1" vs 2.5" lift 1972 cj5

I have a 1972 CJ5, and looking to change out the worn out original suspension. Yes the original stock springs which are now no longer curved but flat.

I have driven several lifted CJ's (mainly from 76-86) over the years and have never experienced one that has the upper body roll that mine does. I want to change out the springs but am trying to decide between a 1" or a 2.5" lift. My main concern is that if I go too high I will destroy the little bit of street drivability that this machine does have.

It is possible that the majority of this jeep's problems are due to the aged suspension, that's why I am posting this. I want to know if there is a significant safety/drivability issue on going with a 2.5" lift.

Any help would be great. If you need to know, it is a 232 engine with the 3 speed (T-14 I believe). It’s got the Dana 30 up front and the Dana 44 in the rear.

Thanks for any help,

Mark

 

The first thing that comes to mind IMHO is that the '72 axles have a short wheel base (passenger-side to driver's-side). Lift makes the Jeep much more top heavy.

When I bought my '72, it came with 12" X 34" tires. This widened the wheel base significantly but, with the manual steering, really made it tough to handle on the road. The steering box was just about totally eaten up.

When I went with smaller tires, I was shocked to see how thin the wheel base became. It had a shackle lift only and I thought I was going to topple at every turn.

Now, I'm going with a 3" spring lift but I'm also refabricating axles from a '78 Scout. This way, I'll have a wheel base of 58" instead of 50" -- which will help keep the Jeep on the ground (I also get front disc brakes out of the deal).

This, of course, is a major overhaul.

I guess my point is, depending on your tire width, less lift will help keep you from ending a ride upside down.

 

Ummm Wheelbase is not WMS-WMS Wheelbase is the measurement from the centerline of the frontaxle to the centerline of the rear axle.

 

I know. But other than WMS-to-WMS I couldn't really think of an easy way to say it.

 

track-width is a good way of describing it.

 

If the original springs have worn out and are flattened then they have lost their spring rate. This will make it much softer and less predictable and contribute to much more body roll. New springs should rectify this. Shocks can play a large part in this as well but will also affect ride quality. A gas type shock will help control body roll some but will stiffen the ride. The best of both worlds would be an adjustable shock like the Rancho RS 9000. That way you can control the stiffness and set things where you are most comfortable.

Keep in mind that these years used narrow springs with narrow axles so won't handle like a later model Jeep. There is nothing wrong with them, they simply demand a little respect when driving them. If everything is nice and tight and in good working order there is no reason you shouldn't be able to drive down the highway at 60-70 mph fairly comfortably.

 

Same thing on a 74 I had, the front bumpstops were actually on the rests. So I installed a set of BDS springs/shocks and it rode and drove very well.

 

I realize my '71 has a shorter wheelbase than yours, but the track width is nearly the same. I had a similar problem with mine when I first bought it. After thorough research, much at this site, I decided to get the BDS 2 1/2" springs. I also replaced the frame bushings at all 4 corners. When I first drove off with the new springs, I thought I had a new CJ! The difference was immediately noticeable. Of course, it's no Caddy, but it behaves on pavement very well, and it's not bone-jarring off road any more. Good luck with your spring replacement!

 

Worn springs and sloppy bushings can make for a very squirrelly vehicle. I had a bone stock '71 Scout that would change lanes every time you hit a bump. After new lift springs, urethane bushings, tires, wheels, and shocks, it drove excellent on the highway at high speeds, 75 - 80 mph no problem.

My '79 CJ5 is on 2.5" springs, I think they are Skyjacker, but I'm not positive since they were on it when I got it. Urethane bushings, Con-ferr HD shackles, new shocks, 33" tires, and it drives great at highway speeds. I believe that '76 and up CJ's are wider at the rear spring mounting which adds a bit of stability.

I'd recommend the 2.5" springs, but that also depends on what size tire you're wanting to run. If you're going to stick with 31/10.5 or smaller tires, then go with the 1" springs.

 

Here is my '72. It has 1" in shackle lift (5" shackles which are 2" longer than stock and produce the 1" of lift) and 2.5" spring lift. Total of 3.5" lift. I also have 31 x 12.5 x 15 on it. Things you need to wacth are your caster angle and drag link which can cause bump steer. Anyway here is what my jeep looks like with this set up.

 

My story, my 73 came with stock and original everything. I replace with a 2.5 inch black diamond lift kit, and all new ball joints. Also replaced the sterring bushing in the tube in the firewall.

I had a new jeep after that. It handles so much better.

Its been 3 years, and I added a winch and new bumper in front and a new rear bumper and tire carrier.

I have not noticed any suspension sag so far.

I'm running 31X10-50 tires with no rubbing on full stuff in the fender wells.

Good luck.

fireman