I have a '78 cj7 with a 15 year old rancho 2.5" lift and 33" tires. It has a scout 44 rear and dana 30 front. I have the scout front but havent got to install it yet. I just bought a set of outlaw ll rims and 35" pro comp mt's. Should I swap the 2.5" lift for a 4", or keep the 2.5" and add a 2" body lift?
Which way to lift?
- Thread starter big_o_tom
- Start date
69jeepcj
New member
Just a heads up with the scout 44 front axle.. I have heard that there is some difficulties with installing the front "scout" 44 into a cj. It is doable and works but I just heard it is more involved than the rear, I think it was the passenger side spring mounting that was the issue.
To your question: well!! the price for a PROPERLY set up 4" vs a 2.5" will be more but if you go 2.5" you have the extra cost of the body lift so it may not be much more. I would go with the 4", but you will NEED a droped pitman arm, in my opinion a steering box brace is a must, t-case drop(which you could make your own), the kit should come with shims for the rear, longer shocks, extended brake lines. Once the lift is on you may see that your rear driveshaft isnt long enough, My 79 needed a rear driveshaft after a 4" install, but my brothers 86 did not. You may have to install a small body lift as well, or trim your fenders some. I have had fender flare rubbing with a 4" and 33,s. Oh one more thing, look on the side of your new tires. It should tell you the recommended rim size on it somewhere. If you use a 8" or 10" rim when it calls for a 12" you WILL rub on your front springs when you turn the wheel to full lock. I know 35x14.50,s call for a 12" not sure what 35x12.50 calls for, probably 10".
To your question: well!! the price for a PROPERLY set up 4" vs a 2.5" will be more but if you go 2.5" you have the extra cost of the body lift so it may not be much more. I would go with the 4", but you will NEED a droped pitman arm, in my opinion a steering box brace is a must, t-case drop(which you could make your own), the kit should come with shims for the rear, longer shocks, extended brake lines. Once the lift is on you may see that your rear driveshaft isnt long enough, My 79 needed a rear driveshaft after a 4" install, but my brothers 86 did not. You may have to install a small body lift as well, or trim your fenders some. I have had fender flare rubbing with a 4" and 33,s. Oh one more thing, look on the side of your new tires. It should tell you the recommended rim size on it somewhere. If you use a 8" or 10" rim when it calls for a 12" you WILL rub on your front springs when you turn the wheel to full lock. I know 35x14.50,s call for a 12" not sure what 35x12.50 calls for, probably 10".
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I know about the problems of using a scout axle. If I could find a 75 dana 44 rear I would probably swap out the scout rear and keep the stock front axle. But I would like to use the scout stuff because its wider and stronger that stock. I already have a 2.5" lift on my jeep and run 33's just fine. Just trying to weigh the pro's and con's of a 2.5" spring lift and a 2" body lift together vs a 4"spring lift. Not confused but undecided!!!
Bounty__Hunter
Super Moderator
Go with the 4" springs. Any body lift over 1" is fugly and puts a lot of stress on the body bolts.
Jeeper4ever
New member
A 2" body lift will be fine. I've been running one on my TJ for 10+ years. Never had a bolt come loose, break or get "stressed". They are a cheap simple way to gain extra tire clearance. Good luck with your decision.
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