strangely. I had both a shackle lift and later bought a 2.5 " superlift and new shocks. The spring lift kit is the way to go!

 

:iagree:

 

I put on a Black Diamond 3" and 33's fit just perfectly.
It drives fantastic, too.
See my avatar above for a side shot.

 

with a 3" lift, did you have to do any changes to your steering?

 

With the stock steering setup, you will have to adjust toe-in whenever you change the ride height. I am in the process of getting some knuckles filled and tapered to switch over to a high-steer knuckle-to-knuckle tie rod that will hopefully reduce changes in toe-in as the front end moves up and down over bumps, holes, etc. Not really a big deal in 4lo, but you notice it on the highway.

http://www.earlycj5.com/tech/steering/bumpSteer_files/bump_steer.shtml

 

I had the same issue Weedy had and fixed it the same way. Avoid the shackles at all costs! Unless you like the "Drunken Bus Driver" routine.