Which lift to get - getting rid of 1.5" shackle lift and add-a-leaf

['84Laredo]

I just got my CJ7 the other day. It has 33" tires. The PO said he installed a 1.5" shackle lift (I measured and verified this - actually turns out to be 1 3/8") and an add-a-leaf at each spring.

He said that gave him a total of 3" lift when he put it all on. What do you think from the pics??

Anyway, I want to keep the 33" tires. This Jeep will not be used for wheelin' or muddin' - just street use. I want to keep the height of the Jeep about the same as it currently is (slightly higher isn't a problem, but definitely no lower).

My questions:

1) If I remove the 1.5" shackle lift and original springs with the add-a-leafs, what spring lift should I get - 2.5" or 3" to bring it up to the desired height?

2) I've searched through the archives and found different answers regarding using stock shackles with a spring lift. With a 2.5" or 3" spring lift, should I use factory length shackles or a 1/2" lift shackles? (I've also read that you can go up to 1/2" lift shackles without major issues.)

3) What lift or combination of lifts (would rather no body lift) would you recommend to keep me around the current height and clear the 33s?

[ecardona10]

I have an 86 CJ7 on 33's and my choice was to go with Black diamond 3" springs, 1/2" lift greasable shckles and I also have 1" body lift. I did not use a drop pitman arm, nor a transfer case drop kit. Haven't had any problems with my driveshaft, steering or clutch linkages. I have wheeled at Uwharie National Forrest some, but mostly it's a daily driver. I like the Black Diamond suspension, not too stiff, although I can't compare it to anything else, I did do alot of reaserch as to what people recommended within my price range.
Hope this helps.

[longboy]

I went with 2½" BDS springs with ½" MORE shackles for my 3" of lift. Very happy with the setup, and no issues to complain about.

['84Laredo]

Do either one of you have pics of your Jeeps with the lifts you mentioned?

[longboy]

Here's what it looked like with 32s and the suspension I mentioned:


It looks a lot different now, but still running the same suspension.

['84Laredo]

Would it be possible for you to take some measurements? I'm trying to compare your lift in relation to mine. From the ground to the top of the front fenders, mine measured 40 1/2". From the ground to the lowest point of the body at the rear corners is 26 1/2". Thanks in advance!

[longboy]

Sorry, but my measurements wouldn't work for you as I now have clearanced the fenders (tube fenders) and running on 35" tires. Hopefully someone else with a similar setup can do some measuring for you-

[Don Stephens]

While you are deciding on what lift to use. I have to go x2 on the 1" body lift and keep the shackles short with center braces and 1/2' bolts. The greaseable bolts are good also. The radiator will have to be lowered and the steering rod needs to be streched out a bit by loosening and re-tightning the bolts. Take notice for other adjustments. Its definitly a cheap way to get another inch, plus its easier to clean the mud out.

['84Laredo]

The main reason I want to get rid of the 1.5" shackle lift is the effects on the handling. The Jeep wanders a lot on the road. Too much.

I want to keep a 3" minimum total lift on the Jeep, so I guess my question is this: is it better to do a 3" spring lift and stock shackle length or a 2.5" spring lift and 1/2" lift shackles? (1/2" and a 3" spring lift is definitely an option also). So which route is best for handling?

Also, at what height lift do you have to use a dropped pitman arm?

[toocheaptosmoke]

I used skyjacker 2" or 2.5" springs with a .75" shackle lift, with corrected castor from ground spring perches. The springs ride very nice and flexes well, 33" tires. Stock pitman arm, no tie rod flip, runs down the road like butter.

[happypyro]

I have a 2.5" Rancho Lift and 1/2" shackles. I preferred the lower profile with the 33"s as it was mostly a daily driver and it drove very smooth.

[JeepScrambler]

Originally Posted by Don Stephens

plus its easier to clean the mud out.

I'm another one to vote for the 1" polyurethane body lift as well. I have the 1" lift polyurethane bushings on almost every one of my CJ's. It does make cleaning the underside of the Jeep much easier since there is just enough room to get a power washer between the body and frame. And if your CJ is like any of mine, I'm sure the 25 year old stock rubber body mount bushings are cracked anyways and due for replacement. Since you will not be doing any wheeling, I would do 2.5" springs with, 1" poly body lift, and stock length shackles. That should give you room to clear 33" tires. If you do decide you need larger shackles, I would stay with shackles that are under 1/2" of lift, the closer to stock length the better.

Tocheaptosmoke,
I'm lovin' the stock steelies on your Scrambler! Got a set I'm putting on my '83 CJ8!

[toocheaptosmoke]

Originally Posted by JeepScrambler

Tocheaptosmoke,
I'm lovin' the stock steelies on your Scrambler! Got a set I'm putting on my '83 CJ8!

Thanks man, you rarely see anyone wheeling the stock steelies anymore.

[CJSIXER]

I really like the Rubicon Express 4.5 inch extreme duty lift for the CJs. It is pricey but it converts the Jeep over to YJ springs which provide a great ride and great flex.

[weapon]

love my re 4.5.

[hybridcj]

i second the bds 2.5" with 1/2" shackles. the bds may end up being a little bit higher and doesn't sag over time (at least mine didn't).

one thing - you mentioned wandering. just make sure the wandering isn't coming from warn out steering components before you go into the lift. box could be shot, hanger could be loose (very likely is) and the steering shaft could have some play. i would check those first - lift and shackles won't remedy your problem if these are the problem components.

[trust]

I like my Alcans, they aren't much more in price from a good kit but they are custom to your ride. the down side is that you have to sort of guess how much you might be hauling around later on. I'm WAY over what i thought mine wold be when the springs were made but it rides and tracks great!!

One thought, since you aren't planning to do much wheeling if any, you might go with a shackle reversal, I think most kits give about 1" of lift. I know mine really tracks well and rides MUCH nicer than a stock cj.

Didn't post pics since mine is a 5" set of springs that are also asymetrical and longer than stock and the jeep rides on 35s

[jlarock29]

Skyjacker 2.5 inch lift will give you the same clearance you have now with the leaf and shackles!

[Ford Prefect]

Originally Posted by '84Laredo

The main reason I want to get rid of the 1.5" shackle lift is the effects on the handling. The Jeep wanders a lot on the road. Too much.

I want to keep a 3" minimum total lift on the Jeep, so I guess my question is this: is it better to do a 3" spring lift and stock shackle length or a 2.5" spring lift and 1/2" lift shackles? (1/2" and a 3" spring lift is definitely an option also). So which route is best for handling?

Just wondering what makes you think that the shackle lift has anything to do with the way the jeep drives?

You mention "Handling" several times, you do realize this is a jeep, right? I mean it is not a sports car, jeeps do not "Handle" anything except rocks, mud, and snow.

[JeepScrambler]

Originally Posted by Ford Prefect

Just wondering what makes you think that the shackle lift has anything to do with the way the jeep drives?

You mention "Handling" several times, you do realize this is a jeep, right? I mean it is not a sports car, jeeps do not "Handle" anything except rocks, mud, and snow.

The longer shackles throw the caster angle off causing a great deal of handling problems. If there are any other problems in the steering (worn tie rod ends, ball joints, etc) the longer shackles only exaggerate the problem even more.