Hi is this an active forum?

Hey whats up fellow CJers,
I'm a newcomer to this forum and am hoping its a fairly active one. I restored this 74 jeep but I'm not that informed on suspension upgrades or anything like that so was wondering if anyone could help me out, appreciate it. Hope to see ya at da top of da mountain.
CH

 

Welcome from Ohio.

Like to see some pics of your restored '74.
I am running a 2.5" BDS suspension on my 1970. Works very well.

 

welcome from central Va

2.5in rough country, Don't get it.

 

Installed a Black Diamond 3" to support BFG 235x85R16" tires on 16" CRAGAR Black D-ring wheels. Looks like the flexibility will be there, much softer ride on the highway than before. Won't hit the trails for another month, too busy arresting the rust and fixing the gas tank leak problem. Gotta love getting dirty playin with tools and toys...

 

Wow you guys win!!! Its only been a few minutes and I got all these responses... I LOVE IT. I was currently registering on a few different jeep forums to try and see which ones were alive and you guys are a beatin!! Ok ya I got a few diffrent pics of this reconditioning project I can throw up here.
I'm a newb when it comes to suspension systems... I mean I can throw on springs and shocks np but just learned a couple days ago that the coil systems are much better. I have no idea where to begin with that though. I know I got crappy shocks and was wondering what kind I should go with, maybe Ranchos? And as far as springs go... I think I accidentally put some truck springs (I know they are trailmasters) but they are WAYYYYYYYY too stiff. Hell I probably accidentally threw them on backwards or somethin. Talk to ya
CH

 

Hey Scott,

What transmission are you running behind your 258??? I have a 258, T 18 and the Dana 20. I was wondering what you did about driveshaft angle????
Did you need longer driveshafts???
The reason I ask is that I want a Black diamond 3" lift
Thanks,
High5
Oh yeah, welcome from Southern Iowa

 

Yea I was told I can do that, what I need to take it to some spring shop to have that done? And what shock you suppose I should go with, Ranchos? I really don't got the money nor the time to head into the coil conversion so was hoping that a new set of shocks and removing a leaf or two would handle this.
CH

 

I personally prefer hydro to gas charged shocks off-road. They dampen the load both ways instead of just the downward preassure. And I feel they give a better ride.

What shock is best is a very subjective question. The answer depends on the intended use of the vehicle and your financial situation. I like the Rancho RS9000x because they are adjustable. But they are not cheap as far as shocks go.

 

Same setup. The DANA 44 on rear does have a shim in it, probably about 3 degrees up to the drive shaft. Short little shaft ain't it. The shim existed on the previous springs before the black diamond and transferred, but would be interested in replacing with new shim if they are easily available to purchase. Not sure where to get them.

Using the original driveshafts but like I said, I have yet to put this system to the offroad test. now later

 

Sorry to hyjack this again, but Scott do you have any pics of the Jeep with the lift???
Thanks
High5

 

Re: the 258 + T18 + 3" Black Diamond - been there done that on a '74 CJ5. Had to put in an 8* shim, go to a CV joint driveshaft, and install a CV yoke on the back of the tcase.

Just FYI.

Oh, and here is a picture of it with 32x11.50's:

 

Damn, that looks really good. Did you need all that stuff just to get super flexy or did you have bad vibes???
Thanks
High5

 

Flattie, any issues with turning into the springs with the 11.5 width? My BFGs are about 9.5" and never touch.

 

High5,

Not many pictures yet as you see, still under construction. The tires are right but the lift is not yet on. The BD lift kit raised another 1.5" over what you see here. Think the previous suspension was also lifted, just not sure how much. It was too stiff for the articulation I wanted.

Here is the best pic I have showing the project, after adding wheels and tires. In garage on lift getting Herculined today. The front shackles you see are Tow Shackles made by WARRIOR. Towed like a champ on the way home from the hills of Eastern PA.

 

I think I'll be looking into those Rancho 9000 and see if that does the trick, I must get this pig safe before such a long trip otherwise I'll be calling up AAA and missing my concert