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Suspension Upgrade?

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by Dondo, Mar 8, 2006.

?

Upgrade Suspension or not.

  1. Replace with origional?

    1 vote(s)
    9.1%

  2. Replace with good stuff?

    10 vote(s)
    90.9%
  1. Dondo

    Dondo These are my good pants..

    What would you guys do? Keep the '53 suspension origional or put some newer, nicer, pretty stuff on? Here are my thoughts:

    I'd like to keep it orgional for the conversation piece it presents. Most of the other Jeepers in the area can't beleive that there are 12 springs on each corner and only 1.25" inchs wide. Kinda cool. Not to mention, incase the Jeep ever gets put back to origional military spec, it would be nice to have the springs.

    I'd like to change it to something a little more trail/road friendly. I'm not really after a lift at all, but if I decided to replace everything, might as well add a couple of inches. Of course, that will start a waterfall of everything else that I'd want to do.

    I dunno. Should I replace it OEM or upgrade. What would you guys do?

    Dondo

    Just so I don't look completely retarded....
    Origional = Original

    I curn't speal todaay fer somee reson.
     
    Dondo, Mar 8, 2006
    #1
  2. neptco19

    neptco19 That guy....

    It really all depends what you want with the jeep, do want an original resto? or are going the resto-mod route? Personally I'd go with a lift around a 2.5", that really wont create too much of a waterfall effect, Only really need larger tires to fill out the fenderwell and thats about it. Maybe larger brakes but you should do that anyways.
     
    neptco19, Mar 8, 2006
    #2
  3. Dondo

    Dondo These are my good pants..

    Already have 31's with 11" brake's. I'm just wondering about (if I DO the small lift), what will that do to the stock steering (Ross) and the driveshafts. What else would I have to change?

    Dondo
     
    Dondo, Mar 8, 2006
    #3
  4. neptco19

    neptco19 That guy....

    You shouldnt have to change anything. Bolt it on and go.
     
    neptco19, Mar 8, 2006
    #4
  5. lynn

    lynn Time machine / Early CJ5 HR Rep Staff Member

    I'd go with 1" lift springs, H shackles stock length. Then you can keep the 31s without having alot of space to fill, and minimize impact to the steering, keep the same shocks.
    Now if you're thinking Saginaw steering, then 2.5" lift, longer shocks/bumps, taller tires.
    Lifts up to/including 2.5" should have no impact to driveshafts.
    Caster angle could be affected, might need to shim thefront axle a bit (get an alignment after a 2.5" lift (wouldn't bother for just a 1" lift) to see what your caster angle is)
     
    lynn, Mar 8, 2006
    #5
  6. Dondo

    Dondo These are my good pants..

    Can anyone suggest where to find 1" lift springs? I already have the replacement stock threaded 'C' shackle's for all 4 corners. Just no springs...well...trying to decide what springs I guess.

    Dondo
     
    Dondo, Mar 8, 2006
    #6
  7. lynn

    lynn Time machine / Early CJ5 HR Rep Staff Member

    lynn, Mar 8, 2006
    #7
  8. John A. Shows

    John A. Shows Comic Relief

    I'd replace the springs especially if they're sagging. The jeep will get more respect with replacement springs that sit level and a little higher if you want to, than it would sitting slumped to one side with original worn out springs.
     
    John A. Shows, Mar 8, 2006
    #8
  9. speedbuggy

    speedbuggy Looking for a Jeep now

    x2. 2.5" lift with 33's gives the older JEEPs a very nice stance. I think I'll share a photo... :D

    [​IMG]
     
    speedbuggy, Mar 8, 2006
    #9