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Shocks

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by Jeeper Creeper, Jan 17, 2005.

  1. Jan 17, 2005
    Jeeper Creeper

    Jeeper Creeper Member

    Markleeville CA
    Joined:
    Oct 21, 2003
    Messages:
    73
    I'm looking for a shock for my 1974 CJ-5 that will give me maximum extension when climbing rocks. I like the coil overs but I'm not sure that they can give me the extension as others will. Doe's anyone know of a shock that will fit under my Jeep. I'm currently running 32" BFG tires. I'll be upgrading to 33's or possibility of 35"'s. I'm running stock leaf springs and a 4" shackle lift. I'm considering the Skyjacker Hydros or Nitros or the Rancho shock.
    Thanks for any advise,
    Dave
     
    Jeeper Creeper, Jan 17, 2005
    #1
  2. Jan 18, 2005
    lynn

    lynn Time machine / Early CJ5 HR Rep Staff Member

    Huntingdon PA
    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2002
    Messages:
    3,437
    Dave
    For proper fitment of shocks, you really need to determine your measurements from pin-to-pin when fully stuffed and when fully drooped. Some guys do this with a forklift, but there are other ways. You could also measure pin-to-pin at rest, and get a shock where that measurement is nearly in the middle of the range of the shock.

    You don't want the shock to be the limiting feature of your suspension, that will ruin them. Use bumpstops and limiting straps as suspension limiters as appropriate.

    4" shackle lift? Do you drive this on the street? What rocks are you climbing with this rig?
    How do you plan to address the lift needed to go to 35s?

    Oh, as for brand preference on the shocks, I like the adjustable feature of Rancho 9000s. Great for switching the valving depending upon conditions. I run the 9116 up front and the 9165 in the rear, with a 2.5" lift and about 1/2" shackle lift.

    As always, YMMV... ;)
     
    lynn, Jan 18, 2005
    #2
  3. Jan 18, 2005
    Jeeper Creeper

    Jeeper Creeper Member

    Markleeville CA
    Joined:
    Oct 21, 2003
    Messages:
    73
    Thanks for the reply lynn,
    I don't mean to sound dumb but maybe I don't have a 4" shackle lift. I was looking at the length of my shackles (leave spring to frame) and it appears that from the hole on top to the hole on the bottom were about 4" apart. I much lift can a person get from shackles ? I ask because I don't want to get into big bucks for fancy suspension that I don't have.
    Dave
     
    Jeeper Creeper, Jan 18, 2005
    #3
  4. Jan 18, 2005
    MOP

    MOP Active Member

    Pullman, WA
    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2003
    Messages:
    1,131
    MOP, Jan 18, 2005
    #4
  5. Jan 19, 2005
    lynn

    lynn Time machine / Early CJ5 HR Rep Staff Member

    Huntingdon PA
    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2002
    Messages:
    3,437
    Dave, I'm glad you cleared up that shackle thing... factory shackles are about 3 1/4 inches from hole center to center IIRC. So your shackles are 3/4 or maybe an inch longer than stock. That's good, you don't want to go much bigger than that or you affect the steering geometry. Oh I've seen some guys put on shackles that were twice as long as yours... but it's blatently unsafe. Stay with what you have, and save for a suspension lift if you need more clearance for bigger tires.
    Remember that your shocks need to match your suspension height, so if you get shocks now, then get a suspension lift later, chances are you'll need new shocks to match the suspension lift.
    If you do go with a suspension lift, go with something 2.5 to 3" and things will stay fairly simple. The 4" kits require other changes in steering components and possibly driveline.
     
    lynn, Jan 19, 2005
    #5
  6. Jan 19, 2005
    Jeeper Creeper

    Jeeper Creeper Member

    Markleeville CA
    Joined:
    Oct 21, 2003
    Messages:
    73
    lynn,
    Thanks so much for your input. I have a much more of an understanding now. I'll take your advice and go with an 2.5 or 3" lift....... and stay with 33" tires. What about the superlift shock that MOP mentions, are they a good shock ? They are a lot cheaper in price and since I'm going with a shock first instead of a lift kit maybe that would be the I should go since I'll have to replace shocks after the lift kit ????
    Thanks again for all the input,
    Dave
     
    Jeeper Creeper, Jan 19, 2005
    #6
  7. Jan 19, 2005
    53Flattie

    53Flattie Intigator

    Easley, SC
    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2002
    Messages:
    855
    Dave - Not to complicate things further, but you'll probably really want to purchase everything at once (shocks and lift kit). If you buy shocks that will work with a lift kit, it's likely that they'll be too long to work with your stock suspension.

    If you really need shocks right now, and are planning on adding a lift later - I would go to the local parts store and buy the cheapest shock that they offer for the stock Jeep. Sure, they may be a little soft, and they might not last too long - but you won't be wasting a bunch of money either.... Again - just my opinion.
     
    53Flattie, Jan 19, 2005
    #7
  8. Jan 19, 2005
    lynn

    lynn Time machine / Early CJ5 HR Rep Staff Member

    Huntingdon PA
    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2002
    Messages:
    3,437
    Dave, I can't tell you anything about the superlift shocks, don't know anything about them.

    If I was in a situation where I needed shocks now... and knew that later I'd be getting a suspension lift and new shocks... I'd go to Sears or some other automotive store... even local places like Auto Zone... and get a set of cheap stock-length shocks for the Jeep until you're ready to move up to a lift "kit".

    Consider the kits at www.4wd.com
    Their house-brand (reported to be a good quality kit) 2.5" lift kit complete with shocks, springs, etc.is $499.95 in the current catalog.

    HTH
     
    lynn, Jan 19, 2005
    #8
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