how do I tell...

I want to replace my shocks. To get the correct replacements, I need to know if my jeep has been lifted. Would someone please educate me on how I can determine if my 1974 CJ5 has indeed been lifted, and, if so, by how much? I know that I have stock shackles, so no lift there.

 

Perhaps some pictures would be helpful.

front view:



driver's side front wheel:



wheel size:



front shock/leaf spring:



front shock/leaf spring viewed from under passenger door:



rear shock/leaf spring:



rear shock/leaf spring (another view):



Now I admittedly don't know much about 4x4s, but I don't believe those spring coils over the shocks are stock. I'm guessing this jeep has some lift, or those 32 tires wouldn't fit properly. The leaf springs look stock to me, and I know the shackles are stock. I'm wondering how much lift I have and what length shocks I need to replace the (obviously old) shocks that are on it now? I'm leaning towards the Skyjacker hydros, hoping they will smooth out the ride a bit.... Any suggestions (on anything really) would be welcome.

If I need to move these pictures behind links for the bandwidth challenged, let me know and I will.

 

I'm starting a home for wayward jeeps. You can bring it by and drop it off. The ride won't bother me. ;-)


On a more serious note... why don't you just measure the shocks? Or take the Part numbers from the ones you have to the FLAPS.

BTW: Nice Jeep.

 

Hmmm, I'll crawl under it later today and try to find a part number and take a (installed) measurement. What about those coil springs? Are they part of the shock, or are they a separate piece? Is it normal to have spring coils over the shocks? Sorry, but like I said, I'm ignorant (but trying to learn).

I have some new stock shackles that I am going to install as soon as the polyurathane bushings I ordered arrive. After that, I want some new shocks and then I'll take it to get it aligned.

 

On a more important note....

Nice looking CJ!!R)

 

Thanks!

Yes, I'm in love with it. The tub is original and is still in decent shape. So far I've replaced the tie rod ends, power steering pump, steering gear, steering coupler, spark plug wires, some hoses, speedometer and cable, and some minor cosmetic things.

Still on the things to do list: replace fuel tank, sending unit, and all associated hoses (parts in basement), new shackles, bushings, shocks, ADD THREE POINT SEAT BELTS, remove rear seat (don't want a rear seat), remove carpet, coat the inside of the tub with Herculiner, replace wire harness. Whew! After all that (sometime next year), I'm thinking of having the tub off, media blast everything, paint everything metal with Rust Bullet, and put it all back together with stainless steel hardware and new bushings. I just need to find a way to break all this to my wife..... OTOH, she is driving a 2008 Suzuki SX4, and I'm driving a 1970 VW bug and a '74 CJ5. R)

 

I don't know as I would bother. I might measure it under full load but I think I'd take one off and take it to the FLAPS. I don't think that they would have a way to compress it but they could figure out what it went to and maybe find a suitable replacement.

If you really feel like you need to compress it and measure it I'd take it to a machine shop with a BIG press.

 

Hey, I wasn't totally sure you weren't serious. ;-)

 

Good lookin' jeep.

About a year ago, I replaced the shocks on my 75 CJ with Rancho RS9000's. Very, very happy with
the results. Nice smooth ride and fast recovery over speed bumps. They are adjustable, but I have
found the middle setting most to my liking for just tooling around town.

 

After crawling under and taking a close look, I don't think my shocks are actually doing any dampening. I see cracks in the shells. I'm probably just riding on springs at the moment, thus the harsh ride.

Yes, the Ranchos look good. I'll either get Rancho's or the Skyjackers. Anyway I'll be saying goodbye to those coilovers soon.