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1980 Jeep Cj5 Shackles/spring Advice

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by Kevin Hamilton, Sep 26, 2023.

  1. Sep 26, 2023
    Kevin Hamilton

    Kevin Hamilton New Member

    Las Cruces
    Joined:
    Aug 1, 2021
    Messages:
    4
    First-time poster - long time novice with mechanical aptitude. I didn't see anything specific to help after searching, so I'm hoping for a little help and advice on shackles and spring replacement.

    Background
    1980 Jeep CJ5. The suspension is super soft, such that my wife can push down on any corner and compress that corner >1". It doesn't sit level, sags in the driver's rear, and the back springs are essentially flat. The front and rear shackles are different sizes (rear are considerably longer than the front even though the rear end sits lower). I've attached some measurements (after seeing that requested in a few other posts) and a couple pictures.

    I can't tell if the springs are stock, but the shackles are not - they look like the Warrior brand, but I can't tell (did not see any part numbers on them). Front shackles are 5-1/2" long, with 3-3/4" between center of bolt holes. Rear are 8" long with 6-1/2" between center of bolt holes. Even with the nearly 3" longer shackles in the rear, the rear sits lower than the front. Tires are 33-12.50/15.

    Advice
    I'm hoping you all can provide some answers/advice for me, as I'm planning to replace the setup - shackles, springs and shocks.
    1. Should the shackles be matched between front and rear?
    2. 2.5" lift? or 4" lift? Would 4" lift springs on 0" shackles front and rear fit the tires? Seems as though most agree that lift should be primarily springs and not shackles
    3. Anything else you'd suggest - things to think about? Not planning any serious off-roading with it - just a few trail runs throughout the year.
    Thanks in advance!
    Kevin Jeep measurements.jpg Jeep 1 - Copy.jpg Jeep 2 - Copy.jpg Right Rear 1 - Copy.jpg Left Rear 3 - Copy.jpg Front Right 1 - Copy.jpg Left Rear 4 - Copy.jpg right rear 3 - Copy.jpg
     
    Kevin Hamilton, Sep 26, 2023
    #1
  2. Sep 26, 2023
    jeep peep69

    jeep peep69 Member

    redding ca.
    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2007
    Messages:
    623
    Just from the picture the springs are junk. That big thick camber wedge is acting as a lowering block also. If it was mine I would start over fresh with all new springs and shackles, bushings . You definitely have a mixed up bubba fabbed lift going on. The shackles all need to be the same length. 2 1/2” lift springs should clear 33 inch tires with minimal rubbing on full stuff.
     
    Last edited: Sep 26, 2023
    jeep peep69, Sep 26, 2023
    #2
    Dwins1, vtxtasy and Kevin Hamilton like this.
  3. Sep 26, 2023
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2013
    Messages:
    5,651
    The 3.75" long front shackles are probably fine (OEM would have been 2.75")......they look like ConFer or a similar knock off. Those long shackles in the back probably need to go. The spacer between the rear springs and axle also probably needs to go (there would be some pinon angle questions to ask around that as well). Removing that thick spacer on the rear will help offset shortening the shackles. The rear springs do look like the are bent out near the shackle end - so that isn't helping your ride height in the rear as well. Whats going on with the shocks? Any chance the rear shocks are too short and literally holding the springs flat? Ideally, get a set of aftermarket springs and shocks and some new shackles for the rear that are close to the 3.75" fronts (or just get a matching set of 4 in that range) is going to be the best plan long terms - but yes its a pricey proposition. If the budget is absolutely tight, I'd at least check to see the shocks are causing any of the issues, pull the shim off the rear, and get shorter shackles for the rear and see where you end up. It might be okay for a bit. Last thing, I wouldn't worry too much about making sure all those measurements are equal everywhere on all sides....its probably not going to happen even with new springs etc - search 'jeep lean'..... Just get it acceptable, and remember the rear wheel well arch is cut higher than the front.
     
    FinoCJ, Sep 26, 2023
    #3
    Kevin Hamilton likes this.
  4. Sep 26, 2023
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2013
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    5,651
    oh....and looking at the pics, how is the front axle/suspension set-up....is it SOA or SUA - can't really see in the pics?
     
    FinoCJ, Sep 26, 2023
    #4
  5. Sep 26, 2023
    Kevin Hamilton

    Kevin Hamilton New Member

    Las Cruces
    Joined:
    Aug 1, 2021
    Messages:
    4
    Thanks for the help!

    The front springs are under the axle.

    Are the spring setups on Quadratec worth it (Rough Country/Skyjacker)? I saw BDS get a lot of positive mentions as well. Worth a little more to me for better equipment.

    Thanks, again!!
     
    Kevin Hamilton, Sep 26, 2023
    #5
  6. Sep 26, 2023
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2013
    Messages:
    5,651
    You have quite a few decent options for springs on a later 1980 cj than those of us in the early pre-72 cj crowd, so not sure how many of us are familiar with stuff like Rubicon express etc. A lot of us in the early crowd like BDS (we don't have a lot of other options), but skyjacker are also a decent options as well. Although not available for the early crowd, OME usually makes quality stuff - not sure if they make later CJ stuff or only YJ and later. I think most of us recommend staying away from Omix/Rugged ridge.
     
    FinoCJ, Sep 26, 2023
    #6
    Dwins1 likes this.
  7. Sep 26, 2023
    Kevin Hamilton

    Kevin Hamilton New Member

    Las Cruces
    Joined:
    Aug 1, 2021
    Messages:
    4
    Thanks again.

    I realize now, too, that I added this post to the wrong Forum - apologize for the noob mistake.
     
    Kevin Hamilton, Sep 26, 2023
    #7
    Dwins1 likes this.
  8. Sep 26, 2023
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2013
    Messages:
    5,651
    no worries....moved to proper forum
     
    FinoCJ, Sep 26, 2023
    #8
  9. Oct 7, 2023
    Kevin Hamilton

    Kevin Hamilton New Member

    Las Cruces
    Joined:
    Aug 1, 2021
    Messages:
    4
    Thanks All!! BDS 2.5" suspension direct from BDS, and M.O.R.E. Shackles LS9035/LS9034 (Front/Rear) from Summit Racing. Installed today, and she's sturdy and sitting level. Shackles are vertical at rest.

    Thank you all again for the great advice!!

    Kevin
     
    Kevin Hamilton, Oct 7, 2023
    #9
    Andrew Theros and vtxtasy like this.
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