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Leaf Spring Question.

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by masscj2a, Jan 25, 2020.

  1. Sep 5, 2020
    teletech

    teletech Member

    Santa Cruz, CA
    Joined:
    Aug 20, 2016
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    236
    I was unhappy with the ride on my CJ and also had more lift than I needed. Figuring the worst case was buying new springs and since that's what I was looking at anyway, I might get lucky. I removed the bottom leaf in the front pack and cut the bottom two leaves on the rear packs by 4" per side. It didn't really change the altitude of the vehicle, but it sure did change the ride! It's almost like a car (granted, an old car) it's so nice. If I lost a little weight capacity, so what, after all it's not like I actually plan to go wheeling with four full-size adults plus gear in the vehicle. It's just me 90% of the time, one other parson about 9%, and then once in a long time I but a couple kids or teens in the back seat. It's actually seemed to improve handling as well, not sure if that's real or if it's just I'm not fighting to retain command of the vehicle from getting smacked around so have time to drive the thing, I suppose it could be the suspension staying in contact with the ground better. Whatever it is, it's been a huge win. I'm still debating lowering the vehicle though for the improvements in cornering and side-hill work.
     
    70cj5134f likes this.
  2. Sep 5, 2020
    Rick Whitson

    Rick Whitson Detroit Area 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    I live South of...
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    I put the Rancho 1" lift on my Jeep with factory shocks did not want to go too far from stock and have to change too much. They have probably settled by now a little by now so it is close to factory. My Jeep still has a stiff ride as most jeeps do. I run low tire pressure, on 7.50 15"'s and it rides good on the blacktop and a little rough on the trails, but Jeeps do. I didn't need any wedges as my drive shafts were a good angle. Good Luck
     
  3. Sep 5, 2020
    teletech

    teletech Member

    Santa Cruz, CA
    Joined:
    Aug 20, 2016
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    236
    Do you have a part # for those 1" springs? Looking around the shortest lift I can find is 2.5"
     
  4. Sep 5, 2020
    colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

    At the foot of...
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    I used to have those on my CJ & I found them to be very stiff...I switched to 2.5" BDS & they ride better.
     
  5. Sep 5, 2020
    teletech

    teletech Member

    Santa Cruz, CA
    Joined:
    Aug 20, 2016
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    236
    Fair enough. I was just hoping to find something around 1.5" of lift. I've got what I think are 3" springs now and it's more height than I want.
     
  6. Sep 5, 2020
    Hônes

    Hônes New Member

    Colorado Springs CO
    Joined:
    Apr 5, 2019
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    32
    For what it’s worth: My experience from modifying trucks for improved off-road capabilities for about 30 years, I’ve never found Rancho lifts to be soft riding. If you’re doing higher speed off-roading or hauling a load, that may work fine. For most small Jeeps, I’m all for the softer spring rates but my off-road life is more slower speed trail and crawling. “To each their own” is my motto. I don’t like a rough ride unless it’s an unloaded tow vehicle, then I’m understanding of it.

    I enjoy a previous poster saying he parked a truck on the spring to soften them up. You can also leave them flexed on a rock or ramp to accomplish this. Done that many times too!
     
    Fireball likes this.
  7. Sep 6, 2020
    Rick Whitson

    Rick Whitson Detroit Area 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    I will look at my file and see if I can find the receipt for them, and get back to you.
     
  8. Sep 6, 2020
    teletech

    teletech Member

    Santa Cruz, CA
    Joined:
    Aug 20, 2016
    Messages:
    236
    I appreciate the offer, but at this point with everybody suggesting the Ranchos aren't the most comfortable ride, even as Jeep springs go, I guess I'll flip a coin and either go back to stock or give one of the 2.5" sets a try.

    I might put it on stock springs and see how I feel about it first since I have the stock shocks and 3 out of four springs. I guess my uncle broke a spring and decided to put on a lift kit, but he always kept everything which has been very handy actually. So, for the cost of a few U-bolts and one spring I can try it out at factory height.

    Looks like my choices for 2-2.5" are Rancho, BDS, and Skyjacker?
    The BDS have the anti-friction pads and the military wraps,
    The Skyjackers are constant-taper springs which seems like a great idea, they also sell them singly which would be cheaper for me since I can use the shocks I already have.
     
    Last edited: Sep 6, 2020
  9. Sep 6, 2020
    Rick Whitson

    Rick Whitson Detroit Area 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    I live South of...
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    I don't know about the ride, when I bought the Jeep it had worn out factory springs on it, I don't know if it was Military springs or if the Tuxedo Park had some kind of Civilian springs? I didn't want too much lift so I went with the 1" lift springs thinking in a few years they would settle at least 1". I have not ridden in any Jeeps but mine so I can't compare them to any other springs. I do know that they have less leaf springs than it had on it before. Here is a picture of what it looks like today, after 13 years. [​IMG]
     
  10. Sep 6, 2020
    teletech

    teletech Member

    Santa Cruz, CA
    Joined:
    Aug 20, 2016
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    236
    Hmm, we've had discussions about what is the stock ride height and they often get bogged down in issues about where to measure to or tire size or whatnot. If you had a chance to measure from the top of your axle tube to the bottom of your frame directly above it, I'd appreciate it.
     
  11. Sep 12, 2020
    70cj5134f

    70cj5134f Member

    East Tn
    Joined:
    Aug 18, 2018
    Messages:
    749
    My RC ,YJ, 2in lift springs with 1 bottom spring removed, on a light 134,
    70 cj5, are great, off road, really rides like atv. BUT on road, above 40mph, no sway bars, they get ,Real Nervous !!!
     
  12. Sep 15, 2020
    BadGoat

    BadGoat How High Can You Climb?

    Northern Virginia
    Joined:
    Apr 27, 2017
    Messages:
    326
    The 2 inch lift OME YJ springs ride pretty well for an old Jeep. I am also running wider axles and a shackle reversal, so that may contribute to it. Interestingly, the LS I swapped in is roughly the same weight as the old F134.

    Mike
     
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