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How would you lift it?

jdub

jdub

Scrambler
Location
Provo, Utah.
This is my most recent project. It's a 1952 willys cj5. It's fast and fun to drive. Has a Chevy corvette 400 and auto tranny. Very fun to kick around town. So far I've only had this about 8 months and I've only done about $150 in repairs. Which is nice. I want to keep the price down on it.

It's only been on only a couple of wheelin trips, AF canyon and was towed out to the snakes. I've noticed a minor issue with the general geometry of the rig... It's that there is very little room between the front fender flares and the tire. Which has caused little wear on the fender flare. The lift seems all in the springs and with the shackles helping. The shackles are a normal size, no huge lift shackle. I think the sag in the front is from the weight of the motor.

My question is how should I lift it? The front end drives fine so I'm a bit concerned about messing it up. Shouuld I throw in some lift shackles for a 2'' lift? If so should I try to do a shackle reversal? Just interested in your expertise and curious if there is anyone with an option that I can purchase.
I'd make shackles but my drill press is out at the moment.

Thanx
 
BCGPER

BCGPER

Starting Another Thread
Location
Sunny Arizona
Without really knowing what's under it now, or your future plans, a spring over on stock YJ spring packs makes for a nice set up.
 
jdub

jdub

Scrambler
Location
Provo, Utah.
Not wanting to do too much on this one. I like it the way it is. Family likes to use it- so no huge rockcrawler plans. It has some wimpy looking springs but rides rough. Just curious if there are any disadvantages to doing a shackle lift just in the front, any horror stories?

But now that you've mentioned it... My scrambler has some droopy springs. Clears 33's and 35's but no larger. I want to do some larger tires when my 33's wear out. Currently running the spring over shackle reversal is my favorite. With the long wheelbase too, it rides real well. Would a yj spring pack be something worth looking into? Do the 2'' lift springs ride smoth as well?
 
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Tacoma

Tacoma

Et incurventur ante non
Location
far enough away
uh... well, a shackle lift is not really a good idea. For one, you only get half the lift at the axle: 2" shackles give 1" of lift, etc, but worse, that will jack your pinion angle, and the caster angles with it, all to hell.

If you're going to lift it, do it right: use springs for the lift as much as you can. With a springover you get to keep softer, flatter springs and still get a good 4-5" lift (with a 44).
 
B

bobdog

4x4 Addict!
Location
Sandy
Tell us more about the "Corvette" 400 I am not a vette guy but I have read quite a bit over the years and have never heard of that one.

Dont go the longer shackle route. get some good lift springs and do it right. From what I can see from your avitar pic that is a clean Jeep I personally would hate to see it cut up especially when it appears you have others that would probably be better suited to hard use.
 
BCGPER

BCGPER

Starting Another Thread
Location
Sunny Arizona
Couple issues you've brought up. It rides rough maily because that year had narrow springs all the way around. YJ springs will require you to add spacers between the frame bushings and the shackle, but well worth it for ride comfort.

That weak C channel frame is a total pile. Add longer shackles on it, you'll be seeing cracks shortly (if there's none now). Not to mention any handling you may have now, will be long gone.

A full YJ set is the direction you need to head. Now.... You need to decide if you want to go a spring under set of lift springs, or a stock set sprung over.

Stock YJ's:
Pro's are a much nicer ride, and as good or better handling. Con is your steering linkage. You'll need to "Z" link your drag link, and probably need axle wrap control out back.



Lift springs:

Pro's are almost bolt on, and axle wrap is less of an issue. Also, stock steering should work fine. Con is the cost of new lift, and it won't ride as nice.

jdub said:
Not wanting to do too much on this one. I like it the way it is. Family likes to use it- so no huge rockcrawler plans. It has some wimpy looking springs but rides rough. Just curious if there are any disadvantages to doing a shackle lift just in the front, any horror stories?

But now that you've mentioned it... My scrambler has some droopy springs. Clears 33's and 35's but no larger. I want to do some larger tires when my 33's wear out. Currently running the spring over shackle reversal is my favorite. With the long wheelbase too, it rides real well. Would a yj spring pack be something worth looking into? Do the 2'' lift springs ride smoth as well?
Click to expand...
 
jdub

jdub

Scrambler
Location
Provo, Utah.
You called it on the cracks I noticed one on the rear side of the spring perch. The front has been re-inforced looks like time to do the back. I wish I could draw a picture. Spacers? meaning to widen the shackle to accept the wider spring? Thanks for the help guys I'ts got the wheels turning.
 
rockreligious

rockreligious

NoEcoNaziAmmo
Location
Ephraim
I did a spring over on a CJ5 with stock YJ springs for a guy a couple of months ago. Hes running 35's I had to use rancho 5000's cranked up and install a anti-wrap bar cause its so soft, but it rides sweet, and plenty flexy. I built some conversion shackles, and used wider hangers and spring perches for the wider YJ springs, also move front shakle hanger because the front YJ spring is a little longer. worked out nice.
 
jdub

jdub

Scrambler
Location
Provo, Utah.
sorry

bobdog said:
Tell us more about the "Corvette" 400 I am not a vette guy but I have read quite a bit over the years and have never heard of that one.

I still am not positive on the size of the motor. I always thought it was a 350. The guy who sold it to me said it was. It looks larger though. It has corvette aluminum valve covers and the last mechanic I talked to said the Vettes had a 400 for some years. I just need to pull some numbers off and check for sure.
Click to expand...
 
Greg

Greg

I run a tight ship... wreck
Admin
Location
Grand Junction, CO
jdub said:
I still am not positive on the size of the motor. I always thought it was a 350. The guy who sold it to me said it was. It looks larger though. It has corvette aluminum valve covers and the last mechanic I talked to said the Vettes had a 400 for some years. I just need to pull some numbers off and check for sure.
Click to expand...



A quick way of telling a 400 apart from other SBC's is to look at the vibration dampner on the front of the engine. 400's have a dampner that has a notch out of it, on the outside of the dampner. Other SBC's don't have that notch.

The 400's were a truck engine, used in the early to mid-70's. I had a SS Camaro that had a 400 which a previous owner had swaped in for some reason. It was a decent motor once I added an intake, Holley carb & headers. but they do have a tendency to run hot because the cyl walls are so thin to get the big cubic inches.


As for the suspension setup, I'd agree with some stock YJ's with the springover. It'll ride much better & you'll have more than enough wheel travel. Use rear leaf packs all the way arouond, they have an extra leaf over the fronts which will help with the wheel hop & sway control.
 
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