Need a little lift?

Well I finally got the CJ5 fired up today and just noticed that the driveshaft is sitting on one of the header pipes! I had taken a set of 4" lift springs off and put stock height springs back on so I am guessing that with the 4" lift there was no problem. I don't really want a lift on the thing but i also don't want to redo the headers and dual exhaust. I am thinking of just getting some 1 1/4" shackles to fix the problem and give me a little bit better fit for 30x9.5 or 31x10.5 tires. Seems like the small height increase will be offset by the solid shackle design?

 

I would not go over an inch on the shackles.
Think you can run 30s with out a lift anyway.

 

Mmm... just because it clears at rest doesn't mean it will clear in all attitudes. I would guess that, if it is a problem with the stock springs, it would be a problem with the lift springs under the right conditions. JMO - do it right and reroute the headers. Longer shackles are something of a hack, because they put more lateral stress on the spring eye bushings and potentially reduce steering stability and response.

 

Would going back to a stock exhaust setup be an option? It's going to be a street vehicle for my daughter to drive so the dual exhaust setup is not really needed or desirable.

 

I would go stock, but I like a quiet exhaust. Do you have the manifolds? If the parts are available, you're pretty much guaranteed that it will clear everything properly. If you have to have it bent at the local muffler shop, clearance will depend on the competence of the installer... they should be able to do it pretty easily though.

 

I don't have the stock 304 manifolds? Do you think there is a chance someone might trade the stock setup from the manifolds back for my dual exhaust?

 

Maybe. Ask around, but be sure you get the right manifolds. I think the 360 or 401 manifolds from the same era will work, but there are some differences wrt where the outlet is located - pointing back or down - but I don't know the specifics. Shouldn't be expensive even if you have to buy them.