Springs?

Ok, now that the 60 is running well again, it is time to start thinking about what is next.....

It still has it's original springs (7 pack in front and 9 in back). I know they are flat (with Jeep lean) after almost 60 years. I am thinking about replacing them but don't know what is the best option. really not interested in lifting the 60 so the 2.5" lift kits are not really an option. I assume, just going with stock would result in a little lift.

I searched and there was a lot of comments on different lifts and ride quality but I didn't see anything about stock spring replacements.

Here is what I am thinking/wanting:
close to stock height
ride quality (I know it is always going to be a Jeep so this is relative)

more "flex" if possible (least important)​

I see the following replacement springs online

kit:
New Front Leaf Spring Assemblies (10 leaf)
New Rear Leaf Spring Assemblies (9 leaf)

individual:
Rear Leaf Spring Assembly (5 leaf or 9 leaf )
Front Leaf Spring Assembly (10 leaf or 7 leaf )


Do you think any of these would work to reach the goals above? Other options?

 

kaiserwillys.com

 

I will add that the big name aftermarket "jeep" dealers have been offering more parts that are of very low quality lately. If I was buying springs it would be from a spring company like BDS that actually has a warranty. If cheap quality springs sag over the next year or so, the warranty by one of these dealers is highly unlikely to let you recover what you have spent.

 

I've got the same thing. Look for a good local spring shop. They can re-bend and re-treat to original height or a bit higher if you want with labor, if nothing broken, for about same cost as full replacement set.

 

I see a lot of good reviews on here for BDS but from what I see, all they have is a 2.5" lift. I like the look I have height wise and I would guess that "stock" would be at least an inch higher so a 2.5" lift is going to be at least a 3.5"...

Like I said, I just trying to look into options right now. I am still waiting on the windshield to come back so I can play a little. Having it custom made (because it is a venting ws) has taken longer than expected. PO used some kind of glue when putting it together so the shop had a hard time getting it apart. I don't think I made their day when I told them that the inner frame is basically not replaceable…..

 

I have never seen any re-arched springs last more then a couple of years before they are totally sagged again. Not saying that someone out there can't make magic, just saying that it is highly unlikely that original springs that obviously were not high quality steel to begin with, will suddenly become good quality steel.

 

fwiw my bds 2.5 springs have settled and really arent that much higer than stock.

 

Take a look at Alcan. They build zero lift with all the modern updates. You will pay for them though.

 

Been covered recently here Leaf Spread

Lots and lots to read here - site:earlycj5.com factory replacement springs - Bing

Note that "flex" and body lean come in a package. These Jeeps were designed with stiff springs far inboard, and lots of flexibility in the frame. Whatever you end up with will be a compromise. This too has been discussed a lot here.

 

This has been my experience as well.

 

I got cheap ebay crown replacements last fall and am perfectly happy with them. They lifted it about 2" over the old ones but they were sagged terrible especially in the front from having an 8' plow on it for 40 years. I disassebled them and greased between the leafs to prevent rust. The ride quality stayed about the same only a bit better and i also did a shackle reversal at the same time. Definately wouldnt bother with re arching them. There might not be broken leafs that you can see now but when you get them apart and flex them individually they often break.

 

As a rule, the fewer leaves, the softer the ride/more flex. This assumes the individual leaves are the same thickness.
The original Tuxedo Park models has 6 leaves in front and 5 on the rear. Both were two-stage with the shortest bottom leaves being flat and very stiff. The Tux rode on the soft flexy long leaves, and the ride and flex was better than any other models. That same rear 5 leaf 2-stage spring was used on many of the later regular CJ5s through the late '60s.
-Donny

 

i just picked up a rough country brand lift. it was 2.5" of lift, which seems like a lot, but it isn't too much. you will maintain the same driveshaft's, and that. you can replace the shackles with a newer 0" lift, so there is that.

 

I bought Rancho 1" lift springs for my Jeep in 07, they still seem to be OK the Jeep looks stock now, still has the Jeep lean though.

 

Rearching, as others said above, doesn’t last. The spring’s steel becomes fatigued and eventually cracks, plus they sag right back down quickly. If you are just looking for a stock ride height, Id personally go with the Walck’s or Alcan springs, being made in the USA. I love my BDS springs but they are only available in a 2.5 inch lift.