What a difference new springs make!

Back in this thread I asked if my springs were shot. The consensus was "YES!" so I searched around and decided to get the BDS package of front/rear springs and shocks.

Before:


As I'm looking at my old springs to start the removal process, I realize one of my spring pivots has a rusty hole in the frame next to the hanger. Yikes! I'm not a welder and at the time didn't know anyone local. So I start asking around and after a few weeks I find a fellow Jeeper who likes to do LOTS of welding. He and another Jeeper / welder take a look at it and decide that's not my problem. My problemS are the 4 shackle points! The frame is cracked at all 4, but the right front is flexing so bad that I'm a speed bump or pothole away from a broken frame at the spring shackle point.

Before:


Wowser!

So first thing I have to do is get the Ramsey PTO winch removed from the front frame so he can get in there (picture above is after the winch was removed). A couple of weeks and some help via this thread and I got it off.

So after I get myself some sand and a cheap sandblaster I clean all the cracks and areas around the shackle points. Yes I wore a respirator...

He then proceeds to repair all 4 shackle points, rates were very good (zero).

The ride home was obviously better, just a bit stiffer and not all that movement I'd felt before.

I got the rear springs on with only a smidgen of difficulty; had to cut a nut off and buy a new socket for my impact wrench when the old one decided to give up the ghost.

After, with some additional rust removed, primed and painted. Plus I put new axle bumpers on:


I took my wife out for a spin last evening. Wow! What a difference. The Jeep sits about 5 inches higher (yes, the springs were that flat) and the ride is very smooth. Almost like being in a car. Well, okay, not that smooth but we no longer feel as though our kidneys are being punched (her words).

Next weekend I'll be doing the front springs. Then the steering, then the...

Regards,
Tim

 

In some years, you Jeep will be new... this is the way it works.

 

Hard to beat BDS.

 

:iagree:There is OME Wrangler Conversion Springs that are really soft, but cost $.

 

The before and after pictures are amazing. The difference in the springs are night and day.
The amount of arch almost looks like the frame is still on jack stands.
Are the spring considered to be the 1" lift?
Wonder if they will settle much?
When you get the front complete make sure to post some pictures.
Looks Great.

 

There is supposed to be some lift, but not much. I went with smallest I could find as I want a stock look as much as possible.

When we first put it on jack stands the frame was up 4 inches. When we let the axle down the wheels rested on the floor! So we jacked it up another three to get the wheels off. When I dropped her on her feet with the new springs there was almost no give, but she rocks just fine when doing a "shock check".

Front shocks going on this weekend.

Tim

 

I had a similar experience when replacing my springs. Got about 5" by adding 2" lift springs! And a much better ride.

 

:tea: x2

 

Well, all done with the new BDS springs and shocks. Front was a much easier job, all done in a day. She feels tighter on the road, a bit more spongy and not stiff. Certainly not like she was with every pebble in the road feeling like a kidney punch.

I now wish I'd measured the tub height. From a sort of before photo you can see how low she sits; after is on the right.


Real gal lift appears to be about 3-4 inches in the rear, less in the front. The bottom of the tub line is a good measure.

No more work in for a while! I want to drive.

Tim

 

Sorry to resurrect this but I just took my cj5 out and was wobbling all over. Checked and bushing at lower shock connection in back is gone. SO I don't think I want to replace just one shock and have read good things about the BDS 2.5 kit. Question: Did you need a new pitman arm with this kit? Pretty easy job? thanks for the info.

 

I thought it was easy. Two afternoons. My biggest challenge was having to straighten out the bent spring hangers. That was from some adventure many years ago in the woods. The PO didn't remember when, but did remember that lots of stuff got bent a little when it happened. He didn't repair it. I did.

No, the pittman harm is the original.

Tim

 

Great thank you!

 

looks good

 

Very happy with the 2.5" BDS complete suspension system I put on also. Just the right amount of lift and does not affect any components for angles or length. Great ride too

 

I really cant shell out the money for the whole kit right now. My shocks are dead - one lost its lower bushing. Is it reasonable to start with the shocks and then replace the leaf springs several months later?

 

Shocks wont help much with flat springs. Better to look for a good used set of springs or find a couple overtime shifts to help pay for the springs.

 

hahaha. got it! Need a paper rout or clients to pay in a more timely manner!

 

How does this compare to the springs that Walcks has? If getting springs, shocks and U bolts, which I'm leaning towards, the price is comparable. I'm just not sure I really want 2 inches over what stock is supposed to be.