Lifting my CJ7

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[rockdaletj]

So I have decided that i would like to do 2.5 inch CJ springs on my 7 rather than do a YJ conversion. Ultimately i would like to run skinny 33's. This would be for on road driving only, no real wheeling. Its a 1978, so narrow-track axles and stock 15x7 rims. Would 33's suck or should I stick with 32x1050??
Ive read differing opinions on this, so i figured a few more wont hurt
Seriously though...Im hoping Posi and some other guys have some input for me.
And no Todd im not getting the sawzall out and running 37s

[Axle]

2.5s and 33's sounds fine to me.

[rockdaletj]

thats what i was thinking...i want to keep a somewhat stockish vintage look, but a more aggressive stance.

[Posimoto]

As Bob mentioned the 33 would be fine. If your CJ is only going to see the road I wouldn't use a tire wider then 9.5 with your current rims.

What gear ratio do you have 3.54?

What lift kit?

[jeepgod]

with your motor and 33" tires you won't even notice the difference in tire size, espically on road

i would run 33x10.5 bfg m/t or 34x10.5 ltbs', yes they will fit and i know for a fact you like those tires.  if you could find 34x9.5 swampers that ould look awesome!

and yes 37" tires would be awesome but i am on the same page with you about the "keeping it streetable" as we discussed

i am doing the same thing with this:

[jeepgod]

oh and when you get the springs maybe i can come up and help you get it installed

[jps4jeep]

I love the look of near stockish cj's with narrow track, simple steel rims, and ltb's

I had a cj briefly with 2.5" springs and 32's, 34's would have easily fit... That jeep ended up with tony and never saw the light of day again.

[rich]

i ran rubicon express 4" yj springs on my 86 cj7 great ride on the street even better off road. if you are driving this mostly on the street i would stay away from super swampers and get bfg mud terrains

[Axle]

but swampas are so cool 

[Freefree]

I have Old Man Emu 2.5" YJ springs on my '79 CJ-5 Stock 15x7 wagon wheels and BFG 33x10.50 Mud Terrains.  Fit great and tuck under stock fenders with no flares.
Classic look with a little attitude.

[jeepgod]

there is a guy on pirate selling 34x10.5 ltb on rims in southern vt

$550 is asking price, good deal

[Posimoto]

This would be for on road driving only, no real wheeling.

If you do decide to go with 10.5 wide tire I’d go with an 8” rim not your current 7” rim. I know there will be 50 people telling you a 7” rims are fine, and depending on your driving distance and style it can be.
 
The rule of thumb is 2-2.5” difference between rim and tire width when running on road only. The correct rim width will flex at the designed flex point in the sidewall. If the rim is too narrow the flex point moves toward the shoulder area creating heat buildup in the shoulder which reduces tire life and possible tire failure. Again, this is for on road driving only, and depending on your driving habits.

Also, I would go with an A/T tire for road use only, it may save you’re a$$ on a wet surface compared to a more aggressive tire.   

Of course, if you get a great deal on a set of tires to your liking run them. Just saying.

[rockdaletj]

Thanks for all of the advice! As for tire width, I think im going to stick with 10.5. I have 31x10.50 on it now with no issues. Id love to run the LTBs or SS skinnies, but i really dont want a bias tire. Im thinking toyo MT, BFG MT or AT. If I could find 33x9.5 BFGs Id actually run those.
And yeah Todd, and help would be great...id rather not take it to a shop

[jeepgod]

there is a guy in ri selling 33 x 10.5 radial swampers on northeast toyota crawlers for cheap money

http://www.toyotacrawlers.com/forum/index.php?topic=26912.0

[rockdaletj]

Just sent him a text. Id love to get those.