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'62 Cj5 Back To Stock

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by Tom Stephens, Oct 29, 2018.

  1. Oct 29, 2018
    Tom Stephens

    Tom Stephens New Member

    Arnold, CA
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    I just bought a '62 CJ5. I am new to Jeeps. This question relates to replacing the 31 x 10.50R15LT tires and going back to smaller tires. The CJ5 has 4 3/4" shackles. I want to replace with the stock 2 3/4" shackles. The springs are stock (7 in front, 9 in the rear), but I am not certain about the shocks.

    Can I replace the shackles without worrying I'm going to change something else (alignment) on the car?

    Also, will I have to change the shocks?

    Thanks for having this site!

    Tom
     
  2. Oct 30, 2018
    Beach66Bum

    Beach66Bum 1966 Tuxedo Park Mark IV 2024 Sponsor

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    Such a small change in height, should not have any concerns, even with the shocks.
    If you were going from a 4” lift back to stock, then you would have to get new shocks and adjust the front steering.
     
  3. Oct 30, 2018
    Rick Whitson

    Rick Whitson Detroit Area 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    Welcome from Michigan. If you are going to replace the shackles, check out the spring bushings and the frame bushings, if they are worn out, you should change them too. It will make the springs more stable and help the suspension work better. Same with the shocks, check that they are not blown out, and make sue they can still work after you lower the frame, the PO may have put longer shocks when he put longer shackles on, they may bottom out if you lower the frame. Good Luck
     
  4. Oct 30, 2018
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Longer shackles move the suspension away from proper caster. You will increase the caster angle toward proper caster angle when you go back to the factory length.

    Possible the PO (previous owner) added tapered caster shims between the springs and axle pads to correct for the change in caster with longer shackles. Probably not - something to look for though.

    Agreeing with Rick about shock length. You should measure and make sure that your axle hits the frame stops before your shocks bottom out. The factory length will work fine with the original-style springs and shackles.

    First post. Welcome from Boston!
     
    Rick Whitson likes this.
  5. Oct 30, 2018
    Walt Couch

    Walt Couch sidehill Cordele, Ga. 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    cordele, Ga.
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    Welcome from Ga.
     
  6. Oct 30, 2018
    Tom Stephens

    Tom Stephens New Member

    Arnold, CA
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    Thanks everyone for the welcome and answers!

    I will definitely replace the bushings, my steering is better than my brakes, which doesn't say too much as they are terrible. I will enjoy rebuilding those (oh, and I will also go through the steering).

    These are my shocks:
    Rancho shocks.jpg


    I always prefer the looks of shocks without the boots.

    I assume these would be the correct front replacement shocks: Front Shock Absorber Fits 52-71 CJ-5, M38A1 ? I also see the link for the rears.

    I looked and see no caster shims between the axle pads and springs.

    Another question: my shackles are 4 3/4" bolt to bolt. I understand the stock shackles are 2 3/4". I expected changing back to stock would result in a 2" drop, however I understand it is only 1" drop. Does the same hold true with tires? That is, if I go from a 31" tire to a 29", will that lower the car 1" or 2"?

    Thanks!

    Tom
     
  7. Oct 30, 2018
    Sierra Bum

    Sierra Bum Member

    The High Sierra
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    Longer shackles give you half in lift of the longer length. Thus 2" longer = 1" lift

    31" tire to 29" is "1 difference in height...that is assuming both tires actually measure 31" and 29". Not all tires of the same "size" measure the same (different brands measure differently for the same size)... If you figure, 1" of rubber all the way around a tire adds 2" to the diameter.

    That's cool you're taking it back to stock. Welcome from the High Sierra
     
    Hellion likes this.
  8. Oct 31, 2018
    Tom Stephens

    Tom Stephens New Member

    Arnold, CA
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    Thanks Sierra Bum, makes sense now.

    Can anyone answer my shock absorber question above?

    Tom
     
  9. Nov 1, 2018
    Rick Whitson

    Rick Whitson Detroit Area 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    You may not have to change the shocks, jack your jeep up so the tires are off the ground. Pull one of the shocks off, see if there is more down travel, and then put it back on see if it goes up more than the distance from the axel to the bump stop, if it does then use them. You need a little more travel in the shocks than the springs. If your shocks are too short they will break when they bottom out or top out. If your wheels come of the ground, and they do sometimes, they will pull the shocks apart. I don't remember for sure but I think the front and rear are the same shocks. Good luck
     
  10. Nov 1, 2018
    Tom Stephens

    Tom Stephens New Member

    Arnold, CA
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    Thanks Rick, good directions!

    The trouble is that I just don't like those shocks and want to go back to stock. I think what I'm trying to find out is are these the best front stock replacements: Front Shock Absorber Fits 52-71 CJ-5, M38A1
    or can someone suggest some others?

    Tom
     
  11. Nov 1, 2018
    ojgrsoi

    ojgrsoi Retired 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    I purchased standard Monroe shocks from Amazon.
    Monroe 31000 rear
    Monroe 32207 front

    I think good advice is in previous posts. Stock shackles, check your bushings and new shocks. If you don't like the blue color of the Monroematics you can paint them black easy enough. No boots on these shocks.

    When I installed these shocks it calmed the bounce a little little little. Don't expect miracles. In your mind it will be much better. :blah:

    Keep us posted with before, during and after photos and measurements.(y)
     
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  12. Nov 4, 2018
    Tom Stephens

    Tom Stephens New Member

    Arnold, CA
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    Thanks Mark,

    I like those. I will post photos after installed.

    Tom
     
  13. Nov 4, 2018
    Rick Whitson

    Rick Whitson Detroit Area 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    I used the same shocks as Mark did, Monroe, they are not expensive and work great on a Jeep. Good Luck
     
  14. Nov 5, 2018
    Tom Stephens

    Tom Stephens New Member

    Arnold, CA
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    Thanks Rick for confirmation of Monroes!
     
  15. Nov 8, 2018
    tcfeet

    tcfeet Member

    east of west,...
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    I bought a 64 cj5 that was "ailing". Among other things was the worn out suspension. Springs were broken, shocks worn out
    and shackles shot.
    Replaced with original type springs, standard shocks and new spring bolts with new bushings. It made it ride 100% better
    and took out the sway when going around curves at normal speeds..
     
  16. Nov 9, 2018
    Tom Stephens

    Tom Stephens New Member

    Arnold, CA
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    Tom, how did you go about replacing the bushings?

    Tom
     
  17. Nov 9, 2018
    heavychevy

    heavychevy Sponsor

    Danielsville georgia
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    Welcome from northeast georgia
     
  18. Nov 9, 2018
    Rick Whitson

    Rick Whitson Detroit Area 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    Tom, the way I do it was with a cutting torch. Set your torch to a neutral flame and heat the bushing in the center, the rubber will turn to a liquid and you can push the center out, then heat the outer sleeve red and let it cool, it will shrink and punch it out. Works for me. If you have used a torch before you can heat the sleeve up, pull the torch back and ease the trigger a little and cut the bushing out, but only try this if you are experienced with a torch, you can do damage if not. Good luck.
     
  19. Nov 9, 2018
    jeepstar

    jeepstar Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    I use a sawzall. clamp the leaf spring to your workbench, and just cut through one side of the bushing. then use a hammer, and pound it out. the cut will add enough relief to be able to pound it out.
    the torch method works as well, but like he said, unless you are experienced, you may do more harm than good.
     
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  20. Nov 9, 2018
    tcfeet

    tcfeet Member

    east of west,...
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    I used the method jeepstar mentioned, metal cutting Sawzall blade. You can also use a regular hacksaw but it takes
    a little longer..
     
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