Rough Country 2.5" Lift Advice

[alove]

Hey guys,

So, I'm looking into a new suspension for my '55 CJ5 restoration project, since my original leaf springs were rusted and broken and my shocks have been blown since probably 1972. I have heard good reviews of Rough Country from friends, so I was looking into their CJ5 suspension with a 2.5" lift. My question is whether or not this will fit on my jeep. I have pivot bolts on one side of my leaf springs and the greasable shackles on the other side. One person I spoke with seemed to think that the greasable shackles might not work with this kit and that I would need new brackets welded on so that non-greasable shackles could be used instead. Will there be any issue with the new kit bolting in? I am trying not to do any frame modification for the suspension if I can help it. I would love some advice from anyone who has done this before or knows more than I do about suspension upgrades for these old jeeps!

Here is the kit I am looking at:
https://www.roughcountry.com/jeep-suspension-lift-kit-600-20.html?find=1955-jeep-cj-4wd-741955

Thanks!

[bmorgil]

I would definitely bump that question off of the Rough Country Tech Service line. You can call them, txt, chat or email.

[gmwillys]

The springs you have pictured should be a direct replacement to your stock set up. I do agree with Bmorgil in calling up the service line to make double sure that you will not have any surprises though. I would invest in new rear pivot bolts and the front shackles because it is often the case that these items are rarely greased and are worn. Often times, especially if you live in the rust belt, you would need the assistance of a torch to warm up the original shackle retainers to get them to remove them. It is much easier to go back with new components, then fight with trying to salvage the worn out originals.

https://www.kaiserwillys.com/vehicle/55-75-cj-5/suspension/pivot-eye-bolts-bushings/front-rear-leaf-spring-pivot-eye-bolt-fits-41-58-mb-gpw-cj-2a-3a-3b-5-m38
https://www.kaiserwillys.com/vehicle/55-75-cj-5/suspension/pivot-eye-bolts-bushings/rear-leaf-spring-shackle-bushing-fits-67-72-cj-5-jeepster
https://www.kaiserwillys.com/vehicle/55-75-cj-5/suspension/pivot-eye-bolts-bushings/front-rear-leaf-spring-pivot-eye-bushing-fits-41-58-mb-gpw-cj-2a-3a-3b-5-m38

I would suggest the later heavy duty greaseable front shackles that are supported on both sides for less spring deflection side to side;
https://www.kaiserwillys.com/vehicle/55-75-cj-5/suspension/shackles-parts/leaf-spring-shackle-kit-heavy-duty-fits-52-71-cj-5-m38a1

Or you can use the original style front shackles if you would like to keep the original look of the "C" style shackle.
https://www.kaiserwillys.com/vehicle/55-75-cj-5/suspension/shackles-parts/leaf-spring-shackle-kit-passenger-side-fits-41-58-mb-gpw-cj-2a-3a-3b-5-m38
https://www.kaiserwillys.com/vehicle/55-75-cj-5/suspension/shackles-parts/leaf-spring-shackle-kit-drivers-side-fits-41-58-mb-gpw-cj-2a-3a-3b-5-m38

[alove]

Thanks for the tips! I ordered new pivot bolts and new shackles. The left hand thread shackles showed up, but not the right hand thread (which is annoying). I called Rough Country and they said it would be fine, however, I just got the leaf springs in the mail and the bushings in both sides fit the pivot bolts but not the greaseable shackle. I went ahead and popped one of the bushings out (since my original set up had no bushings on the side with the greaseable shackle (not sure if that was how it should have been or not) and it doesn’t seem like the shackle will fit. I’m not sure if it’s supposed to be a really tight fit or if it’s just too small. I don’t want to force it in there and damage it. Any ideas?

[bmorgil]

alove, take a few pictures of what you are doing. I think you are saying you cant get the bushings into the spring eye? If so that is a tight fit. The metal backed rubber shackle bushings are pressed into the spring eyes and the mounting brackets.

[alove]

Update: I watched a few videos and did some playing around with the leaf springs and the leaf spring shackles. The fit is VERY tight, but I was able to get the OEM greaseable leaf spring shackle to thread through the leaf spring and the frame. It just took a lot of work and careful tightening with a socket. I think I have established that the kit will work for my jeep. Now, I'm just waiting on the right hand thread leaf spring shackles to ship. They've been out of stock forever.

bmorgil, the bushings were already in. I had to tap one side out for the leaf spring shackle to fit through, but the fit was super tight, which was why I was concerned. Thanks for commenting! I'm very new to car projects, so I appreciate all the help and advice.