Items needed for 2.5" lift?

Hello,

I have a 1958 CJ5 and 1960 CJ6, trying to figure out which one to fix up first. I am very familiar with Wranglers, but am a newbie to the CJ.


I acquired some 2.5" springs and shocks for pretty cheap. I am wondering what else, besides U-bolts, do I need? The rear springs already have some shims on them also, I am trusting they will be right.

Do I need some sore of a transfer case drop, such as the Wranglers?

Also, both Jeeps have the original steering (Ross). Does this need any modification with a 2.5" lift?


thanks,


Mike

 

All else being equal, the CJ-6 is worth significantly more than the CJ-5. But it's your choice - pick the one that moves you most.

I expect the 2.5" lift won't be much higher than the original 'heavy duty' springs. You don't necessarily have to change to Saginaw steering, but a one-piece tie rod, connecting the two knuckles, might be worthwhile. You may have some bump-steer otherwise. Check the driveshaft angle once the lift is installed. A better option might be a rear driveshaft with a front CV joint, and then tilt the pinion up to be in line with the drive shaft. The Tom WOods site has a lot of good info on driveline angles.

What kind of shims on the rear? None were supplied from the factory, AFAIK.

But I would not do anything drastic until the springs are installed and you assess the situation. Certainly the CJ-6 rear driveshaft won't need any help with that much lift.

 

I put 2.5 inch springs on my '64 and I didn't have to do anything.

 

At 2.5 inches of lift, you shouldnt have to do the steering corrections or driveshaft corrections. I know on the 76-86 cj's you dont, but the early models have a shorter wheelbase. so on the "5" I geuss its possible that the drive shaft could bind. I would do what was suggested above and see how it turns out. I have a 69 cj5 and it has a 2.5 lift with none of the corrections you are concerned with. the fenders are trimmed and sits on 35"s.

 

youll have to adjust the toe-in/out on the front. ive had a 2&1/2" and now a 4" lift on my 55. i did have to put angle shims between the axles and springs for the 4" but the steering still worked great with both. i did put power steering after running it like that for years because i got a deal on the column, box and pump. just make sure your steering stabilizer is good. when i first did a 2&1/2" i get bump steer but my steering shock was completely shot. replaced it and no problems since, that was 20 year ago.

 

Thanks guys!

 

On CJ-5's and CJ-6's with the D-18 transfer case, the transfer case output is situated low so with 2 1/2" lift, you should not have any extreme angles which would require the use of a CV shaft. You may have to shim the rearend a little to get the U joint angles equal again but probably not much more than that.

 

Thanks!