Want to UN-Modify my CJ-7

old dog

New Member
Joined
Apr 18, 2010
Location
Hugo area, Lenoir County
Hey there, decided to lower my Jeep to an acceptable (for me) level by removing the 2" body lift. The suspension lift will remain as is. A po performed the mods and I don't know who that is so I'm looking for a few answers to my questions.
1. What, aside from removing the spacers, do I need to do?
2. What about the steering shaft length?
3. Noticed an extension was welded onto the shifter shaft - easy to remove the shifter assembly so I can correct length on a work table?
4. Brake lines appear to be just free-floating - refastening to frame adequate?
Appreciate any and all replies, many thanks!
 
If it has the mechanical clutch linkage, you'll have to make some adjustments there too, what transmission?
 
The steering shaft will slide back together and you will need to remove the spacer welded in the clutch linkage. Some people lower the radiator so it may need to be moved to the factory holes. The brake lines should be fine. Have you bought more bolts to secure the body to the frame?
 
1. New body bolts and bushings
2. Move radiator down to stock position (if moved)
3. "un-mod" shifters
4. "un-mod" clutch linkage
5. Steering shaft should slide back together
6. May want to look at fuel filler and vent hose, may have been lengthened by PO
7. Brake lines from the master cylinder to the frame will need to compress slightly, not a big deal, just something to watch.

Front brake lines should go thru holes in the frame, if they have been moved to below the frame, fixing that would be a personal call (I would)

Rear brake line comes off crossmember to axle either at the diff cover or axle tube at a junction. That junction may be unbolted and free floating (re-install), or the hard line pulled down from the crossmember, or flex line replaced with a longer one... just take a look....

The shift handle itself is not easily removed from the shift tower on a T4-T5. It has a rubber/steel shim thingie that is trapped as the handle is pressed on, to absorb vibration. I have always managed to destroy that removing the shift handle (maybe it's just me???). Best bet is to unbolt the shift tower from the tranny and work on it that way... it's been over a decade since I've done that, can't remember details...

When I first put my body lift on, I hated the way it changed the vehicle handling, and this was with a 1" lift. I got used to it pretty quick, and now don't even notice it. Just mentioning, when you first get it done, it may seem to drive/handle quite different.... you may like it right off the bat, or hate it... but give it a few days to decide.....
 
Schardein, mmcj7, and TKFireman, thank you all for your input! Getting older and slower, dirt floor, and this heat will mean it'll be a while before I get this done. Will holler if I run into a snag. Moved down from 35's to 32's which should also help.
 
Moving from 35s to 32s will make a world of difference in how it accelerates/stops/handles. Obviously will loose some ground clearance for off road, but will make a daily driver much more enjoyable.
Disregard my talk of the rear brake line, a body lift doesn't affect that :)shaking:)
 
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