Leaf Springs and shocks

Ok, so my saga continues as to figuring out what the PO did before I have this so called CJ2a.

I am onto my rear axle which is a Dana 41 and CJ2A suspension. I took the prings off so I could clean and paint them and I noticed that the eye where the bronze bushing goes in is broke (the innner eye) I look at the other leaf on the other side and there is no bushing so it's kinda worn.

Does this mean I need to replace the leafs? They are 9leaf, is this standard for a 47 CJ2A?

Also, back when I was working on the front I found out that the PO had used some M38a1 parts and low an behold the leafs are 12 leaf and the stock CJ2A shocks I bought are too short. They are fully extended with the weight sitting on the axle. Anyone have the Monroe part# for M38a shock? I can always return the CJ2A ones.

Back to the rear, I did notice ehwne I bought it the rear was lower then the front, now I would assume it's because the leafs are 9leaf vs. 12 in the front.

What would be my options?
Take some leafs out in the front to lower it down, then I can use stock CJ2A shocks?

Weld the piece that is broken on the rear leaf and of course replace or install new bushings?

Buy new leafs for the rear? (I was hoping Ididn't have to) Anyone have some used?

Sorry for the mass amount of questions, but any help would be appreciated.

 

Here are some pics. This is the eye of the rear leaf
http://www.ottawajeepclub.ca/photos/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=20942&g2_navId=x9fe16542

This is the piece that came out! IS this normal?

http://www.ottawajeepclub.ca/photos/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=20939&g2_navId=x9fe16542



Here is the 9 leaf rear
http://www.ottawajeepclub.ca/photos/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=20957&g2_navId=x9fe16542


Now for the front, here is the 12 leaf
http://www.ottawajeepclub.ca/photos/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=20966&g2_navId=x9fe16542

Here is a pic of the front shackle that I thought looked out of place before I found out it was from a M38a1
http://www.ottawajeepclub.ca/photos/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=20960&g2_navId=x9fe16542

And as the axle sits right now, the shock is at maximum length
http://www.ottawajeepclub.ca/photos/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=20963&g2_navId=x9fe16542

 

the rear spring eye with the bushing has snapped off the main leaf; I would not attempt to weld/repair it, new leaf time in my opinion.
Used springs can be found, but unless you can rework them for what you want to attain, ride height and quality of ride, this may prove futile.
The number of leafs in the pack can be changed, and can affect ride quality; height would be controlled by the amount of arch in the leafs; not just one, but all of them in combination.
You might just be better off in this situation to buy a spring/lift kit, or replacement stock springs for your year of Jeep.
I wouldn't worry about buying shocks until you get the ride height/ride quality issues addressed. Shocks can be purchased easily by measuring your compressed/extended needs once you are satisfied with the springs.
Shackles ?
Your call, but I would probably swap those out for a HD H shackle design; you can use early CJ5 shackle kits as well, with minor mods.

 

So what "should" a CJ2A have for springs? the A612 and a614 leafs? I am just going to buy new leafs, bushings and shackles. (once I figure out the part #'s)


I see a listing for a 10 leaf for the front # 18201.02 what use is that for?

 

what part number references are you using ?

 

J33P you should call Willys Acres.. they will probably have what you are looking for and they are in Barrie, ON. so no customs fees to worry about... i have used them a couple times. they are very knowledgable. http://www.willysacres.com/

i have the contact info for a guy that sells used Willys parts in Cornwall, ON. as well. Good guy with tons of old jeep parts. PM me if you want his contact info.

 

Well, I usually take a run to Ogdensburg to pick up the stuff I buy from the US so I don't get custom fees or anything. Maybe I will give them a call though, as I have some m38a1 stuff that I wouldn't mind getting rid of and I am sure we can work out some type of deal.

 

cool man, good luck. Let me know if you are ever out wheeling in my neck of the woods. i hear your club does a Rigaud run once in a while. I used to work with Rob from the OJC.

 

You mean Rob Mills from ORA?

I saw that because I am ROb (or Bobby) from OJC

ORA does do runs in Rigaud though.

 

sorry i thought the two were the same... and yeah i meant Rob Mills

 

Wow, evidence that military wrap springs have a purpose. Could have been catastrophic accident had the mil wrap not held the shebang together.

I'd probably opt for a new spring kit and some new shackles. Those fronts don't look like they'd flex enough to NEED shocks.

 

Ya, I am getting new leafs all around and shackles, bushings. I was just told the 32207's I got for the CJ2A aren't not the same all around that the rear are longer. ARGH. Now I have to find the Monroe # for the longer rears so I can return the pair, and hope the front will still work as I trashed the boxes for them so I can't return them now