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Backspacing and lift for narrow track CJ 7

Discussion in 'Wheels & Tires' started by pastor scott, Oct 8, 2018.

  1. Oct 8, 2018 at 4:30 PM
    #1
    pastor scott

    pastor scott [OP] Well-Known Member

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    none right now
    So I'm ready to buy my lift tires and wheels

    Here is my questions
    Going with 33X12.50R15 or 33X10.50R15

    What back spacing do I need. This is a narrow track cj 7
    Also what lift. 2.5 or 4. Will be off roading
    What say u experts

    Thanks guys
    Ps Scott
     
  2. Oct 8, 2018 at 5:43 PM
    #2
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine Moderator

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    I would think 2.5" should offer good clearance for the tires, while keeping the CG low. Im not all that familiar with the CJ, but I think @OFFGRID is.
     
    Bob and JKBob 25 like this.
  3. Oct 9, 2018 at 8:19 AM
    #3
    pastor scott

    pastor scott [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Totally confused here

    Have a 78 CJ 7 narrow track. Need to get wheels to fit 33X12.50R15 for off road . I'm torn between 3.75 4.00 or 4.50 .Back spacing. Help

    Ps Scott
     
  4. Oct 9, 2018 at 9:03 AM
    #4
    OFFGRID

    OFFGRID Well-Known Member

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    Houston
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    1979 Jeep CJ7, 258, TH350, NP208
    Howell fuel injection, header, HEI distributor, TH350, NP208, SOA lift with YJ springs in the front & GW springs in the Rear. AMC20 with G2 1 piece chromos trussed, Dana 30 with G2 chromos and 760x ujoints and MM Stainless Hubs, Geared 4.56. Tom Woods shafts, Metal cloaks, Caged, 37" Toyo MTs.
    I would install old man emu 2.5in springs and get 5 inch shakles for another inch of lift. No drop pitman arm needed. Run 15x8 or i prefer especially for the narrow track 15x10 wheels with no more than 3.75 back space and 33x12.5x15 tires. My buddy runs this same set-up with Metalcloak's Highline fenders and he clears 36x12.50x15s with no rubbing under full flex. You should be good with 33s and stock fenders.
     
    Last edited: Oct 9, 2018
    chris4x4 and aggrex like this.
  5. Oct 9, 2018 at 9:15 AM
    #5
    OFFGRID

    OFFGRID Well-Known Member

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    1979 Jeep CJ7, 258, TH350, NP208
    Howell fuel injection, header, HEI distributor, TH350, NP208, SOA lift with YJ springs in the front & GW springs in the Rear. AMC20 with G2 1 piece chromos trussed, Dana 30 with G2 chromos and 760x ujoints and MM Stainless Hubs, Geared 4.56. Tom Woods shafts, Metal cloaks, Caged, 37" Toyo MTs.
    3.75 inches and no more. your tires will be close to rubbing the springs on a narrow track axle if you too much back space. My 37s get all up into my springs with 3.75in backspace and I have widetrack axles with 2 more inches each side of the spring in length..
     
  6. Dec 2, 2021 at 6:38 PM
    #6
    venabl1447

    venabl1447 New Member

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    @OFFGRID

    I was reading through you information above and I’m in the same situation with a 1979 CJ7 Narrow Track. I’m wanting to run 33x12.5x15 tires and looking for the best configuration that adds the least amount of lift with no rubbing. I won’t be doing any hard core off-roading. Here is what I’ve spec’s out, do you think this will suffice?

    2.5” suspension lift
    1.0” body lift
    10x15 wheels with 3.75” backspacing
    33x12.5x15 tires
    Shackles - not sure what I need to get here??? Do I get the same shackles for front and back?
    Do I need to do anything with sway bar, pitman arm or any other suspension mods to keep things in tact?

    Appreciate any help, this is my first project on a CJ and don’t have any experience….YET!

    Thanks,

    Venabl
     
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