Expert on CJ5 suspension needed

[ND350CJ5]

New Guy! Would like some help!
I have a 1974 CJ5 with a 350chevy. I was wondering if anybody has tried to flip the differentials from on top of the leaf springs to below? If anybody has tried this let me know what has to be done! I think this would give me the 2" to 3" lift I need to stop the pumkin from hitting the crank pully.
Thanx

[lynn]

Expert? Not me. But I know a little...

Do an internet search on Jeep SOA
(Spring-Over-Axle)
There are hundreds of sites detailing this modification.

But first, let's talk a bit.
SOA will give you a total of 5 to 5.5" of lift with the stock springs. Even more if you use lift springs.
This is a bad idea on a CJ5, unless you have alot... I mean ALOT of both fabrication and 4 wheelin experience. This is not a project to be undertaken without alot of research.

Your rear drive shaft is going to be at a terribly steep angle, you'll need a CV shaft, and have to adjust the pinion angle accordingly. You'll probably need a complete hy-steer set up for your steering. How are you going to deal with axle wrap? What about your shock mounts? Almost 30 year-old stock springs won't last long in SOA. And then what tranny are you running? There's more, but I'm not going there now...

So, your 350 crank is hitting your pinion.
I think you could solve this a number of ways. My first thought is that your motor mounts are not properly installed. Consider repositioning them.
8O
Second, consider installing an easy-to-install 2.5" or 4" SUA lift, with appropriate shocks. Will need extended brake lines and drop pitman arm if you go to 4", and will probably need to lower the xcase about an inch.
Add a little shackle lift, and... (here's the key)... extended bumpstops. These bolt to the frame just above the axle. Rancho makes various sizes, check them out.

Personally, on a CJ5, I like 2.5" SUA lift, maybe an inch or so of body lift, Rancho 9000 shocks, extended bumpstops, and 33" tires on 15x10" wheels.

But that's just my opinion. Do some research, then decide if SOA is for you and this Jeep.

HTH

[Yucca-man]

I concur with Lynn. Well said.

[SJ]

I run a 79 CJ-5 with SOA. The rear is double shackled and 4-linked. I've got a D60 RC and D44 front. I use Wrangler springs. I am very happy with it, but it is a dedicated rock crawler. It has lots of lean in corners taken at what would be considered normal speed. I always slow down for corners on the street. I also have the shortest possible combo with SM420/Novak/short D300 and it is 30.5 inches from engine block to the face of the output yoke and the driveshaft is a SHORT CV. There is also an issue of caster that needs to be dealt with to make it steer properly this means rotating the knuckles (big job-not for the novice). I also use hi-steer.

This is not a swap to be done if you don't have lots or knowledge/experience or someone helping you that does. Otherwise stay with SUA. There are many more poorly done SOA's than there are good ones.

Check pictures of my setup at:
http://azvjc.org/Members/View.asp?M=2720

[SJ]

Sorry posted the wrong link.

should be:
http://azvjc.org/Gallery/View.asp?U=2720