Wanted: CJ7 Lift Recommendation

Jeffncs

Jeffncs

Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 4, 2017
Location
Wake Forest
I have an unknown lift kit on my CJ7 that clears 33s. Problem is that the suspension is crazy stiff and the shocks are toast. Looking to clear my 33s, road friendly with offroad manners.

I want to keep the stock setup. I’m open to YJ springs.

Thanks in advance!
 
What width are they? Some CJ's are narrow. I was gonna suggest sprung over on YJ leafs. Or a good set of Old man EMU. They used to be known for a good product and was never about big lifts.

Out side those more or less mass produced options the best go to is custom National Spring or Alcan packs. You can get exactly what you want from those folks.
 
The mentioned custom builders typically do military wraps on the packs. Also they build with multiple leaves... like nearly twice as many. When wanted they can include over loads. You want a rate or a progressive pack they can make it happen.

Box lifts vary but most don't ride well until bastard packed or lots of hours on them.
 
I just replaced my re-fabed / flubbered, OME 2 1/2" width & raise springs, with BDS. BDS seems to be equal or better than OME, now. Same build & greasable anti-friction pads. This is the Soft-Ride package. They should be enough to clear 33s. I ordered 4, of the 86 CJ rear springs. They will all be 2 1/2 wide & lift, using 5 leaf packs. The YJ springs the sell, use 4 leaf pack springs, which I didn't think would support my weight. You can spread your factory frame mounts, to the 2 1/2 width, & buy the 2 1/2" shackles. If you buy BDS, go ahead & order Their bushing kit, as it's a different size from most other springs. You can also order the complete hardware kit, with U-bolts, unless you feel safe in reusing or buying your own U-bolts.
 
I YJ swapped the front of mine using M.O.R.E. stuff. They have everything you need to do it. I also used stock YJ length shackles.

Also if I buy another set of springs they will be custom Alcan or Deaver for my specific application.
 
I forgot about Deaver. Good call.....and them other fellas have owned and operated plenty more CJ's then I have. At least one of them have an addiction from what I here, LOL!
 
Loved my YJ BDS springs. I changed out the front spring hangers instead of a conversion shackle. Whatever you decide to go with, I highly suggest going up to the 2.5” wide springs up front.
 
Stock yj spring over rode and flexed great on my cj7. Reused the stock sway bar for road use and welded some Barnes shock mounts to the axle tube and used 1/2" pins (same as in your receiver hitch) and the stock sway bar bushings. Super cheap sway bar disconnect that worked great. 4" drop pitman arm and it was perfect
 
I'll third...forth... BDS. Put used unknown age 4in BDS leafs on my CJ7 and have zero complaints about the ride or trail performance. Using the cheap ~$20 parts store shocks have lighter valving and ride decent. Stuffs 33s really well, sits a little tall but the up travel is nice.
 
When it comes to leafs, I am another fan of the BDS (Big Dick's Suspension) leaf springs. I like that they are double main spring, so, break a main spring, drive it home. Life time warranty, I had mine spring over which was hard on them, so over the years, I think I warrantied them 6 times at least. I have no clue how much they are now, But when I bought mine, they were $75 for two of them! Only thing I didn't like about them, center bolts were on 5/16", so I learned fast, drill them out and go with 3/8" or 7/16 for the win.
 
Back 20+ years ago, I put Skyjacker Softride springs on my CJ-7, with Rancho 5000s. Think I went with 4" lift, 33s fit no problem, 35s had some rubbing, 36 swampers required lots of trimming. It flexed great and rode smooth on the highway. I got compliments on the ride quality. My roommate at the time put the Skyjacker lift with generic shocks on his YJ and it ran like a dump truck.
 
Yet another vote for BDS. That’s all I use on mine both current and past. Also what I installed on customer CJs.

YJ front conversion as well unless you are going for a stock look. SOA can be brutal if not set up correctly. Glad you aren’t wanting to go that route.
 
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