1. Registration trouble? Please use the "Contact Us" link at the bottom right corner of the page and your issue will be resolved.
    Dismiss Notice

1971 Cj5 Leaf Spring Question

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by Montgomery J Yarbrough, Jan 12, 2022.

  1. Jan 12, 2022
    Montgomery J Yarbrough

    Montgomery J Yarbrough Member

    Lander wyoming
    Joined:
    May 28, 2018
    Messages:
    59
    Hello all I have a 1971 cj5 and am in need of new leaf springs so my question is what year cj5 have the same exact leaf springs and also I would like to get possibly a 2.5 inch lift any suggestions on a good set
     
  2. Jan 13, 2022
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2013
    Messages:
    5,593
    dnb71R2 and Beach66Bum like this.
  3. Jan 13, 2022
    Montgomery J Yarbrough

    Montgomery J Yarbrough Member

    Lander wyoming
    Joined:
    May 28, 2018
    Messages:
    59
  4. Jan 13, 2022
    garage gnome

    garage gnome ECJ5 welder

    Western MA
    Joined:
    Jun 19, 2009
    Messages:
    3,083
    Do a search. This topic has been covered many times.
     
  5. Jan 13, 2022
    jeepstar

    jeepstar Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Sheboygan
    Joined:
    Jun 28, 2006
    Messages:
    2,754
    spend the money on a 2.5" bds lift. I bough the 500 dollar rough country lift for one jeep and the one side sagged down 2" in less than a year.
     
  6. Jan 13, 2022
    jeepdaddy2000

    jeepdaddy2000 Active Member

    Eagle Point oregon
    Joined:
    Jun 24, 2004
    Messages:
    1,132
    I installed a Rancho 2.5" soft ride a bizzilion years ago and have been happy with it. IMHO, find the cheapest, ginkest set of auto shocks to go with the lift. Big, fancy shocks seem to be a bit over valved for elliptical springs and have a tendency to turn your Jeep into a buckboard.
     
  7. Jan 13, 2022
    cj2atruck

    cj2atruck Member

    Spokane, WA
    Joined:
    Dec 12, 2020
    Messages:
    64
    I've used BDS springs in the past and have been very happy with the ride.
     
  8. Jan 13, 2022
    Renegade ll

    Renegade ll Member

    Thayne Wyoming
    Joined:
    Feb 17, 2013
    Messages:
    772
    What James said is spot on. You will be very happy with BDS 2.5
     
  9. Jan 13, 2022
    Fireball

    Fireball Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Pullman, WA
    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2018
    Messages:
    5,622
    I've got BDS 2.5" springs on my '71 (with 32" tires):
    [​IMG]

    And Pro-Comp 2.5" springs on my '69 (with 31" tires):
    [​IMG]

    NOTES:
    • I don't notice a huge difference in ride quality between the two.
    • The BDS springs seem to flex a little better when crossed up off road.
    • Both have a military wrap which is nice.
    • The BDS springs don't sit level out of the box. The front sits about an inch lower than the back. I needed to use 1 inch longer shackles in the front to get the Jeep to sit level. I'm not super happy about that because it has handling implications. The Pro-Comps sit the Jeep level out of the box.
     
    Last edited: Jan 14, 2022
  10. Jan 13, 2022
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2003
    Messages:
    23,596
    BDS 2.5" kit good. Another happy owner here. Has always ridden level - maybe I'm lucky and happy.

    Suggest you use the Jeep warranty method for leveling (block between the spring and axle on the high side) before the longer shackle.

    If you buy the BDS shocks too, they will be too short without spacers on the frame.

    A search will give you dozens of threads to read about this topic: https://www.bing.com/search?q=site:earlycj5.com+BDS+springs - vary your search terms to cover other brands.
     
    Last edited: Jan 13, 2022
  11. Jan 13, 2022
    txtoller

    txtoller Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Weatherford, TX
    Joined:
    May 28, 2014
    Messages:
    971
    I used the Pro comp 2.5 on mine with 33" tires, ride was nice.

    [​IMG]
     
    Lockman likes this.
  12. Jan 14, 2022
    Montgomery J Yarbrough

    Montgomery J Yarbrough Member

    Lander wyoming
    Joined:
    May 28, 2018
    Messages:
    59
    Thank you all. I think iam gonna go with th pro comp 2.5 inch lift I don't want to much lift top heavy a concern
     
    Buildflycrash, dozerjim and Fireball like this.
  13. Jan 14, 2022
    Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    Apopka, Fl
    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2002
    Messages:
    12,367
    My 2.5" springs are Pro Comp also. No problems with them.
     
  14. Jan 15, 2022
    jeepstar

    jeepstar Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Sheboygan
    Joined:
    Jun 28, 2006
    Messages:
    2,754
    then I would certainly not think about a 4" lift.
     
  15. Jan 17, 2022
    vtxtasy

    vtxtasy oldbee 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor

    Tucson, AZ
    Joined:
    Feb 5, 2006
    Messages:
    1,430
    BDS shocks...it looks your saying spec out the shocks for the correct length before installing. They offer an option for Fox shocks. Good to know that the front springs may give less lift. I was curious as I have an old 2 1/2 Rancho set from the late 70's and the front sits lower and it doesn't care how much weight is on front. There is just no give to them. Not really interested in long shackles. Just want good flex with an even ride height. Have a 1" body lift, tires are a full 33" and I would like to stay at a 2 1/2 lift. Thanks, I will check your link and investigate the Pro Comp.
     
  16. Jan 17, 2022
    vtxtasy

    vtxtasy oldbee 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor

    Tucson, AZ
    Joined:
    Feb 5, 2006
    Messages:
    1,430

    Nice looking jeep! I added it to my collection. Haven't seen that stye fender flare in years, no cut out for the marker lights.
     
  17. Jan 17, 2022
    Cj5dale

    Cj5dale Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Knoxville, Tn
    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2021
    Messages:
    573
    upload_2022-1-17_14-20-49.jpeg

    Here’s my CJ with 2.5 inch BDS lift and 31x10.50x15 BFGs. Rides great. Very satisfied.
     
    Last edited: Jan 17, 2022
    txtoller likes this.
  18. Jan 17, 2022
    vtxtasy

    vtxtasy oldbee 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor

    Tucson, AZ
    Joined:
    Feb 5, 2006
    Messages:
    1,430
    From that angle it appears level. No weight from a winch. Easily simulated by standing on it and see if it deflects.
     
  19. Jan 17, 2022
    Cj5dale

    Cj5dale Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Knoxville, Tn
    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2021
    Messages:
    573
    It actually does sit level But you’re right, I don’t have a winch installed yet.
     
  20. Jan 17, 2022
    vtxtasy

    vtxtasy oldbee 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor

    Tucson, AZ
    Joined:
    Feb 5, 2006
    Messages:
    1,430
    Does it flex well and are the ubolts 1/2" diameter.
     
New Posts