I decided Im going to build my jeep (72 cj5 232 i6, t14 3 spd, d20) up in a couple of stages. A friend of mine is selling me a set of 32 super swampers for about $150 (about %60-70 left) The first thing Im gonna do is go soa with the stock axles and springs, and possibly a welded rear. I searched and read all the posts about cj5 (and found a lot of answers to questions I was going to post) soa's and emailed some people, but I have one main question that I couldn't find. Are there any long travel shocks I can find on a junked/wrecked vehicle to put on mine? I thought I read somewhere about somebody getting them from an F350 or something wierd like that. I want to do this first stage as cheaply as possible, because it is just temporary while I get together my parts for the second buildup.

Also, Heres the plan(tell me what Im doing wrong or not thinking about)
SOA with stock springs
-Weld new perches/shock mounts
-new shock mounts
-Driveshafts retubed (Dont want to go cv yet - Will this be alright on a cj5)
-Rear caster - should I point it up or not?
-Longer brake lines
-dropped pitman (is there any kind of homemade/junkyard swap for this? besides a z setup)
What am I forgetting?

Thanks,

Originally posted by phineas
Also, Heres the plan(tell me what Im doing wrong or not thinking about)
SOA with stock springs
-Weld new perches/shock mounts
-new shock mounts
-Driveshafts retubed (Dont want to go cv yet - Will this be alright on a cj5)
-Rear caster - should I point it up or not?
-Longer brake lines
-dropped pitman (is there any kind of homemade/junkyard swap for this? besides a z setup)
What am I forgetting?

Thanks,

At least you asking more specific questions :D

You will need to buy an add-a-leaf to use with your stock springs or get 2 pairs of front cherokee/wagoneer springs the spring pins are offset 2 inches if this doesn't work out for you then simply swap the main leaves. These springs are stiff enough to be used in a SOA configuration.

Shock mounts are easy, some c-channel and a hole saw or the various other ways of making them.

Definitely going to need a CV on a CJ5, I think the front shafts on waggys are CV could use that for the rear, pointed at the t-case then drop it 2 degrees.

Could try relocating the front brake lines under the frame and add an extended bracket for the rear using the stock lines, if not long enough then you will have to pony up for longer ones.

I have seen z setups used, can't recall hearing any complaints you will need to gusset the bends. Or a dropped pitman arm is around $50.

Good luck in your setup, I believe you are heading in the right direction.

If you look for an 80's F250 with the twin torsion beam front you can get some shock towers and shock mounts.

The shock mounts are located on the spring plates of these trucks. So you get some spring plates, which you need for your SOA, and shock mounts all in one pop. Plus you shocks will be mounted on top of your springs keeping them well out of harms way.

Then, un-bolt the shock towers from that same truck. they are 3 or so inches taller than a YJ (not sure on CJ5) and all you have to do is drill two holes and bolt them up. This should move everything up enough to allow for a good shock.

And since I was fiddling with Fords all weekend I can tell you I don't think their stock shocks have enough travel for SOA, but unfortunately I didn't measure them up, so they might.

By the way, I agree you'll need a CV in a 5. You can get one cheap ($10 at apick 'n pull) out of the front of a waggie or cherokee and get it cut down ($40 at a driveshaft shop) to the right length for the rear.

Hope this helps a little.

I have seen z setups used, can't recall hearing any complaints you will need to gusset the bends. Or a dropped pitman arm is around $50.
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With just a drop pitman wouldn't the drag link hit the springs when the passenger side droops, without being high steer? I've been curious about this.
Shaggy

I ran a dropped pitman on my SOA at first and never had any problems with it, only reason I went to high steer was to keep from bending the draglink on rocks.

Go with the drop arm if possible because the z style draglink likes to twist when turing from one way to the other. I didn't like it when I had mine that way at least. I agree that a CV would be the way to go with a 5 so look for front drivelines off a Ford or waggie ones work but arn't as tough.

You might try my website for a lot of SOA info. I've done 7 of them.
http://homepage.mac.com/jefe/
regards, as always, jefe