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Very stiff lift

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by Reaney in NH, Jul 26, 2005.

  1. Reaney in NH

    Reaney in NH Reaney in NH

    I recently purchased a Non running 81 CJ and it has a 4 in lift by an unknown co. This thing rides like a buckboard. Its almost as if it has no springs. :mad:
    Lift kit has 4 leafs... poly bushings... superlift shocks and almost no flex.
    Is this normal for Jeeps with a lift kit? Onther tham EMU springs... who makes a good riding lift kit in the $5-600.00 range? I want a 4" lift and plan to run about a 33" tire in a 77 CJ5.
    Thanks for the help
    Reaney in NH
     
    Reaney in NH, Jul 26, 2005
    #1
  2. Boyink

    Boyink Super Moderator Staff Member

    Check the shackle bolts - make sure they aren't "guddentite" like the spring manufacturers tell you to do with them.

    I'd also pull the shocks and run around a bit - make sure it is the springs.

    Wait...if its not running how do you know how it rides? ;)
     
    Boyink, Jul 26, 2005
    #2
  3. Jeepenstein

    Jeepenstein Me like Jeep.. 2024 Sponsor

    I am happy with skyjacker.. anyhow I would try what was listed above and then maybe pulling a leaf out... see how that works..

    BUBBA
     
    Jeepenstein, Jul 26, 2005
    #3
  4. BlueFlu

    BlueFlu past owner of some ecj5's

    If its a new spring pack its going to be stiff.
    They will loosen up so to speak with wear.
    But I'd check the shackels 1st. Bet they are gunned down tight. ;)
     
    BlueFlu, Jul 26, 2005
    #4
  5. hudsonhawk

    hudsonhawk Well-Known Member

    Rubicon Express but you will run over $600 just for the springs.
     
    hudsonhawk, Jul 26, 2005
    #5
  6. Reaney in NH

    Reaney in NH Reaney in NH

    Thanks guys.... I will try what you said.
    BTW... its running great now... had a rusted fuel line.
     
    Reaney in NH, Jul 26, 2005
    #6
  7. High5

    High5 Member

    How tight should those bolts be?????
    High5 :beer:
     
    High5, Jul 26, 2005
    #7
  8. speedbuggy

    speedbuggy Looking for a Jeep now

    AND, should you use a lock washer or thread locker on them???
     
    speedbuggy, Jul 26, 2005
    #8
  9. BlueFlu

    BlueFlu past owner of some ecj5's

    Thinking mine were like 55 ft/lbs??
    You want them tight enough to hold but loose enough to move freely. Clear as mud?
    I didnt use thread locker it came with the nylocks though. ;)
     
    BlueFlu, Jul 26, 2005
    #9
  10. hudsonhawk

    hudsonhawk Well-Known Member

    Nylocks are best for shackles.
     
    hudsonhawk, Jul 26, 2005
    #10
  11. lynn

    lynn Time machine / Early CJ5 HR Rep Staff Member

    IIRC, the ones I got from ConFerr said 10-20 ft/lbs, and be sure to NOT pull them tight enough to draw the legs of the "H" together. Of course, Nylocks or similar are to be used with such a light torque application. This light torque assures that there is no binding in the shackle movement.
     
    lynn, Jul 26, 2005
    #11
  12. Reaney in NH

    Reaney in NH Reaney in NH

    Worked on mine today... Bolts are rusted in the bushings and they were very tight... there is no question this is the problem... I just need to get them freed up.
    Thanks for the tips
    Reaney in NH
     
    Reaney in NH, Jul 26, 2005
    #12
  13. BlueFlu

    BlueFlu past owner of some ecj5's

    When you get them loose shoot some grease in there. ;)
     
    BlueFlu, Jul 27, 2005
    #13
  14. Reaney in NH

    Reaney in NH Reaney in NH

    Bolts are all rusted in the bushings... Having a hard time getting them out. Rear bolts broke with almost no effort.
    Have to cut the heads off and get a REALLY big hammer I guess. Good old New Hampshire salts eating things up.
     
    Reaney in NH, Jul 27, 2005
    #14
  15. kamel

    kamel Senior Curmudgeon

    Surprise!!!

    As they say in the computer software business--

    It's not a bug, it's feature!!
     
    kamel, Jul 27, 2005
    #15