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What is BEST 2-1/2" lift for CJ

1.3K views 13 replies 6 participants last post by  **DONOTDELETE**  
#1 ·
What is BEST 2-1/2\" lift for CJ

This 84 CJ-7 could become a daily driver (100+ mile per day). What is the Best lift kit available. I would be putting
on the 2-1/2" lift and a 1" body lift. What shocks due people recommend? Will I be able to fit 33's and still wheel
without travel problems.

Thanks,

Chad

1998 Jeep TJ
2001 Raptor
1984 CJ7
Still looking for that tow vehicle to pull all my toys (M715)
 
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#2 ·
Re: What is BEST 2-1/2\" lift for CJ

You will need to trim your front fenders if you disconnect the front sway bar and you plan on any serious wheeling. That is exactly what I have, 2 1/2" lift, 1" body lift and ConFerr shackles. With the front wheel stuffed and turned I was having some serious tire to sheet metal contact, trimming took care of that. BTW, I'm running a ProComp lift, kinda stiff till you break it in, of course with a winch and hi-lift it is OK by me, but NOT most people. Also, the ProComp lift is probably nearly an inch more than the advertised 2 1/2".

Brad
ORC Land Use Editor

and
http://rockgarden.rockcrawler.com
 
#4 ·
Re: What is BEST 2-1/2\" lift for CJ

Well everyone is going to poo-poo my suggestion but I`ll give it anyways . I looked at all the 2-3" kits out there and very often read about sagging problems soon after . So I talked to several GOOD spring shops and after hearing thier advice I decided to get my stock CJ springs re-arced . They took them all apart and put about 3" re-arc on them . The guy who did it said you can`t beat the factory quality of the original springs and if there were any bad ones in the packs , they will snap while on the machine . I`ve had them on for quite some time now and NO sagging whatsoever . The Jeep still rides (almost) as soft as it did before and looks great .The more I run it the better things are . I put on a 1" Daystar body lift and couldn`t be happier . With brand new U-Bolts and nuts they charged me $ 145.00 . I re&re`d the springs myself . Select your own brand of shocks .
My buddy also did this same thing 2 years ago on his YJ and he is still happy with the job .

Jeff

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Jeff /wwwthreads_images/icons/cool.gif
 
#5 ·
Re: What is BEST 2-1/2\" lift for CJ

I have a question about the re-arching. if they arched them so they gave 3" of lift, wouldn't that make the shorter? and would it just pull the shackel towards the the center? I am just wondering because I have seen all the the same stuff saying that the aftermarkes can sag after awhile.
thanks
surveboy

http://www.csupomona.edu/~sdmiller1/jeep.htm
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#7 ·
Re: What is BEST 2-1/2\" lift for CJ

Surveyboy
Here are 3 pics of my Jeep . You can see the position(angles) of the front shackles and the rear shackles . The 3rd pic I tossed in because it looks cool /wwwthreads_images/icons/smile.gif
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Jeff

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Jeff /wwwthreads_images/icons/cool.gif
 
#9 ·
Re: What is BEST 2-1/2\" lift for CJ

Jeepzilla...yellow is very cool! You did a great job on the Jeep!
Chad.. I bought the RE 2.5 Extreme duty for mine, yet to install.. 1/2 wider than stock in the front(Wrangler spring conversion), complete kit includes everything needed for proper install or you can buy springs seperate. If you end up in Green Bay, look me up and I'll show you the springs/kit. Sierrajeep.com has a write up on this kit.. find the OK 4wd center site.. he has a write up on taking a BDS YJ kit and installing it on a CJ.. this looks like a very nice way to go also.

"It's not ugly! It just has a lot of "Character"!
 
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#10 ·
Re: What is BEST 2-1/2\" lift for CJ

I'm a huge fan of the Old Man Emu lift kit. You will need to account for the wider front springs. They offer two springs: get the "heavy" ones. They are designed for V8s, winches, and hard tops and they flex like mad. You will have some rubbing with 33*12.50s.

'80 CJ7 w/ AMC401, T18a, TeraLo Dana 20, soon to be sprung over w/ dual Dan 60s!!
 
#13 ·
Re: What is BEST 2-1/2\" lift for CJ

Chad, I've put about 1000 miles on my Skyjacker 2.5" springs with their "Nitro" shocks and I couldn't be happier! The Old Man Emu stuff is top shelf from everyone I've heard, but I just couldn't justify the cost for something that will eventualy wear out anyways. I have a reverse shackle setup and half inch lift shackles (for a bit more spring movement) and they ride and flex great! If it were a 100 mile a day Jeep, I may have put softer shocks or a set of Rancho RS9000's though.

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Mike H.
1983 CJ-7 Laredo
 
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#14 ·
Re: What is BEST 2-1/2\" lift for CJ

I run a procomp 4 inch, and the springs were to short. Shackles rolled backwards up aginst the frame the first time I had a tire in the air. Now both front springs are bent. On almost any lift you are going to run you will need slightly longer shackles. With the rearched springs, it is no difference. The experiences i have had around rearched jobs, are like any thing else, use a good shop and understand they are not going to work like a new set of National Springs. But, you do what you can to get farther back into the woods.