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minimal lift for 31's

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by red61cj5, Sep 5, 2014.

  1. Sep 5, 2014
    red61cj5

    red61cj5 Just fell off the turnip truck!

    wv
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    May 16, 2011
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    Once I get frame for the jeep (61?) cj5) cleaned up and a few things welded, Im going to hang the axles back under it, the stock 27and 44, with 5.38's as far as I can tell. Question is, how much lift will I need to fit 31x10.50 tires under it? I think that's just big enough to look good without going overboard. Any recommendations brandwise?
     
  2. Sep 5, 2014
    Rralphs

    Rralphs Old Member

    Nederland, Co
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    If I remember correctly mine came with 10.50s when I got it and no lift.
     
  3. Sep 5, 2014
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    I think they fit w/o lift. Side clearance may be tight and will also depend on the wheel offset.
     
  4. Sep 5, 2014
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Yep. For 31s you should not need any lift. They will rub on the flat insides of the rear wheel houses, but even the factory tires rub there. They may also cog against the springs at lock - adjust the stop on the knuckles if that bothers you.

    Factory backspacing is roughly 3.5". If you put these tires on rims that are narrower than say 8" the sidewalls will bulge out, and you will have more rubbing as I've described.
     
  5. Sep 5, 2014
    duffer

    duffer Rodent Power

    Bozeman, MT
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    As stated, 31's will fit with no lift. To minimize the rubbing on the front springs, try to find some shallow backspaced wheels. No more than 3.25" and even less if you can find that in what you want for wheels.
     
  6. Sep 5, 2014
    red61cj5

    red61cj5 Just fell off the turnip truck!

    wv
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    Ok, so I don't need a lift, good to know, but since I am buying a whole new suspension anyway, anyone have any recommendations? The original front springs snapped, and im told not to mix new and old.
     
  7. Sep 5, 2014
    AKCJ

    AKCJ Active Member

    Fairbanks, Alaska
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    Aug 12, 2003
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    I was going to add that 31's would fit with stock springs if the old springs weren't completely sagged out.

    I don't really know where to get new stock height springs but I would start by checking NAPA and Skyjacker.
     
  8. Sep 5, 2014
    jeepermc

    jeepermc Active Member

    Western WA
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    They fit with no lift but if you have to buy springs anyway, why wouldn't you buy some lift springs? 2-2.5" springs and 31's will look proportional...And better in my opinion. But not everybody likes that look I guess.
     
  9. Sep 5, 2014
    red61cj5

    red61cj5 Just fell off the turnip truck!

    wv
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    that's pretty much what I was thinking, Walcks has stock springs but a lot of the lift companies have whole kits, too, the Rough country is the cheapest, looks like the BDS is the most expensive. Too many choices, whos tried what?
     
  10. Sep 5, 2014
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    I run 31x10.5 on a stock 1957, no lift, and I think it looks very good. Nor do I feel the need for any extra lift for the wheeling I do.
     
  11. Sep 5, 2014
    jeepermc

    jeepermc Active Member

    Western WA
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    I've run both-

    Stock springs and 31x11.50 on 15x10-
    [​IMG]

    Used Rancho 2.5" lift springs
    [​IMG]

    I prefer the latter but to each their own. It depends on the look he wants and how he wants to use it. I found that I was constantly on the bumpstops and rubbing the front fenders with the stock springs. It rides better and wheels better with the small amount of lift.

    I've run Superlift and Rancho. In my opinion the Superlift rode better than the Rancho, but the Rancho's on the jeep now aren't bad. BDS has the best reputation for ride. I've been tempted to run BDS on this one if/when I switch.
     
    Last edited: Sep 5, 2014
  12. Sep 5, 2014
    colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

    At the foot of...
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    This is what mine looks like with 2 1/2 BDS & 31" tires
    [​IMG]
     
  13. Sep 6, 2014
    jeep2003

    jeep2003 Well-Known Member

    Upstate NY
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    May 30, 2006
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    no lift on mine with the 31s. i did add a little spacer in the back to help clear the inner fenders they very rarely rub only when im loaded with 4 passengers 4 bikes on the back and laps full of groceries going around a sharp corner lol and my springs are original and tired especially in the front it had a plow on it for along time.
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    Im not sure how much lift is on this jeep but its got 31s and looks a bit too much.
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
  14. Sep 6, 2014
    Warloch

    Warloch Did you say Flattie??? Staff Member

    Falcon, CO
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    Mar 4, 2003
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    Best springs out there - Holbrook - and R9000s for shocks - bar none.

    I also have rigs with BDS and Skyjacker softrides - both are good setups.
     
  15. Sep 6, 2014
    Vanguard

    Vanguard Take Off! Staff Member

    Vista, CA USA
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    When I picked mine out about 5 years ago, Explorer Pro-Comp was the least expensive and it came with shocks,
     
  16. Sep 7, 2014
    stich

    stich New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 20, 2012
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    Here's my flatty with 8x10" rims on 31"s and a Rancho 1 1/2" lift.

    [​IMG]
     
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