Soa Compared To 3-4 Inch Lift

I have a '73 CJ5 that is currently a SOA setup, it is a bear to get in and out beings it has a full rollbar and aftermarket seats (out of some newer car, not jeep seats) 35 inch tires and shot stock springs (flat), I am trying to decide to go back to the SUA with possibly a 3-4 inch lift. and 33 inch tires, can anyone with with either setup give me a measurement of say the bottom of tub. I appreciate any input and suggestions. Pics would be nice to

 

Why do you need so much lift? 33s should fit with a 2-2.5" lift, no problem. I don't see that more lift gains anything. The only interference might be at the bottom edge of the front fenders. Pretty sure you can even go larger with no more lift, tube fenders and rear fender cutouts.

 

I have the Rocky Road YJ 3.5" SUA springs with 33's. I get about 24" to the bottom of the tub with 1 1/4" body spacers. With this set up you could still use the 35's if you wanted to.

 

Not really needing that much lift really, I am just trying to figure out which way to go, I know I will have to cut and re weld spring perches on axles of I go back SUA, just worried I might have to replace driveshafts going back to SUA. Willing to do the work just don't have deep pockets to replace all components such as drive-lines and such

 

This is mine on a sagged out 4"(figure about 2.5-3) Rancho with 33x10.50's. I have no bump stops with slightly longer travel shocks than stock. It rubs the inner fenders in the rear and typical frame/springs in front because steering stops are not adj properly.

 

If 90% or more of your driving will be on the road, go SUA all the way.

 

SPUA: I have about 3" of suspension lift and a 1" body lift. 24" from the ground to bottom of the tub.

This jeep has BDS 2.5" springs, compact Conferr shackles and 33" tires. Power locs front and rear and 84:1 crawl ratio, it wheels pretty well.

I am going to put the longer rear springs in the front at some point. I'll keep it SPUA.

 

I've posted this before. This is my old jeep on the Rubicon in 1994.

SPOA with the longer early CJ rear springs in the front. Shackle reversal. Probably around 26-27" tub to ground. It also had Power Loks F&R and an 84:1 crawl gear. 33's.

When I did the spring over on this, the difference in wheeling capability was significant both in terms of suspension articulation and clearance, obviously. Major obstacles that before, I had to maneuver around, I was now able to just drive over without touching anything.

It comes down to what your goals are with the jeep.

On an old jeep, I think putting longer springs in front is a more beneficial modification. I mean, I wouldn't do SPOA unless I did that first. And obviously there's a whole host of good reasons to just go to wrangler springs, SPU or SPOA.

 

Ok, so I have decided on getting rid of the SOA and going with Old Man Emu YJ conversion, hoping everything lines up and works (steering geometry, driveshafts etc) just gotta cut off spring perches and reweld to bottom of axle

 

You’ve made a wise decision. You can easily find YJ spring perches should you decide you need them. Might be a good idea with the 2.5” wide springs. Keep us posted on the project!

 

I didn't use wider perches. If you tighten the u bolts evenly and make sure it's sitting flat. You should be ok, If you torque the u bolts. I also recommend a retorque after you use them a while.

 

I have a 2.5" lift (don't recall the brand) on a SUA with 33" BFG mud terrains on 10 X 15 wheels and I measure exactly 23" from the bottom of the rocker from my garage floor. It will rub on the front of the back fender at full twist. Doug

 

Picture.