rubber or polyurethene body mounts

1975 CJ5 with 40,000 miles.....planning a mild suspension upgrade since it has become my daily driver.

Gonna keep the original leaf springs and add Rancho RS5000 shocks all around. Also replacing the 11?...rubber bushings for the body mounts. These are original, hard as a rock and drying rotting in spots. I have heard the rubber bushings are more 'giving' and produce less squeak. Anybody want to share their experiences with the bushing choice, or opinion on the RS5000's?

or just suggestions for a ride improvement without spending too much money..

Thanks........

 

IMHO the 5000s are too stiff for our light vehicles. If you can spring for the extra cash and get the RSX9000s. Then you can adjust them to the ride you want to have.

 

Dito. I did the 9000's and love them. I put the rubber bushings in and had no problem, but everything else squeaks so who knows.

 

I agree, buddy ran Ranchos on his stock 73 and you could feel your vertebra compress. It will shake the bolts out and be hard to drive on rough hard pack. He upgraded and added the Procomp MX-6 adjustable.(comparable to 9000's) Excellent ride for a daily driver. I just added them on my lifted 74 for daily driving. Highly recommend.

I added the poly bushings. Happy I guess with them. Same here on the squeaks and creaks of the body.

 

I'd go with 9000's and rubber bushings also.

 

I have the Rancho RS 5000's on a '79 cj5 with a fiberglass body. The PO put them on. They're horrible!

 

I used poly body mounts and it eliminated all the squeaks and rattles. Feels really tight. They should be pretty impervious to the elements.

 

Soft comfortable ride? Hearing squeaks and rattles?
Yeah mine has a few LOL... jus a few hundred LOL!

I also agree on starting with Leaf Springs, if anything, remove them and reverify the arch. I just replaced two of my pack to correct arch of mine. Never ending love of my life!

These are CJ-5's and the factory did not have "comfortable ride" in the CJ5 wheelbase design... that is why the CJ-7 was brought forth.

My old CJ-5 has the Original body spacers (hard wood and tight layered belting)) and wooden block on rear body attachments, Only rubber was on Grill bolt... yep is OEM on my 72' CJ-5....yep they are as noted and I am the Original Owner of this old JP. He is still doing ok...but I am thinking of a 1" body lift? But would appreciate some feedback if anyone has advice?

I may be crazy, but after 35 years and the same CJ ride and performance... I would miss it... that ride is just one of the reason's a prompt response can be expected! And those timely fantastic LEAF SPRINGS... I love em, my back doesn't... but I sure do! Oh, I run Rancho's!

I really appreciate the feedback on the different body spacers and will post when upgrades are complete and see how this thread goes. Everyones feedback is interesting and varied. Will save me alot of mistakes and wasted expenditures. Thanks, Gunner

 

Soft comfortable ride? Hearing squeaks and rattles?

Yea, guess it wouldn't be a Jeep without all the racket and jarring !!

Thanks for the tip on the 9000's vs. the 5000's. Probably pay the difference to have the adjustability. 99% of my driving is highway (horrors..you say !!)
and I am not looking for a trail setup.

The CJ5 was replaced by the CJ7 for a couple of reasons. As noted above...better ride, more room..... and less susceptibility to rollover.
The rollover issue is, of course, a major concern. but an educated driver is the best solution. Personally, I love the character of the 5's and it never ceases to amaze me how tight this sucker will turn due to the short wheelbase !