tech
CJ to JK
Comparison
-page 2-
An in depth look at two different generation Jeeps, we
put them side by side and see what's what.
In many places
around this site we note the technical specs for these two
model Jeeps so we aren't going into that here. See the
Jeep Spotters Guide for model specifics. We wanted to
note the fine detail differences between to two. Some
details are drastic, some still maintain the Jeep tradition.
We used the jeepfan.com
2007 JK Wrangler
Unlimited and jeepfan.com
1978 CJ-5.
Now onto the
finer differences...
Backspacing. The new JK wheels have a HUGE
amount of backspacing. See the blog for a
definition:
What is Backspacing. The JK also uses
a 5 on 5" lug pattern. The CJ uses a 5 on
5.5" lug pattern. A YJ and TJ use a 5 on
4.5" lug pattern.
The
JK uses a whopping 6.5" backspace on the 17"
Moab Rubicon and Sahara 18" wheels. The
16" standard wheels are 5.5"
I had this bright
idea to try to use a set of 16" wheels with a 5
on 5.5" lug pattern with a set of 35" tires on
the CJ
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In
the image on the left you can see the two parked side by
side from the drivers side.
Immediately you notice the
length difference between the stubby CJ-5's 84" wheelbase
and the JK Unlimited almost lengthy 116" wheelbase.
You can see the leaf springs
on the CJ. Another thing to notice on the CJ is the skid
plate under the transfer case. On the JK although not
seen here the underside is relatively flat.
The new JK has considerably
larger wheel openings that allow installation of larger
tires with less suspension or body lift.
The JK shown here is a
Rubicon with stock 255/75R17 (32X10.5)
BFG Mud Terrain tires, the CJ is equipped with
33X12.50R15
BFG Mud Terrain Tires. Only a technical 1"
difference in tire size yet the JK is stock with no lift,
the CJ has a 3" BDS YJ
lift with about 1/2 inch body lift.
The left image shows a
comparison of the difference in the new BFG (left)
and the old. The left is a 32 the right is a
33. The 33 is a bit worn but does still show a
size difference between the two. The tread
pattern on the new BFG is updated to provide
improved traction in snow and rain. The width
difference is obvious too.
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-page 3
coming soon-
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