Posted on 06/20/2017 3:52:58 PM PDT by wally_bert
I'm about to the point where buying a lift kit for my 65 Willys CJ5 Jeep is possible. The original springs are rusted and weak.
In my research, I found the kind of pricey Skyjacker kit but that is a good name from what I remember.
Another one I ran across for my 65 CJ5 is from Rough Country for a couple hundred or so less.
The 65 will not see any rough trail driving or abuse. It will be a weekend drive around toy.
Once I get suspension done, I can finally see about those new Cragar wheels I got on Ebay a couple years ago for a good price and new tires. They're gray. I'd like to powdercoat them white. I plan on painting the jeep someday.
I'm tired of it sitting in the carport but being a responsible working bill paying person, some of the big jobs have had to wait.
Before pulling the trigger on Skyjacker next week, I figured I'd ask if anyone here has had any experience and long time use with RC lift kits. The reviews are mixed at best.
I like to save money where I can but cheaping out on suspension, tires, steering, and brakes are big no-nos to me.
The job looks simple enough. I found a great refresher thanks to professor Youtube.
Guess I'm one of those kooks that thinks doing things right is out of date.
Any advice is appreciated.
I have a Wrangler, and as I recall from reading the comments on Jeep forums a number of years ago that you would be better off with Skyjacker rather than Rough Country.
This thread is useless without pics!
It’s been a while since I’ve lifted a truck so this is just a general guideline. Skyjacker generally gives a better ride but cost more. You want to make sure you replace any steering components that no longer have the correct geometry. Shocks are a big one for ride control too. It would be a good idea to compare spring rates, the higher the rate the stiffer the ride but you don’t need a high rate spring for height. It would probably be a good idea to discuss these things with who you buy from and maybe even a local spring or off-road shop.
http://www.wranglerforum.com/
You will find excellent feedback and advice.
Check out the vehicle specific forums like post 5 said. Those guys will know the quirks of your rig better than anyone. I have ARB on my rig but it is an FJC and my criteria was serious off road use. Don’t underestimate how hard it is to do yourself. Suspension can be a bear.
That’s my gut feeling too.
More than once, I regretted not asking for sage advice and it cost me dearly. I eventually learned to ask for sage advice when in doubt.
I haven’t done anything suspension-wise since the late 80s helping dad on his jeeps, working on the ones I had then, and some friends with their trucks.
A few times I’ve been called overly cautious but stuff costs too much and I like to keep my parts intact.
They aren’t too bad, old man emu systems are better.
Anybody ever use Rough Country lift kits?
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No, but I once had a rough night with this gal from the Oasis in Nantucket.
I remember reading that old man emu lifts, really "systems" are very good. Out of Australia as I recall.
Nice CJ wally_bert. Classic Jeep.
I have an 84 Bronco. Have been asking around and everybody is telling me “Skyjacker”. I’m thinking that’s the way I’m going to go. Saw another Bronco with 6 inch Skyjacker suspension lift kit and I loved the way it looked! Had 35x15s on it.
I put a RC 3” lift in an ‘80 K10 some years back. Worked out very well, I was happy with it. (and the 33’s!)
Thank you.
It’s been an on and off again battle for too long.
I’ve gone about as far as I can on all the small jobs.
The CJ7 is half disassembled but in a lot of respects isn’t as deteriorated as the Willys.
My K5 is getting some resources thrown at it. LMC Truck has been really good to buy from.
The biggest thing with all three is being left alone to do anything.
Nice. What engine is in that thing?
I plan on leaving my 79 K5 stock height.
It’s finally getting some attention. The blazer was a barn find that became a dust collector in a building. There was stuff going on and my old Jeep was a higher priority.
Anyway, I’m looking to finally tag the thing soon. It doesn’t need a whole lot except some TLC and tires.
No doubt the spouse will hate it. Oh well....
http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah208/Todd4077/1977%20k5%20blazer%202_zpsp0jtbyxy.jpg
Corny video 1:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzpU-cdP65A
Corny video 2:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDM9phJamJU&t=6s
Since I’m cast and crew, it’s about the best production value that it gets. As I rehab the old bucket, I might as well get something from it all.
Very nice!
It’s actually an ARB product, and yes it’s out of Australia, the bright yellow shocks and stabilizers also look really cool. Just be sure to get the correct springs and they are damned near unbeatable.
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