'71 Cj5 Suspension

I right clicked the photos on google after clicking the photo to bring up a new window with just the photo in it choose copy image location and paste the location into the add image dialog.

 

The third picture shows a lot of padding between the body and frame. Stock would have been just one of the thin rubber pads. So you definitely have some body lift.

I measured the distance between the mounting eyes of my front passenger side shock. It is 17 3/4". My springs are not original, but the front end sits very close to stock height. It is a '71 with the Dauntless V6.

 

Thanks for the measurement. I'll compare later today.

Good catch on the third picture. I'll have to look at that closer.

So with that body lift? Would it be better to bring it back down and put new bushings in and then do new springs and shocks for a lift?

 

I think the main issue with body lift on an early is through-the-floor pedal alignment. If it were not an issue (ie not excessive), you could leave it.

 

Huh. Must be the image dialog that's providing a working channel. I tried picking the address with a right click, but it does not give you an IP that is suitable for the image tags ... I think...

 

clicked the link in the post, when that window opens click the photo witch opens another tab or window depending on browser,right click that photo choose copy image location, paste into insert photo dialog.

 

Have you checked the air pressure in your tires? If PSI is high, let some air out, should soften the ride. As little as a jeep weights, air pressure and larger flotation tires will affect the ride.

 

Those look like Rancho 2.5 or 4" aftermarket springs and shocks. They are stiffer then others, but hard to tell if your ride is really to stiff, or just you needing to get used to it a bit. I must say I used Superlift 1" springs on my 3b with a combination of cj5 body pucks and a little longer shackle and my Jeep rides nicely. I don't feel like it's stiff at all! I have all stock suspension on my 2A. (stock replacement springs) and it rides like a buckboard. All leaf sprung Jeeps don't ride like crap. You can get a decent ride without redesigning your whole vehicle with Wrangler springs etc. Although I bet that would ride even better. Welcome aboard.

 

Rancho springs will have Rancho painted on the top side of the springs (about 1" tall) and will have 4 band clamps around them.

 

They look just like my Rough Country springs too. "Rough" is no joke... they are rock hard. Even after taking 3 leaves out of every spring, I can jump on the bumper and they don't budge. They were probably a big factor in my frame breaking as well. If I had any money I'd be getting rid of mine.

 

Thanks for the reply. I just got back into town and measures 17 3/4" between mounting eyes. What shocks do you currently have? Model number?

 

This is what I did years ago. Still not really enough difference I thought for a long term answer.

 

I just have generic cheapo shocks, but that measurement is how to compare ride heights of leaf springs. Sounds like yours is at about the stock height.

 

For a better ride check the seat springs first, just kidding, Welcome aboard.

 

remove the shocks and see if that smooths it out. just for testing purposes.

 

Good suspension can be a beautiful thing, my off road motorcycles will float over badly rippled washboard roads at 80 mph. without losing traction. Good suspension can be a very expensive thing. My CJ looks to have replacement springs and run of the mill NAPA Auto shocks. It's performance is on par with most trucks or utility vehicles of that era, something that I accept and something that works well enough for the speeds I travel. I do spend a lot of time in old trucks which has probably lowered my expectations.