How to tell how much lift I have?

[1981CJ5]

Getting ready to replace my shocks and after looking it seems I need to know how much lift my '81 CJ5 has before I buy the shocks.

Problem is, how can I tell? Bought the jeep used about a year ago so if it has any lift, I did not do it. I am currently running 31's with no clearance problems if that helps.

Thanks, Joel

 

[LGR]

get a measuring tape and find a stock Jeep. measure the differnce...no?

 

[Green97TJ]

Im going to throw something out here, somebody correct me if im wrong...

Couldnt you use a good floor jack to fully compress the suspension on one side, measure the shock compressed. Then lift the jeep from the frame or the bumper (just not the axle) to get the suspension to full droop, and measure the shock fully extended. Then use these measurements to determine exactly what size shock you need? This way any sag in the springs wouldnt matter?

Sound reasonable to anyone???

Nathan

 

[jay79cj7]

I think Nathan's got the best idea if you want to get the same size shocks.

Measuring bumper height or something similar on a stock CJ would be tough because you are going to have varying degrees of sag on 25 year old suspensions.

 

[avyoung]

Take a shock in and have them match the length.

 

[Snitty]

that seems to be the easiest way... have them match them up.... or.. if you do want to measure... you can use the jack method... or you can also drive up onto a rock or something to get the compression...

 

[TwistedCU]

Check your old shocks, if they have a part # stamped in them they might be able to cross-reference it if you know the manufacturer. If not, I would just take the 2 back ones off (1 if you have another car to take to the parts place) and match em up.

 

[jeepin916]

ahhh i would drive to the store and take off a shock there and bring it in... it doesnt take more than 5 mins to take off the shocks unless its really cold like it is here in nY but looking for a part number is a really good idea. they can look up tha shock and see if it is any longer than stock then you can pick out shocks from a nother brand if u want thats like what you have...

 

[jeepdude832]

Just got back from Kemp rd.

if you look stock hieght probably no lift if you struggle to get in you have a lift if it just looks a little bit up there its just a 2 -4 inch lift or put a new lift on it and then you will know for sure