Lift Advice

I have seen many postings for advice on lifts, i.e height, brand etc. So I just wanted to post on my recent experience. Side note: not trying to speak badly of retailer or manufacturer, its just my experience.
Purchased 4" Superlift sys for my 73-5. (d20Tr,d30frt,44rr) through 4WD.com.
Once I received it 9weeks later, installed frt,rear springs smoothly. Went to install rear u-bolts (1/2"x2 3/4 x 6) they were too short. Then tried to install the front u-bolts, they were too narrow as well as splayed out at the threads. there was no way to even get them close on the already drilled out (1/2") u-bolt plate. Yes I know milling them would have been better but wouldn't have solved this problem. The only one that fit was the 1/2 x3 1/4x 7.5 that fits over the pumpkin. Called 4wd, they sent 7 new u-bolts. The rears were too wide 3 1/4 x 7.5 and the fronts were too wide and this time too short as well. Called the retailer several times to no avail. Got tired of being on hold and calls were never returned. I was though, able to go down to my local off road shop where I had the plates mic'd for front and rear. He was able to track down the correct length and width for front and rear: frt 1/2 x 2 9/16 x 7 and rear 1/2 x 2 3/4 x 7.5 all made by rancho. So another $130 later in u-bolts I had my 4" Superlift susp sys installed. I did some research for part numbers through the SL website and the parts in their kit did match the part numbers they had listed for this lift. I have purchased SL in the past for other vehicles in the past and never had a problem. Hahaha welcome to jeep ownership right?? Any way just wanted to post this in case someone else was looking into a Superlift sus sys for their Int CJ5. Hope this helps.
Steve

 

Thanks for the thoughts! I've been tossed between the SL, Black diamond (yes I know same company), or the rancho. So maybe a few more "opinions" will help me decide!!

 

Hello,

I live in Chico and have a '75 CJ5. Just installed a lift, working on a power steering conversion, etc. etc. I couldn't send a PM for some reason...probably because I have been inactive for so long. Anyway, if you want to give me a shout I would be good to meet another local intermediate owner. See if you can PM me or maybe once I post again my PM will work. Dave.

 

For the u-bolts next time check R&P. The were selling u bolts for $9 each with the washers and nuts last time I checked. A little more for zinc plated. That equates to $36 per axle.... They have them made and sell them in different lengths as well.

 

"R&P"..."R&P"...I know that rings a bell, but I just can't figure it out...who is that again?

 

http://www.r-p4wd.com/

They aren't real computer savvy so best to call them, although they do check their e-mails once or twice a day. They can also be reached at 503-557-8911. They are gone hunting and will be back at the shop on Thursday.

 

when I got my lift the front went in with no problems got to rear to find I was missing parts U bolts ,clips that hold leaf packs together and when I called to get these parts they told me there 4 months back ordered

what how hard is it to get a set of U bolts and spring clips its not rocket science

So I went to napa got my U bolts than I ran out to a local spring shop and got the clips I needed

yes you got it I sent the bill to where I bought my lift they will never get my business again

 

I went with the Rancho pretty much stock springs (maybe a 1-1.5 lift) ordered thru 4-wheel parts. Also got the Rancho shocks all around (adjustable) and had them replace all of the body mounts on my 75 CJ5 w/258. Very happy with the parts and the install. I actually provided the grade 8 hardware for the body mount bushings that I picked up at a local hardware store.

They did a great job and I was very happy with the results.

 

X2:iagree: