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suspension opinions

433 Views 9 Replies 2 Participants Last post by **DONOTDELETE**, Jan 7, 2000

Discussion Starter · Jan 5, 2000

I am looking for opinions on the best suspenison kits for an '85 CJ-7. Thank you.

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Discussion Starter · #2 · Jan 5, 2000

Need a little more info. Like what size tire do you want to run, what accessories do you have on the Jeep, what kind of wheeling do you do? All these factors will make a huge difference. For example, a softride system with a winch and hi-lift on the front will sag.

Brad (from the 4 Wheeling center of the universe, 4 corners USA)

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Discussion Starter · #3 · Jan 5, 2000

i run 33" tires, no winch, light off roading, no rock crawling

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Discussion Starter · #4 · Jan 5, 2000

With a CJ-7 and 33s you have 2 options. A 4" lift or a 2.5" lift with a 1" body lift and maybe slightly longer shackles. I currently have
a 2.5" lift with a 1" body lift and 3/8" lnger ConFerr shackles, no problem clearing 33s at full travel with the sway bar disconnected.
You will find most 2.5" lifts to be slightly more giving due to less arch, but there are some pretty soft 4" kits out there too. I would
not recommend the brand I have for you, Explorer Pro-Comp. It is fine for me with a winch, hi-lift, 33" spare and a box behind the
back seat full of stuff. Unloaded, that brand is STIFF. The other brand I had before the EPC is Rancho, also very stiff. I am not
going to give an opinion on a brand I have personally never used, many others on this board have used a variety of brands of springs.
One thing to keep in mind, when you decide on lift height, think about if you ever plan on going to 35s. If you do, you will need a 4"
lift with at least a 1" body lift.

Brad (from the 4 Wheeling center of the universe, 4 corners USA)

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jps4ever

· #5 · Jan 5, 2000

I just installed a new Trailmaster 4" lift on my CJ, and I really like it. With the Rancho 9000s, the ride and flex is really nice.

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Discussion Starter · #6 · Jan 6, 2000

I have an 85 and use a 2.5, 1"body lift, 3/8 inch longer shackles. It articulates excellent but I do get occassional rub in front with 32X11.5 BFGs. I used a Wrangler pitman arm, (file out the index blanks). and late eighties dodge shocks from the rear. (10 inches of travel) Works good, drives excellent onthe freeway also. Good Luck! Ken

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Discussion Starter · #7 · Jan 6, 2000

Sweatbox, your wheels must have too much offset, with 33x12.50s and the same setup as you I don't get any rub at all, even with the swaybar disconnected. Clears by about les than 1/4".

Brad (from the 4 Wheeling center of the universe, 4 corners USA)

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Dirt Dog

· #8 · Jan 6, 2000

My 33's never rubbed from day 1 on 10"wheels w/ only 1" shackles.
Got me/wwwthreads_images/icons/wink.gif

85'CJ7 258 4" runnin33's

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Discussion Starter · #9 · Jan 7, 2000

Brad, my wheels are right, 8.5's with 4" back. Where they rub is on the top of the front fender where the metal and rubber match. This is with no sway and really twisted. I am going to work up a better bump stop system to cure it. KEn

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Discussion Starter · #10 · Jan 7, 2000

Hmm, that's exactly where I thought they rubbed. I went through this with 2 set of wheels. One set with about 1/2" more offset did just that, the ones I'm using now just miss. Just for grins, I'll measure the ones I'm currently using against the other ones, 2 of which I'm now using on my Packmule trailer.

Brad (from the 4 Wheeling center of the universe, 4 corners USA)

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