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Very stiff lift

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

  1. Jul 26, 2005
    Reaney in NH

    Reaney in NH Reaney in NH

    Newport, NH
    Joined:
    Jan 26, 2005
    Messages:
    9
    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. Jul 26, 2005
    Boyink

    Boyink Super Moderator Staff Member

    Tulsa, OK
    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2002
    Messages:
    6,197
    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. Jul 26, 2005
    Jeepenstein

    Jeepenstein Me like Jeep.. 2024 Sponsor

    North Central FL
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    Jun 15, 2003
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    2,156
    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. Jul 26, 2005
    BlueFlu

    BlueFlu past owner of some ecj5's

    Hermitage, TN
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    Jan 21, 2004
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    1,552
    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. Jul 26, 2005
    hudsonhawk

    hudsonhawk Well-Known Member

    North Texas...
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    Feb 4, 2005
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    1,939
    Rubicon Express but you will run over $600 just for the springs.
     
    hudsonhawk, Jul 26, 2005
    #5
  6. Jul 26, 2005
    Reaney in NH

    Reaney in NH Reaney in NH

    Newport, NH
    Joined:
    Jan 26, 2005
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    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. Jul 26, 2005
    High5

    High5 Member

    Urbandale, IA
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    Jan 13, 2005
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    802
    How tight should those bolts be?????
    High5 :beer:
     
    High5, Jul 26, 2005
    #7
  8. Jul 26, 2005
    speedbuggy

    speedbuggy Looking for a Jeep now

    Living the Good...
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    Jul 1, 2004
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    1,270
    AND, should you use a lock washer or thread locker on them???
     
    speedbuggy, Jul 26, 2005
    #8
  9. Jul 26, 2005
    BlueFlu

    BlueFlu past owner of some ecj5's

    Hermitage, TN
    Joined:
    Jan 21, 2004
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    1,552
    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. Jul 26, 2005
    hudsonhawk

    hudsonhawk Well-Known Member

    North Texas...
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    Feb 4, 2005
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    Nylocks are best for shackles.
     
    hudsonhawk, Jul 26, 2005
    #10
  11. Jul 26, 2005
    lynn

    lynn Time machine / Early CJ5 HR Rep Staff Member

    Huntingdon PA
    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2002
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    3,437
    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. Jul 26, 2005
    Reaney in NH

    Reaney in NH Reaney in NH

    Newport, NH
    Joined:
    Jan 26, 2005
    Messages:
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    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. Jul 27, 2005
    BlueFlu

    BlueFlu past owner of some ecj5's

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

    Reaney in NH Reaney in NH

    Newport, NH
    Joined:
    Jan 26, 2005
    Messages:
    9
    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. Jul 27, 2005
    kamel

    kamel Senior Curmudgeon

    Erlanger, Kentucky
    Joined:
    Jun 10, 2003
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    891
    Surprise!!!

    As they say in the computer software business--

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