73 Cj5 Updates and add-ons?

I have a 73' cj5 that basically stock. I just finished rebuilding the 304 that was in it and going through all the running gear. Basically I'm at the point now where id like to do suspension work on it next. what are some common stuff that i can do? I have no problem fabing stuff up or getting dirty.
1-----Ive been looking into the wrangler spring conversion, what can you tell me about that?
2-----Ive also looked into making it into power steering? any advice?

Any other ideas would be much appreciated.

 

Can't speak on wrangler springs. I run 2.5bds springs and love em. Power steering was the best upgrade ive made yet.

 

PS should be easy for a V8. Find a Wagoneer in the junkyard and take the pump, gear, brackets and pulleys you need. You'll need the CJ bell coupler for PS, and the CJ hoses. There are early gears with flare fittings and later gears with o-rings, so pick new hoses from a CJ of the same year-range as the donor.

The frame bracket for a manual gear has 3 bolt holes and a PS bracket 4. The PS gear will fit on a 3-hole bracket, but you may want to find a 4-hole bracket (scarce) or fit a steering brace to make the 3-hole bracket stronger.

There are lots and lots of old posts about these and many more upgrade topics in the archives if you search.
https://www.google.com/search?q=site:earlycj5.net+intermediate+suspension+upgrade&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8
https://www.google.com/search?q=sit...te:earlycj5.net+intermediate+steering+upgrade

I have BDS 2.5" lift springs and Skyjacker shocks on my CJ-6. Why are you interested in the Wrangler springs? How experienced a Jeep owner are you? I'd suggest that you get your Jeep in top shape and wheel it. Jeeps are astonishingly capable in stock form, with a skilled driver. Take some time and learn what you like about the Jeep and what you want to improve. For an intermediate, I'd think about a 4-speed truck transmission, traction devices (lockers, selectable lockers, positraction), tires, wheels, roll cage, fuel injection, body armor, power brakes, front disk brakes ... the Wrangler springs would be pretty far down my list if I had not done anything else.

 

Lots of stuff to do. It seems it never ends. I am considering a doing the YJ spring conversion, but, I already have bought and installed 2-1/2" BDS springs 5 years ago. But IF I was going to do the YJ spring thing, I'd more than likely consider Rocky Roads kit. Spendy at $1500 bux but comes with everything you need including OME springs.. Or you can get just the install kit and add springs of your choice.
Other considerations. Install TBI. Swap the front to disc brakes. Lockers in the axles. Twin stick the T-case. Install a TerraLo in the T-case. Install a winch. Build/install a full roll cage.

BUT if I only could do one thing? 4-speed with a DEEP granny gear..

 

As far as experience i have owned jeeps since I was about 15, so for about 7 years now starting out with a 1944 Gpw and now the CJ. I think for now it sounds like the bds springs are my best bet. A cage is definentally probably gunna happen in the next couple weeks along with bumpers and sliders. Tomorrow ill probably head down to the junk yard and see what I can find for Power Steering stuff. Ive been thinking heavily on the transmission. What is the best transmission? after a lil research it seems like the T18A is the best one having the lowest 1st gear. I already have limited slip in the rear but plan in the future to put a locker in the front. Otherwise i still want it somewhat stock. By next spring i plan to take a trip to moab as well as the rubicon and see what she can do.

 

Really any of the truck 4-speeds will work; T-18, T-19, NP435, SM420 or SM465. Of these, the SM420 has the most reduction by a small margin, but they all have the deep 1st gear that you want. Generally the T-18 is favored because there is some possibility of finding all the parts you need at the junkyard. All the rest will require an aftermarket transmission to transfer case adapter, at considerable expense. Check the Novak site for more information www.novak-adapt.com

 

I have wrangler 4"lift springs on my CJ. I used them because the stock stuff was wore out garbage and I got this set up used for a guy who put under 1000 miles on it. got the whole thing inc shocks for 100 bucks or so. I made all my own brackets and what not. I would ,and am, using someone else's fabricated spring and shackle mounts now. these happen to be Rough Stuff. I have driven a 77 cj5 with stock springs and stock cj2a stuff. The springs are fine, but not the first thing I would do unless you absolutely had to replace your current ones.

I would first make sure the braking system is as great as you can make it. rebuild what you have, install 11" drums up front or disks. The next thing I would do is power steering. Amazon was selling a rebuilt box for 100 bucks or so shipped on prime. I am using that. no issues.

I am also using an sm 420. I decided on that because my T-90 took a dump and i saw it for 75 bucks on C/L. the Novak adapter is 550 bucks or so, but it was still cheaper than rebuilding the t-90. I like it just fine, but it was been out of production since about 1967 or so and parts are not everywhere. T-18 or sm465 would now be my choice to do over just from parts availability.

I m running a power lock in my d44. I never had any sort of traction device before. its like night and day. totally amazing.