Jeep CJ5 SOA

[willies45]

Having done both on a cj-5 i would never do a soa again. The lift that it achieved made the jeep much more tippy and did not handle worth a darn. The rear spring wrap was still even bad with mods. Leaving the springs under and going to like a RE-4.5 will give you all the flex that you will need and it keeps the center of gravity where it needs to be. This is especially true for some one that is new to the world of off pavement. As a rule I like to start some with a stock vehicle for a while and let them grow into mods.

 

[Jinx]

Leaving the springs under and going to like a RE-4.5 will give you all the flex that you will need and it keeps the center of gravity where it needs to be. This is especially true for some one that is new to the world of off pavement. As a rule I like to start some with a stock vehicle for a while and let them grow into mods.

Amen

 

[PierCed_3]

I agree with the grow into the mods aspect of it all but I don't want him to lose a ton of money on just trying things out. This is the best setup for me on my YJ as far as suspension goes so I just want to help him cut to the chase. I spent tons of money on worthless upgrades IMO. Keeping the axles open/stock with 33" tires should help him learn how to wheel.

Define tippy....

could you outboard the spings to offset this?

 

[Jinx]

Don't forget drive line angle. your jeep is 10 inches longer than his...

 

[PierCed_3]

10 inches longer than his...

Yeah... I know!! :greg:

 

[Cherokeester]

yep

I put the RE 4.5 on my cj-7. I would not do spring over. I have plenty of lift for my 35's. Plenty of axle articulation as well. I have no vibe issues and the stearing is awesome. If you are changing the springs anyway, why go soa?. I agree with the above who posted stay spring under and get good springs

 

[PierCed_3]

well a CJ7 is pretty different from a CJ5, has anyone done an SOA on a 5 besides Willies? Lets not turn this into a SUA VS SOA thread, I have a buddy who has a 5 that did a SOA but he kept the original springs. I was hoping that with the 2.5 inch springs it would be more stable. Anyone put wider springs on the front of a CJ?

Thanks for all the info thus far... it really helps. Any info is better than no info.

 

[Cherokeester]

The Rubicon Express springs are wider in the front. 2.5 vs 2.0. They still use the same shackle mounts however.

 

[Jinx]

Anyone put wider springs on the front of a CJ?

On my Cj5 I run wrangler springs in the front,




but it is spring under.

 

[PierCed_3]

On my Cj5 I run wrangler springs in the front,




but it is spring under.

did you have to extend the frame/spring hangers?

 

[Jinx]

did you have to extend the frame/spring hangers?

No, they are basically the same length, eye to eye. The obvious issue is the width of shackle, 2 vs 2.5 or 3". They will fit in the rear hard mount but they won't fit in your front shackle, especially if they are stock.

Solution, just get replacement yj front shackles. Heck, i think I have some I will sell you, I'll have to double check.

ps I know this hasn't been addressed but if this is going to be a wheelin rig, vs a tar baby/street rig. Stay away from shackle reversal, it rides nice but you pay too much to hate how your jeep will climb later. Just my opinion...

 

[James K]

hate how your jeep will climb later. Just my opinion...

its worth it and you won't hate how it climbs later JMHO

 

[fattodog]

its worth it and you won't hate how it climbs later JMHO

Double agree with James K. I reversed mine on my cj7 and it climbs quite well.

KENNETH !!

 

[PierCed_3]

All things I will consider when the time comes. We are just trying to get an inventory of stuff together for his soon to be "CRUSHer"

 

[rockreligious]

for soa CJ5 use stock YJ springs move front end forward

for yj or cj use 44044 lift waggies move front forward, rear rearward if you dont mind tank mods.

I wouldnt spring over the cj5 until you had some waggy 44's to give you more width and give you an affordable hi-steer solution. give it a body lift and start saving for the good stuff.

 

[SlickWillie21]

thanks for your help guys, time to save some money......

 

[olywrestle]

I did SOA on the front with YJ springs on my CJ5. I also did scout 44's. I had to move the springs off the frame, so i used angle iron wrapped around the frame with some gussetting to keep it strong. Sinc the YJ leaves were so long, I extended the frame about 8 inches.

Haven't done the steering yet..........