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lift kit question

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by jeremy 57, Jun 24, 2009.

  1. jeremy 57

    jeremy 57 New Member

    i have a '57 cj5 that needs a lift. suspension wise it is stock and i have 31''x12.5'' tires. im looking for something in the ballpark of 4''. my jeep rides like a caddy on the trails and i dont really want to change that. i dont know if it is common for a jeep this year to ride as nice as mine but im afraid that the only reason is that the springs are just worn out and if i buy lift springs my jeep will rattle apart. does anyone have any advice on an inexpensive 4'' lift without sacrificing ride quality?
     
    jeremy 57, Jun 24, 2009
    #1
  2. Patrick

    Patrick Super Moderator Staff Member

    If your springs are original, they're likely sagged quite a bit... 4" springs will net you a whole lot more. When I replaced my originals with 2.5" Skyjacker, it lifted it 4" in the front and a little over 3" in the back..
    That said, BDS and Skyjacker softride are among favorites around here (this forum)
     
    Patrick, Jun 24, 2009
    #2
  3. jeremy 57

    jeremy 57 New Member

    im not sure if they are original. i assume so. it deffinetly has the old jeep lean to it. it also rubs like crazy in the rear when it flexes. im looking for quite a bit of clearence. a 4 inch is my limit for now. if i find a good deal on anything from 2.5-4 i will be happy.
     
    jeremy 57, Jun 24, 2009
    #3
  4. timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Rubbing on the inside flat surface of the wheelhouse is normal and doesn't hurt anything. Watch out for tires catching the corners of the fender openings though.
     
    timgr, Jun 25, 2009
    #4
  5. lynn

    lynn Time machine / Early CJ5 HR Rep Staff Member

    Like Patrick, I ran a Skyjacker Softride 2.5" lift on the '71. That lift is tuned to factory weight. If your front or rear is heavier than stock, the 4-ply spring pack may sag a bit. Mine did, in the rear. I compensated with 1.25" longer than stock ConFerr shackles in the rear (3/8 longer than stock up front).
    When I combined this lift with Rancho9000 shocks, the ride offroad (with shocks dialed down to 0 for the trails) rode smoother than stock TJs on the trail... as told to me by passengers that were TJ owners! Today, some 12 years later, that same set up is still working well for the new owner :)

    BDS 2.5" is a tad stiffer at first. I heard it's very good after break-in, with superb warranty.
    Then there's Holbrook Long Leafs... more work involved, but I've been told you'll never regret installing them!

    I ran a fiberglass tub. When the mud terrain tires would rub the inside of the wheelhouse at flex, it made a funny "buzzing" sound! :D Yeah, that rubbing is normal.
     
    lynn, Jun 25, 2009
    #5
  6. nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    You might also check out "Holbrook" spings as well. While not quite a bolt on it doesn't require a bunch of fab work and rides very well, much better than any bolt on suspension lift you're likely to find. Not that there's anything wrong with the bolt on kits, but you mentioned ride quality as a priority. The Holbrook springs will net about 3" of lift and is plenty for a 33" tire.
    I have to say that this is one case where inexpensive and ride quality don't necessarily go together...
     
    nickmil, Jun 25, 2009
    #6
  7. matthew johnson

    matthew johnson Major League Infidel

    I have the 4in skyjacker with 33x10.5 and its like butter compared to most. And if you dont plan on going with bigger tires you dont need a 4in lift. I have very little rubage (inside rear) with 33s.
     
    matthew johnson, Jun 25, 2009
    #7
  8. Warloch

    Warloch Did you say Flattie??? Staff Member

    Holbrooks and RS9000s with 33s in the avitar...
     
    Warloch, Jun 25, 2009
    #8
  9. jeremy 57

    jeremy 57 New Member

    thanks for the help. i will do some shopping around.
     
    jeremy 57, Jun 25, 2009
    #9
  10. BajaEdition

    BajaEdition cj6 owner

    I went with the BDS kit. have to say I am still working with a few issues but am very satisfied with the kit. As advertised the kit is a very nice item, Now I am dealing with issues that come about from the lift, like my old steering system needs a rebuild, the axle spring plates (mine were hammered need to order new ones) Seems one thing I have found from owning jeeps for the past 30 years, One thing leads to another. You may find other items need attention after lifting the Jeep. So make sure you have a few coins put back as things such as shackles etc can need replacement, but you do not know till you get under there wrenching around.
     
    BajaEdition, Jun 27, 2009
    #10
  11. 57cj5

    57cj5 Member

    I went with the Black Diamond 3 inch lift in my 57 CJ5. I have the BFG KM2 Mud terrains 32x11.5x15 plenty of clearance. I have a 283 engine and the front sits lower than the rear. I used Daystar greasable shackles 2 1/2 lift all around. I am adding a Cross enterprise rear tire carrier and same size spare wheel so I suspect the back will come down some. My shocks are the BD AT shocks. I am happy with my set up only I have to do some minor mods for the front hangar to level the jeep out (likely would have had to do with any kit). My jeep has stock shackle reversal. Looked at Holbrooks but way expensive. Most people liked the Black Diamond kit from what I read. I am new to Jeeps so I can't give much info on longevity of lift kits. I like the way mine looks though...
     
    57cj5, Jun 30, 2009
    #11