Getting rid of 1.5" shackle lift & helper springs - which lift to get now?

1984Laredo · 11-02-2009, 08:33 PM

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?

1984Laredo · 11-03-2009, 05:42 PM

Any opinions?

chappy84 · 11-03-2009, 05:56 PM

Go old man emu lift.

**OlivergreenCJ7** · 11-03-2009, 06:02 PM

How harsh is your ride now? Could just keep what you have... Look into a shackle reversal for the front helps with ride quality and wandering it might be an option. If it was my mostly road jeep I would do a shackle reversal with YJ springs most likely 3.5" BDS kit or some other equivalent. A 4" lift would would look nice or a 2.5" with 1" lift shackles would also work. I'm happy with my 4" Superlift and kits run around $450... With a 4" you'll need a rear cardan joint in your driveshaft or a transfer case drop. Do you know your gear ratio? Might want to run 32's with a 2.5" lift.. Post up in the request pictures section or google images for some ideas. Nice CJ by the way

1984Laredo · 11-03-2009, 07:04 PM

Thanks. 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?

**gmgreen** · 11-03-2009, 07:27 PM

I'm happy with my BDS 2.5" lift with 1/2" shackles. I am only running 31" tires though. My CJ rides and handles great. Also I did not have to put a drop pitman arm on it.

**Strings72** · 11-03-2009, 08:04 PM

I have Skyjacker 2.5", Currie Shackles, and a 1 inch Daystar Body... I think it will be an awesome setup

**PhatBasturd** · 11-03-2009, 11:36 PM

Welcome to the forum fellow Shreveporter.

Did you buy this locally?

Click free for ya:

_____

**Mike Romain** · 11-04-2009, 07:56 AM

I have a 2.5" re-arch of the stock springs with a replacement keeper leaf and YJ shackles for 1/2" more lift and run 33's no problem on and off road.

Those shackles don't look like they are 3" longer than stock, but photos can be deceiving. A 3" longer shackle is needed for 1.5" of lift.

herb79 · 09-19-2010, 08:57 AM

2.5" bds lift, 1/2" shackles and 1" or so of body lift
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84jeepjohn · 09-19-2010, 10:38 AM

Ahh I remember when my cj looked like that

.
And FYI if it's on the street all the time a srs is not a bad idea at all. Made a HUGE difference on mine. I did the more stubby srs with buggy springs so it was a bolt on affair and I did not get any extra lift either

If you don't want a big lift then some of the ones mentioned are good. Bds is another good one from what I've heard