CJ3A suspention

[myflatfender]

Hi this is my first time here but it looks like a good place to be. Maybe some of you can help me out. I have a 1951 CJ3A and I would like a few more inches of lift. I currently have 30 x 9.50 R15LT tires. I would like to eventually have 33 or larger tires. Problem is I already rub the inside of the rear tires. I dont feel I have the expertise to move the spring perches myself to the proper angle if I do a spring over. I do like to do all my own work with the help of a buddy of coarse. I have never been able to find suspentions in any of my mags for CJ's older than 1953 Why is that? Does anyone know the difference between the springs under a 1951 and a 1953. my front dif is a 25 rear is a 44. T18 transfer case, T90 3 speed, 1969 ford mustang 200 six cylender. I have the dana 44's, trany and T-case, 327 from a 1966 Jeep pickup and a 1975 ford F250 w/ 390. I aquired all of this for possible upgrades for my lil Willys. Ok anyone have any great ideas. PS I don't have a lot of bucks like the big boys. Thanks

[Big Buro]

Hmmm, not real sure of the difference between a 51 and 53. Had a couple beers so I can't think real clear right now either. I'll think a little more and maybe check some of the literature that I have. It may be as simple as spring length. I'll get back to you on that one if I can.

I can tell you this though, the height isn't your problem. The Dana 44 is too narrow to accommodate larger tires. The tub on the jeep will rub no matter how high you go. Any articulation in the springs is going to cause the tires to rub. Obviously, there are limits to what I'm saying but any lift of 2 to 3 inches is going to rub. Also, because of the straight frame, you should stay away from a lift over 3 inches. this will help to maintain the C.O.G. Otherwise, you'll have no choice but to widen the axles just to keep from rolling over on every turn.

You do have a couple options to help with the rubbing. 1. you can put spacers on the axles to move the wheels out. This usually doesn't work well since it causes additional pressure on the lug bolts and can shear off when wheeling. The second option is to buy wheels with a shallow inside off-set. This will move the wheel out a little while keeping the wheel itself in touch with the brake hub for less pressure.

Your best option, if you can scrape up the money, is to purchase a new rear end. You'd have to special order it but it would be well worth the money in the long run. You can go to a salvage yard and pick up a newer rear end, something post 75 would work. You'd still have to move the spring purches but it's not that difficult if you take you time. Also, keep in mind that, with larger tires, you're going to encounter problems in the front end as well. Your turning radius will be cut down dramatically due to rubbing on the frame. You'd have to go pretty high to get away from that Or, again, widen the axles.

Hope all this helps, let us no how it turns out.

[myflatfender]

Thanks for the imput Big Buro.
Spring lengh is my guess too on the 51 to 53 springs. Though I wonder if it has something to do with overall axle width.
I have Dana 44's fom a 1966 Jeep pickup, theyare 20" wider from drum to drum than whats under my Jeep now. That's 10" wider than normal on each side. I think that may look kinda dumb, Plus get me a ticket every time i drive it.
Is this 66 setup strong ?
Maybe it's woth narrowing a bit?
Then theres that big ford out there in my back yard, wich already has spring overs on it.
Yes I'm new to the "It's a Jeep thing" but It makes sence. I would rather have that running gear under the Jeep than wheel the truck if its good stuff.
I'm not sure what came in the 75 and havent looked to figure out what the diffs are yet.
You mentioned post 75 rearend but I havent found any Jeeps at the wrecking yards in my area and I already have the 66 Jeep and 75 ford. Although I have heard the 76 - 78 Jeeps were the best.
Thank you this forum is cool.
:USA:

[/u]

[Big Buro]

TWENTY INCHES?!?!?!?!? And (stupid question), are you sure it's a Dana 44? I've got a 66 CJ5 with a 44 and it's exactly the same width as the CJ3. Odd, I'd say, though I'm not at all familiar with jeep pick ups. I do remember that they were quite small in the 60's so 20 inches seems strange to me. Not to doubt you but it just seems strange. And, yes, you would get more than your share of tickets using that kind of set up.
To address your question of strength, I've got the original Dana 44 in the rear end of my 66 and have yet to have a problem. My Grandfather tells me that he once twisted an axle back in the early 70's but that's about it. I've taken this little CJ to places that only those highly modified rigs travel and have yet to encounter any problems. I must say that I'm careful in my selection when it comes to where and when I'll follow those guys but nonetheless, I haven't had any problems. If you're looking to modify your '51 and want those bigger tires, you might look into shortening it. I don't think it would take much. However, for the money that you'd spend on axles, gears, labor to shorten, etc..., you might be able to get your hands on one that will fit right in.

If you know, or can measure, what's the distance between the frame rails? Or, better yet, what's the measurement between spring purches? If you can let me know that, there might be quite a few, less expensive, options.

If you can get those measurements, I think we can come up with something. There are a large number of highly educated people on this site. I'm sure they'll have some input to help guide you in the right direction. Good luck and I'll check in to see if I can help you out along the way.

Just to give you my opinion though, I'd get a 2 1/2" lift, change the spring hangers to accommodate the lift, and stick to 31 or 32" tires. You're spring hangers should be riveted on and, therefore, can be removed with an impact. Then, you can either bolt on or weld on, the new one's and be able to can use any lift from 55 to 75. Depending on the tires that you choose, you can eliminate (or at least dramatically reduce) the rubbing and get the lift that you're looking for. Just my two cents though.......

[myflatfender]

Its been some time ago that I did that measuring, but I have it in my mind that it was 10" on each side. My mind HA I just had back surgery (Microdiscectomy) and I think they removed my memory too.

As for the frame rails and spring perches, I will check and get back to you on that.

WOW 55 to 75 thats some good news. I was thinking that my springs were shorter but maybe they are just narrower.

The springs I have from the 66 are much thicker and longer than the ones under my jeep. If i tried to put them under the jeep the front and rear hangers may have to be next to each other under the middle of the jeep.
coud be they arnt from a 66jeep truck at all but thats what I was told when I bought em. bad buy

thanks for the help Buro