Need so advice

[defibvt]

I inherited a '74 CJ 5. It was built up by sister and her now ex-boyfriend. It has 4 inch Superlift, mandrel bent frame with reverse shackle. On the front is a Warn 8000 winch.

My question is this. Since I wasn't involved with the build up of the Jeep would it be a smart thing to pull the tub off and check all the bolts for tightness.

The rear of the Jeep sags approximately 2 inches. I put a spare tire behind the front seat and it really sags. Is this a common problem with Superlift? How can a rectify the problem?

Thanks in advance for all the advice. I want to build a 3.0-3.5 trail runner. I know eventually I will be trading axles but that isn't in the budget at this time. I will be locking front and rear. I will probably lock the rear first. It has a full roll cage but I want it intregrated into the frame for rollover safety.

Can I use spacers to get a bit of wider stance or am I better getting different wheels with a different offset. Currently the 33's are under the fenders.

Sorry for the long post but I want to start prep work before I begin the semi-mild build up.

Sorry about the title spelling error. Sick as a dog tonite.

[Arizona_Jeep]

Why 3.5L? If you are going 3.6, hell, you can run 36's or so without breaking, 17's if your smart. Fr the money and time, you should just go 5.0+.

And also, sagging=bad leaf springs. Go and count how many leaves there are on your spring packs, 10 max, 7 at least.

Don't pull the tub off, just check all the bolts, make sure there tight, torqe is the best way to check.

33's under the fenders with 4" lift? Not to bad, I run a 76' with 305/70/R17 MT/Rs, with SOA and a 5.0.

But major thing, spacers not worth the money, nor new wheels. Go and pick up some chevy axles, put them under there (assuming you can weld and have the know how), and then put in a 5.0+ engine. You will spend maybe $300 more for a good V8 than the 3.5L.

Tell me if I can help more, I skipped around quiet a bit.

[defibvt]

3.0 to 3.5 was in reference to trail ratings. No worries. It took me a minute to translate that part of the message. Damn cold is slowing me down.

Actually pulling the tub gives me some advantages. The guy who put it together did a crappy job. I don't trust his craftsmanship. Also the fuel tank skid plate is mounted wrong so the body needs to come off to make it right. The wiring is suspect and I also want a different fuel cell.

I also don't know how to weld but I am willing to learn.

Sorry, I didn't mention this stuff before.

[Arizona_Jeep]

Okay got it.

Well then, yeah, I agre, sounds like you know what you are doing. Go ahead and pull that fucker off the frame. And as for welding, it will take a long ass time to learn. I would say go ahead and mark up where the perches go, and then take it to a guy that is a pro at welding. That is something you do not want to lose on the trail due to faulty welds.

[defibvt]

Originally Posted by Arizona_Jeep

Okay got it.

Well then, yeah, I agre, sounds like you know what you are doing. Go ahead and pull that fucker off the frame. And as for welding, it will take a long ass time to learn. I would say go ahead and mark up where the perches go, and then take it to a guy that is a pro at welding. That is something you do not want to lose on the trail due to faulty welds.

Yeah, losing that would be bad. As for knowing what I am doing. Give me some time. I will screw up something eventually.

[alaprima]

just a general comment on the topic - anytime you spot sketchy fab or assembly work it pays to go over the whole thing with a fine tooth comb. unfortunately, its not a very glamorous task and half the time the actual flaws dont even show up in the images people post (good or bad)

a spot of sh!tty workmanship is like a roach. if you can see the one - then theres usually alot more near by - you just havent found them yet.

anyways, the ultimate goal is to build some level of confidence between you and your rig and this is a great way to do it.

good luck on your build !!

[Arizona_Jeep]

Originally Posted by alaprima

just a general comment on the topic - anytime you spot sketchy fab or assembly work it pays to go over the whole thing with a fine tooth comb. unfortunately, its not a very glamorous task and half the time the actual flaws dont even show up in the images people post (good or bad)

a spot of sh!tty workmanship is like a roach. if you can see the one - then theres usually alot more near by - you just havent found them yet.

anyways, the ultimate goal is to build some level of confidence between you and your rig and this is a great way to do it.

good luck on your build !!

Very valid point. I know exactely what you mean. I built a 76' CJ7, I didn't do the engine work on it, I had campbell to it, and I don't trust it. I have very little confedence in my CJ, and if I took it all apart, and put it back together, I know I would have confedence in it. I whish I had the time to do it, but I just don't. So yes, if you got the time, take the hole fucker apart and put her back together with your own hands. I wish I could.

Best of luck and have fun with her.

[defibvt]

As soon as I get the tub off the frame I will be posting some before and after pics. It will be awhile. Working a lot of overtime to pay off bills. But I have direction and the wife said she would help.