I Got The Wrong Springs From Salvage Yard. Good Or Bad?

I purchased Rocky Road Outfitters YJ spring conversion for my 66 CJ5 V6. They suggested used springs being just as good and much cheaper. So off to junk yard we go. The YJ not boxed in by other Jeeps had the rear axle already gone and everything else looked good -springs straight and bolts not to rusty. Half way through the job we noticed the springs were definitely taller than the others but decided to carry on.

Confirmed last night they are Rubicon Express Super HD 4.5” lift. Very expensive springs. “ the best money can buy” according to RE. So I’m not opposed to lifting my jeep. It looks good, Trail riding will improve, tires will clear and it is not a daily driver. My questions are - What are the downfalls of 4.5” lift on an old jeep? What extra work/parts will I need?


Rear spring says “RE1455”





Front springs.


Fronts are lower?

 

4.5 inches is a lot.

Driveshaft angles will be impacted. Steering linkages, clutch connections, brake lines, etc., will all need to be considered.

 

The downside of the high arch lift springs is that generally speaking your ride quality will be pretty stiff. Mine is and I used the YJ RE 4” lift springs on my cj2a. I clear 35” tire with them, but I did need to open up the rear wheel wells to do it without rubbing my tires on the edges of the radius of the wheel well.

When I did it 2 years or so ago, I got those springs new for 100 bucks inc shipping each. They have worked fine for me and I really have no complaints.

When you install this new spring set up front, you’re going to want to check your caster and set it with shims or use new YJ wider spring perches welded to the correct angle.

This kit is not generally just a lift kit that you can bolt on and be done. Examination of the brake lines, clutch, steering and drive shafts to see how it will work together has to happen.

Good luck and post pics!

 

Did anyone say they fall over easy? Lol, Just saying.

 

Sell them to someone that has a Jeep with Big tires and needs the clearance.............Those will be a ton of work to install properly in your early Jeep and probably will not give you the results your looking for.

 

The Plot Thickens. The rear springs are indeed Rubicon Express 4.5" but the front are not. Apparently the front would be equal or slightly deeper bend (1/2" maybe) than the rear and if they were RE springs they would have the same end wraps and friction plates between springs.

Seems likely that the front are ProComp 2.5" lift. Maybe not the same quality spring but a more manageable lift height. So, anyone want to buy a pair of Rubicon Express 4.5" lift rear springs?

Thanks guys for your input. I was not totally jazzed about the 4.5" lift anyhow so no disappointment there. The ProComp rears to match the fronts I have will only be $52 each.

 

Those springs are too long for your 66 anyway.

 

You think even with the spring conversion kit I mentioned in the first post I still have the wrong springs?

 

You probably have the right springs in concept..............but with the lift built into the springs you have.........the eye to eye length as compared to a stock YJ spring will be way shorter because of the lift and arch in those springs.....which will make the spring stiffer and give you a much harsher ride...........................Keeping in mind during the install you still have to manage the shackle angle with the brackets your installing which becomes harder to do with the high arch...............Rocky Road suggested using used springs because they have already settled and lost some of there original lift........and I would agree with that..........a flatter wider spring as a YJ is will give you a better ride in exchange for some lift.

So figure out what you want? Lift and Clearance for large tires to stay away from the body or a more comfortable ride?

 

Well, I want it all of course. I’m hoping the 2.5” lift with YJ springs will be a good comprise.

 

How tall are you?
The increase in lift makes it harder for short people to get into your JEEP. Something to think on.