Broken Leaf Spring

I broke my rear leaf springs on my 74 CJ5 (stock)
I found some stock replacement springs from JC Whitney's for $99 bucks. I also found some Rancho Performance Lift Leaf Springs with a 2.5 inch lift for $108 bucks. I was told by a local automotive repair shop that I could go up to a 3 inch lift before I had to start making any alterations. Can anyone give me any advice as to what they think....... should I go with a little lift as opposed to stock. I would like to put some 33's or 35's inch tires on in the future.
thanks for any feedback.
Dave

 

Wow, you ain't kiddin. You seriously broke those leaves. I've never seen the whole pack break like that.

It doesn't take much to run 33"s, I ran them on stock springs for awhile and had minor rubbing. Even "stock" replacement springs will give you some lift over what you've got considering 33 years of sag have dropped your height somewhat.

 

I went 2.5 inch lift and about a inch body lift. I run 33's. I did need to drop the t case, and fix caster.

High5

 

Longer brake lines may be needed, even with the 2.5 inch lift.

 

Thanks for all the feed back, very helpful. Has anyone tried the BDS springs, are they better then the Rancho Performance Lift Leaf Springs? Just curious has to why one might be better then the other.
again thanks for the feedback,
Dave

 

I have a 4" SkyJacker SoftRide suspension, 2 inch shackle lift and shackle reversal, and I still had to cut all 4 fenderwells out to keep the rubbing to a minimum. I still rub the inners on the front when doing deep flexing. I doubt a 4" lift alone will clear 35's.

BTW, I did have to install longer brake lines, I went with steel braided, custom made at my local hydraulics supply shop.

 

I used the rancho 2.5 inch they have the best ride. Make sure you get the right length,I got the rancho with 39 3/4 inch in the front because the 72 to 75 use the longer ones. i had 36" that PO has put on and had a ride like a tank.

 

I run the Skyjacker 4" lift also, and even with fender trimming I can tear up a 33" tire pretty good. Ride on these may be just a little TOO soft.

 

wow, how'd you do that?

 

A little de-rail here, My leaf springs are geting a bit worn, to prevent changing theam all out can I just flip them, ya know, to save money.

 

I believe they just broke.. gave out.. got tweaked over the years of use. I took it down a road that I've taken it to for over twenty years. The road could be rated a 4 out of 5 for difficulty but some might rate it less. I didn't get air born I was just creeping along when they decided to snap. Stock springs and being 33 years old just was too much. So now I'll start with some new ones and they will probably out last me.....lol.
Dave

 

It looks like the second leaf from the bottom has been cracked for at least long enough to rust.

 

yup I noticed that! Weird that would happen.