Need suspension advice quickly

I apologize for asking so many questions, but I am stuck in a position where I gotta make a decision on which system to go with for my '74 CJ-6.

Here are my goals:
1) Be able to run 33x12.50's and be usable off-road, but not real hard core stuff
2) Better/safer handling with less wandering (within reason of course, I know it's not a sports car)
3) Not too specific in its application - i.e. should work well on and off road.

All along I had been planning on going with the Black Diamond 3" kit with either Con-Ferr (1/2") or M.O.R.E. (3/4") shackles. Now that it is time to make a decision, other options are rearing their head, and now my head is spinning. Here are my choices:

1) Stick with original game plan (Black Diamond with shackles)
2) Rubicon Express 2.5" '76-'86 system retrofitted to be used on intermediate. (is this too small for 33's?)
3) Rubicon Express in the 4.5" setup (is this too big for 33's? Don't want any more than necessary)
4) Shackle reversal setup, since the front shackle hangers are already going to have to be addressed: this bring up more questions; Which kit? Some setups give you a lift, some don't. How do I level out the rear end if I use one that lifts the front? Front driveshaft issues? Other comments?
5) Any combo of the above listed that will meet my goals.
6) Any other suggestions???

Thanks everyone for any advice. I've been researching this forever, but now that it's time to make a decision, I just want to make an informed one.

 

2.5-3" should be fine, one member is running 2.5" and 34/9.5LBTs. I have a 3" lift and 3/4" shackles and right now without any weight on the Jeep I am thinking I might be looseing the shackles because the Jeep is just too high for my own personal taste( similar to yours I am guessing)

 

I am very happy with my Pro Comp 2.5" lift and 3/4" MORE shackles. I run 33x12.50's as well

 

Go with a late model 2.5 and a small shackle lift to let it flex, don't sweat the reversal.

I run a 2.5 Skyjacker with shackles on my Scrambler, and run 34x9.50 TSLs

 

With the 2.5"-3" range you can run 33s no problem.
I'd run the Black Diamond 3" and the MORE shackles. Course I may be biased as thats what I have. R)

 

I run a 4wd.com 2.5 inch lift and am happy with it. I think if I would have gone with the BD kit I would have been buying new driveshafts for sure. Right now I am fine on the street. The pic in my avatar is mine with 33's on it and the lift installed. The lift itself was too much of a bear to install.
Good luck

High5

 

Why do you say it was a bear to install? I too am searching for '73 lifts. Its nice to know what to expect. Someone had mentioned the BDS system as a fave, why has it earned good favor?

 

Oh sh*t,

I meant NOT too much of a bear. Hardest part was getting the old U bolts off. I just used the grinder and some cardboard as a spark shield.

Sorry 'bout thatR)

High5

 

IMO there is absolutely no need to apologize for asking questions and don't ever feel you have too where all here to help one another.

2.5 with 33” will take care of your needs.

 

:iagree:

 

You guys are awesome! The wealth of information on this board amazes me...

When it comes right down to it, I don't know if I want to deal with major fabrication and conversion this and that for a vehicle that will be used only a couple thousand miles a year. I am leaning toward a basic lift designed for the year (i.e. no YJ springs), and no shackle reversal. Just bolt it on and go. I am narrowing it down to the BDS or Black Diamond. The Black Diamond is cheaper, and 1/2" taller. I gotta decide today, as my CJ-6 is taking up space in the local shop.

I will keep everyone posted.

 

I thought BDS and Black Diamond Suspensions was the same thing?

 

BDS is the PC name for what I believe used to be Big Dick Suspensions.

 

Who turned off the censor? Used to be that Dick was a censored word.

 

Alrighty.....new development. Just heard from the shop, and the front spring hangers are shot (I agree with him, several homemade repairs and they are ready to go), and will have to be completely redone. The guy at the shop is suggesting that while we are in there, a shackle reversal is a good idea. I am thinking of going with the MORE stubby kit that provides 0" lift, this way I can more easily select springs, which will now be of the later CJ width. More money up front, but now maybe I can be in and out without going back in a year or so to deal with busted shackle hangers.

Any thoughts??

Thanks again for all the help!!

 

I wouldn't worry about the shackle reversal, but if you really want it, make sure you have enough travel in your driveshaft for it.