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Lift Install On M38a1

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by compostwerks, Nov 18, 2019.

  1. Nov 18, 2019
    compostwerks

    compostwerks Sponsor

    Canterbury, NH
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    Bought a rust box 59 CJ5 which has what I believe a 2.5 inch spring packs installed. I would like to take out these springs and install in my M38A1, however I see that that there are no spring hangers at the rear side of the front packs.

    In searching the suppliers, they advertise these lift kits fitting both M38A1 and CJ5 but no hangers are supplied, and no mention needing them.

    What I do have is U-shackles which go through the frame there which is boxed.

    Am I missing something here?

    Thanks, Pete
     
  2. Nov 18, 2019
    Twin2

    Twin2 not him 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    not really sure what your asking but
    we used 2.5 lift spring on a 55
    just removed the poly bushing . and used the C shackle
     
  3. Nov 18, 2019
    compostwerks

    compostwerks Sponsor

    Canterbury, NH
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    Didn't think of that...I'll give it a shot!
     
  4. Nov 18, 2019
    53A1

    53A1 Member

    Kern Co. Ca.
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    What I think your describing is the fact the military models have no hanger coming off the frame for the rear eye of front springs. This is normal because they came factory with reversed shackles. PO replaced the factory C shackle with an after market shackle that bolts directly to the frame because there is no hanger. This setup is fine but like the above poster stated when using the stock C shackle you have to use the screw on bushing and that will require you to pull out the bushing on the rear eye of front spring and also the rear eye of rear spring. Hopefully the bushing fits correctly in the eye of the spring. Sorry if this is confusing I'm not good at explaining things.
     
    Last edited: Nov 18, 2019
  5. Nov 19, 2019
    compostwerks

    compostwerks Sponsor

    Canterbury, NH
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    No, you did a good job explaining, better than I did! I think if the bushing does not fit, I will need to weld on the hangers
     
  6. Nov 19, 2019
    53A1

    53A1 Member

    Kern Co. Ca.
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    You shouldn't have to but that's an option. In fact if you already have aftermarket shackles to replace the C shackles you should even have to remove the bushings from the eyes. As I recall you can install a bushing on the frame where the C shackle mounts and use a wide shackle of some sort. Post some picture of what you have so we can see what your dealing with and you will get a ton of suggestions from people that are way more experienced than me.
     
  7. Nov 19, 2019
    53A1

    53A1 Member

    Kern Co. Ca.
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    This will do it. Just take the lower bushing off of it and it should bolt up to your lift springs without having to remove the eye bushing. The top bushing on this shackle goes into the frame. The price is very reasonable. Looks like they are the stock height also which is good. You will have a nice little lift and not have to monkey with stuff.

    Leaf Spring Shackle Kit Fits: 52-71 CJ-3B, 5, M38A1 (non greasable)


    For comparison, this is a stock C shackle and you will be replacing this with the above shackle to utilize your lift springs.

    Leaf Spring Shackle Kit, Drivers Side, Fits 1941-1957 MB, GPW, CJ2A, CJ3A, CJ3B, M38, M38A1
     
    Last edited: Nov 19, 2019
  8. Nov 19, 2019
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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  9. Nov 19, 2019
    53A1

    53A1 Member

    Kern Co. Ca.
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    I think he said in case the bushing on the C type shackles would not go through the eye after he removed the bushing from the spring. Hard to know for sure without some pics though. The stock ones are ok. but like you said, a backing plate is a good idea. I have several that are bent.
     
  10. Nov 19, 2019
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

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    I may be behind the curve in this thread, but if the springs were fitted with silent block (rubber) bushings, make sure the outer shell was removed with the bushing. Often that's left behind, and has to be peeled out of the eye.
     
  11. Nov 19, 2019
    compostwerks

    compostwerks Sponsor

    Canterbury, NH
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    Most helpful guys. I really appreciate it! Looks like I have all the parts I need laying around to make this happen. I'll post pics when I get into it.

    I have no objection to C shackles. Never broke or bent one yet, but I will be using backing plates for sure, since the lift may put stresses beyond what's stock.
     
  12. Nov 23, 2019
    Twin2

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    made it to buddy's house this morning
    Hanger.jpg
     
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