What CJ5 lift kit options are out there

[m38willys]

Hey all.

I need to get the 65 on the road again. Part of that means I need to do something with the suspension. Currently wearing the original worn out springs. Ideally, I'd like to replace them with 2.5" or so of lift to make it sit level and not lean over 4 inches when I stand on the step to get in. Ideally, I'd like to end up able to clear 31s or maybe 32s.

A quick search leads me to believe that there is Rough Country, OME, and BDS still making kits for this thing.

Are there others still out there? Thanks

 

[Beach66Bum]

There’s others than BDS… haha! Just messing, but BDS has the highest customer positive feedback. I’ve had their 2.5” full suspension kit on my ‘66 for 10 years now. Absolutely no sagging! Not the softest ride, but high quality.

 

[Oldpappy]

Nothing wrong with a 2.5" - 3" lift, IF it is done correctly.

My 48 came to me with Holbrook long leaf springs, about a 3" lift.

Just about everything that could have been done wrong was done wrong.

A tie rod "flip" had been done using two different types of tapered bushings. The bushings used on the driver side steering horn allowed the taper of the TRE to sit too low and the tie body of the TRE was binding before reaching full stop on a turn.

It had 4* caster shims installed with the wedge facing rear which reduced positive caster to the point it was difficult, and dangerous to drive, very hard to keep it from going all over the road. The shims had also been installed incorrectly which prevented the spring pack center pin from engaging the spring perch on the axle, and because of this the axle was able to move and it hammered those crappy aluminum shims. Incorrect placement of the axle created interference with the tie rods hitting the shocks which damaged the shocks and prevented turning to full stop, wasn't even close. An axle that moves around creates all kinds of problems including severe "Death Wobble" at various speeds.

I had to re-work the tie rod flip, install new 2* steel caster shims with the wedge facing forward. This gave me enough positive caster to stabilize steering. The new center pin bolts engaging the spring perches positioned the axle a little forward but it was securely anchored by the pins. The shock mounts had to be moved to allow clearance for the shocks. Pittman arm had to be changed to properly align the drag link.

My point in bringing all this up is to point out that doing a lift is more involved than just installing a new set of springs.

 

[jeepstar]

BDS, 2.5" lift and nothing else will need to change.

After I broke one of my front leaf springs packs, I splurged and bought BDS. Rides like a dream now. Still as level side to side as the day I bought it.

Installed a new rough country a few years back, 2.5" lift, and again did not have to change anything. A year later, drivers side dropped an inch.

 

[Jeepenstein]

My CJ has a Skyjacker from the 90's, it is still solid. My XJ also got Skyjacker from 2001 - ish and it's still in service and good and my other XJ has a recent Rough Country which had one oddity that's apparently common to the 3 inch kit.. it's higher in the back, enough that you can see it.. Kinda weird, but it functions well.

 

[m38willys]

Appreciate the replies. I knew SkyJacker made them for the later CJs, but not the earlier ones. I also appreciate the feedback about BDS not sagging after some usage.

 

[dnb71R2]

My 2.5" BDS still going strong after 20 years. I don't think there's any comparison or competition (that counts).

 

[colojeepguy]

My BDS 2.5" springs always sat a little tail high (I do have a winch & towbar on the front). Last year I pulled the middle leaf out of the rear springs, dropped it down slightly and improved the ride slightly. Sits pretty close to level now.