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Items needed for 2.5" lift?

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by WAC, Oct 15, 2010.

  1. WAC

    WAC New Member

    Hello,

    I have a 1958 CJ5 and 1960 CJ6, trying to figure out which one to fix up first. I am very familiar with Wranglers, but am a newbie to the CJ.


    I acquired some 2.5" springs and shocks for pretty cheap. I am wondering what else, besides U-bolts, do I need? The rear springs already have some shims on them also, I am trusting they will be right.

    Do I need some sore of a transfer case drop, such as the Wranglers?

    Also, both Jeeps have the original steering (Ross). Does this need any modification with a 2.5" lift?


    thanks,


    Mike
     
  2. timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    All else being equal, the CJ-6 is worth significantly more than the CJ-5. But it's your choice - pick the one that moves you most.

    I expect the 2.5" lift won't be much higher than the original 'heavy duty' springs. You don't necessarily have to change to Saginaw steering, but a one-piece tie rod, connecting the two knuckles, might be worthwhile. You may have some bump-steer otherwise. Check the driveshaft angle once the lift is installed. A better option might be a rear driveshaft with a front CV joint, and then tilt the pinion up to be in line with the drive shaft. The Tom WOods site has a lot of good info on driveline angles.

    What kind of shims on the rear? None were supplied from the factory, AFAIK.

    But I would not do anything drastic until the springs are installed and you assess the situation. Certainly the CJ-6 rear driveshaft won't need any help with that much lift.
     
    Last edited: Oct 15, 2010
  3. EricM

    EricM Active Member

    I put 2.5 inch springs on my '64 and I didn't have to do anything.
     
  4. jeepcj

    jeepcj Member

    At 2.5 inches of lift, you shouldnt have to do the steering corrections or driveshaft corrections. I know on the 76-86 cj's you dont, but the early models have a shorter wheelbase. so on the "5" I geuss its possible that the drive shaft could bind. I would do what was suggested above and see how it turns out. I have a 69 cj5 and it has a 2.5 lift with none of the corrections you are concerned with. the fenders are trimmed and sits on 35"s.
     
  5. hotrod351

    hotrod351 Member

    youll have to adjust the toe-in/out on the front. ive had a 2&1/2" and now a 4" lift on my 55. i did have to put angle shims between the axles and springs for the 4" but the steering still worked great with both. i did put power steering after running it like that for years because i got a deal on the column, box and pump. just make sure your steering stabilizer is good. when i first did a 2&1/2" i get bump steer but my steering shock was completely shot. replaced it and no problems since, that was 20 year ago.
     
  6. WAC

    WAC New Member

    Thanks guys!
     
  7. 80cj

    80cj Member

    On CJ-5's and CJ-6's with the D-18 transfer case, the transfer case output is situated low so with 2 1/2" lift, you should not have any extreme angles which would require the use of a CV shaft. You may have to shim the rearend a little to get the U joint angles equal again but probably not much more than that.
     
  8. WAC

    WAC New Member

    Thanks! :beer: