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Installing Bds Suspension

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by Labeeman, Dec 13, 2019.

  1. Dec 13, 2019
    Labeeman

    Labeeman Member

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    Feb 24, 2016
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    I’m going to install the 2.5 inch lift this weekend. I’ve been looking at the U bolts that hold the springs on the axel and noticed they are a larger diameter than the original u bolts. The holes in the plates that the u bolts go through are too small for the bolts to go through. Do I just drill them out to fit the new u bolts and go from there. I know there are a few people on the site that have installed this kit so pleas chime in and give me some tips. Thanks.
     
  2. Dec 13, 2019
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
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    When I did my BDS kit - I had no issues with the new u-bolts, they fit the old spring plates fine....I'd give BDS a call and see what they say....
    What year cj are you working on....There are some specific years ranges on the BDS kits based on small changes in things (like the 70-71 kit is different than the earlier years kit due the the flanged D44. The 72-76 kit is different due to the D30 up front. Let us know what year and/or what axles you have, and then we can at least get you the proper info on what should work....
     
  3. Dec 13, 2019
    Labeeman

    Labeeman Member

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    It’s a 1963 CJ5. I did contact them and the kit number says it’s for a 63 CJ5. They sent me all the same size u bolts at first but they sent me what they say is the correct size. I’m still skeptical of the u bolts though as they seem to be much wider than the axels. I’m going to compare them to the old ones on Saturday.
     
  4. Dec 13, 2019
    TIm E

    TIm E Aggressively average

    NW Arkansas
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    Mar 2, 2017
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    There is always the possibility with these things that a previous owner swapped axles or parts. To James' point, there are 4 different 2 1/2" BDS kits for CJ's. 1953-1968, 1969-1971, 1972-1975 and 1976-1986. A few pictures may help us identify what you have/need.
     
  5. Dec 13, 2019
    Labeeman

    Labeeman Member

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    Everything on the Jeep was original. It’s a 63 tux park with 28000 miles on it. The original owner got it for her 16th bday. It has the Indian ceramic paint job. I drove it for for a year or so than tire it down completely. I’m putting it back together and I’m putting the springs back on. I saw all the different kits and checked the numbers and the kit I got was for a 63. I wish this forum would use Tapatalk which makes posting pictures much easier. I really don’t know how to post pics on here.
     
  6. Dec 13, 2019
    Boyink

    Boyink Super Moderator Staff Member

    Tulsa, OK
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    We used to use it, then they started inserting ads into the site without announcing it first. And it's just another layer of tech for a volunteer-run site to administer. There are threads with instructions for posting photos:
    http://earlycj5.com/xf_cj5/index.php?threads/posting-photos-via-the-ecj5-media-gallery.78830/
     
    fhoehle likes this.
  7. Dec 13, 2019
    jeepstar

    jeepstar Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Sheboygan
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    on my 62, i had to use 7/16" U bolts. the 1/2" ones that came with the kit didnt fit the plate i wasnt comfortable elongating the hole enough to make the ones with the kit work. sucks, but it is what it is.
     
    Jrobz23 likes this.
  8. Dec 13, 2019
    Labeeman

    Labeeman Member

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    Thanks that’s what I needed to know. I’ll source some different ones from a local shop. Thanks for all the replies. I hope y’all all have a very merry Christmas!!!!!
     
  9. Dec 14, 2019
    Tom_Hartz

    Tom_Hartz Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    North Carolina
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    Please post some pictures and keep us posted during and after the project. I'm still thinking about the same kit.

    Thanks...
     
  10. Dec 15, 2019
    Labeeman

    Labeeman Member

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    I’ll take some pics and get them up. I do need some more help though from the guys who installed this kit before. I painted my leaf springs and I marked the front of the leaf springs packs so I would know which was the front for installation purposes but now I can’t find my marks. Can someone look at their spring packs and let me know how to tell. I’m aggravated, but also laugh at myself because of goof ups like this. Gotta get focused so I can make some progress. On a good ending note though, I was able to bring my body to the body and paint guy last Monday so hopefully I’ll have my body back soon.
     
  11. Dec 15, 2019
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    You can enlarge the holes in the spring plates from 7/16" to 1/2", but don't just drill them out. Instead, file or grind the outside edges of the holes so that the bolts still fit up against the axle tubes and springs the same way.
     
    fhoehle likes this.
  12. Dec 16, 2019
    Labeeman

    Labeeman Member

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    I found the marks on the springs. I won’t be able to work on it til next weekend though. It’s also deer season so I have to get in the woods. Too many irons in the fire.
     
    fhoehle and Glenn like this.
  13. Dec 16, 2019
    Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    Apopka, Fl
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    A man's gotta keep his priorities in order! :)
     
  14. Dec 16, 2019
    Bobcreag

    Bobcreag Bob C

    Danville, CA
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    Nov 5, 2014
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    I have a 1965 CJ-5 with the F-134 engine. I ordered the 2.5" BDS spring kit and I too found that the U-bolts were 1/2"diamter vs. the stock ones which were 7/16" diameter. I have a Dana 27 up front and a Dana 44 in the rear (with tapered axel ends). I also found that the U-bolts provided by BDS were the wrong width. The Dana 44 axle in the rear took 4 U-bolts all 2 1/2" wide. The front Dana 27 axel took 3 U-bolts that were 2 1/4" wide and one that was 2 7/8" wide (this one goes over a portion of the differential housing so it is wider than the axle tube).

    The U-bolts that I ordered were Dorman 35602 (4 each for the rear axle), Dorman 35601 (3 each for the front axle where they got over the axle tube) and Dorman 3560 (1 each, where it mounts over the Dana 27 housing).

    I hope that this helps you.

    Bob
     
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  15. Dec 18, 2019
    Labeeman

    Labeeman Member

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    Thanks for that information.
     
  16. Dec 18, 2019
    Bigdaddy13

    Bigdaddy13 Member

    So.Cal
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    Nov 19, 2019
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    For 3-400 more than the Rough Country kit, you'd think they'd be able to get the hardware right?

    Also, am I correct in my understanding that neither kit provides spring eye bolts? I mean, no biggie, but it seems like a simple thing to throw (8) zinc plated, grade 8 bolt kits with nylock nuts and washers.

    Regardless - Good luck with the install, LaBeeman!
     
  17. Dec 18, 2019
    Labeeman

    Labeeman Member

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    No spring hanger bolts , correct! That does seem like something they would give you. The springs look first class for sure, but I was suspect of the u bolts the minute I pulled them out the box. Number one, they are too big for the spring plates, number two they don’t fit the axel like the poster noted above. It seems like this would very easy to get correct but I’m thinking they go for the one size fits all approach.
     
    Bigdaddy13 likes this.
  18. Dec 18, 2019
    Steve's 70-5

    Steve's 70-5 Active Member

    Louisville, Ky
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    Napa sells U-bolts individual . There is a chart on the box that gives sizes. I tried to take a picture of the chart and it did not work, the box is red.. If interested go to Napa, a part number on a 7/16 inch u-bolt 650-4022. You can get this, take the box home and see what you need. Return what you bought when done
     
  19. Dec 19, 2019
    sterlclan

    sterlclan Member 2022 Sponsor

    exploring the...
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    I have a list somewhere that has the numbers from Napa. I got it here sometime ago. I can look on the pc later.
     
  20. Dec 22, 2019
    Patrick

    Patrick Super Moderator Staff Member

    Los Alamos, NM
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    I've done this many times....Just elongate the holes with a carbide burr and use the 1/2" u-bolts.
     
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