Looking for advice on 4" lifts for a CJ7

[JK-XS]

I have an '83 CJ7 that I recently picked up for $1, and it needs new springs and shocks badly. So instead of going with the stock step up again I want to do a 4" lift so that I can run 32"-33" tires. I have been doing some research on my own and have found mixed opinions on just about every lift out there. So my question is, in your opinion which lift is the best bang for the buck? I am trying to keep this project on a budget and the jeep is not a daily driver or anything like that so I think cheap and tough is what I am looking for. Thanks!

[yellowjeeper85]

I have an '83 CJ7 that I recently picked up for $1, and it needs new springs and shocks badly. So instead of going with the stock step up again I want to do a 4" lift so that I can run 32"-33" tires. I have been doing some research on my own and have found mixed opinions on just about every lift out there. So my question is, in your opinion which lift is the best bang for the buck? I am trying to keep this project on a budget and the jeep is not a daily driver or anything like that so I think cheap and tough is what I am looking for. Thanks!

Honestly... you're best ride would likely be a stock spring with a spring over axle lift. if you're just looking to do a traditional spring lift, i would say give rough country a try. they're a sponser on the forum, i had their TJ and now their JK 4" kits and i love their stuff. affordable, and does the job nicely. The CJ will likely ride rough, but who are we kidding, a lifted jeep, esp one with leaf springs is going to ride rough, thats just my two cents, though, good luck

[Face]

I have a '85 CJ-7 I put a Rubicon Express 4.5" lift on. It actually rides better than the original suspension since it utilizes 2" wide springs. The kit went on very easily and uses quality hardware (except for the spring pack center bolts which were very cheap). I also installed Rubicon Express shocks and had to put in a new CV drive shaft. Overall I'm happy with the kit and would recommend it to anyone.

[84jeepjohn]

Go with the RE 4.5 you will not regret it.
that's what's on mine, with TJ flares and 35's. it flexes NICE
this was trying to measure for a front DS and I ran out of room
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y34/84jeepjohn/CJ/049.jpg

this gives SOME idea of hight. the butb has the Tbars cranked so it's level, and 1.5" spacers sitting on the stock 265's. the WJ has a 2" lift and 245's
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y34/84jeepjohn/100_1683.jpg

and the Cj with the 1" BL
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y34/84jeepjohn/Jeep%20Body%20Lift/JeepBodyLift020.jpg

I can not say enough good about my RE lift.

Oh yeah I was gonna do 33's also ;)

[Rough_Country]

Hey man we would be glad to help and don't forget your forum discount is available as well. Let me know if you have any questions. Oh one thing I can recommend is a shackle reversal for the front. THat will help the ride and handling tremendously. :thumbsup:

[Jeep-Power]

My vote is either BDS or Rubicon Express(RE)... I found others to ride way too firm and never soften up or ride nice at first but sagged out and lost significant lift after a few serious trails.

The BDS are a little less expensive than the RE and have (as far as I understand) a 'no-questions' warranty.

I've been extremely happy and surprised with my 4" BDS springs-- military wrapped all around and surprisingly flexable. They were a little stiff at first, but after the first serous trail, they settled right in.

I do have to run a rear ladder bar to keep them from wrapping up and distorting permanently. (ask me how I know :) )

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p228/TallPeter/Barnicle%20CJ%20tech/IMG_7988.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p228/TallPeter/Barnicle%20CJ%20tech/IMG_8010.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p228/TallPeter/Barnicle%20CJ%20tech/IMG_8008.jpg