Mr White

iTrader: (1)

01-30-2022, 01:05 PM

sparky#1
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: Ontario
Posts: 1
suspension modification.
Relatively new to the jeep world. 35 years ago had a 78 golden eagle which I unfortunately sold . Last winter found 78 cj7 Levi edition (304)which I purchased without a good inspection as was sitting out in the snow. Drove home in garage and to my dismay significant body rust issues, but frame for most part OK. Question that I have to the group revolves around suspension and lift. There is a rebuilt axel and tire package I am wondering about purchasing. Dana 30 and AMC20 with 33 inch tires (ratio 3.31). in doing this swap what other suspension mods should I consider ie suspension lift, shackles ? body lift. Thanks for your help

Originally Posted by Mr White
Myself I am not really up and up on CJ's but have a friend "Grizzley" known him for years (yes he looks allot like a bear)
I asked him if he would help out on ur question:

Part 1:
Questions Questions Questions
1. Auto or manual transmission?
2. If it is manual transmission is it a 4 speed or a 5 speed?
3. What gear ratio is in it now?
4. Why do you want to change the diffs?
5. Is there a suspension lift on it now?
6. And the big one! What is your intended use? IE: Daily driver, light trails, totally street cruising, rock crawling, mud bogging etc etc etc
Maybe u would like to reply to these and I will pass it along

Part 2:
IN GENERAL:
Yes you can run 33" tires with a 3:31 ratio but a 4:10 ratio would be a lot better.
A 2 to 3" lift, combined with a small body lift, like about 1 inch, makes for a nice all around vehicle that would still be streetable, should have decent road manners & quite capable off road on mild to medium trails plus it should not attract the attention of most Cops.
I would not recommend running long extended shackles nor would I recommend the 2" to 4" body lifts.
Hope this helps

Thank you so much for forwarding the info. It is a 304 with a T-18 and a stock 3.55 gear ratio. Idea was to use as a daily driver with light trails. Reason I was asking is that somebody had the wheels tires and overhauled front and rear diffs for sale. Haven't pulled the front diff apart yet but believe it has leaked most of its oil. Not sure if only the seal but damage could have been caused prior to my purchase. Thank you for your reply and I will remember your advise about the shackles. Look forward to learning lots from everyone. Thanks and stay safe. Rob

Furtherance
It is common for axle & pinion seals to leak on those front ends. A little leak can look like a lot of oil is leaking but keep a close eye on the oil level. Check to see if the fill plug is magnetic as if it is it will quickly show him if there are some broken parts floating around in there.
The stock AMC20 axles are two piece as the hubs bolt on, & they are a weak link. They should be replaced with one piece aftermarket axles, especially if adding bigger tires & or a rear locker.


Any pictures of the Jeep?

The above post was originally a PM to me which I thought would be better utilized here for others requiring such information