suspention question...

Just a quick question. To get my yota axles in my 5, I have to outboard my front springs. Well I was just going to leave the rear spring mounts under the frame like the originals but started thinking. Is it ok to have different cp to cp width in the front then you do in the back? My front will be 31" I beleive and the rear will be 27 1/2". ( Center frame to center frame in the rear measured 27 1/2). Just dont want to weld everything up and then have problems or creat anymore of a bucket then I probably already am. thanks.

 

On later years ('76+), the front and rear spring mounts are different widths. The front is narrower though.

I don't see why it would be a problem with the rear spring mounts being narrower then the front.

 

Only thing I can think of that might be a SORT of issue is maybe stability when articulated. Since Im learning as I build, I just want to make sure so I dont get it all done then realized I did somthing unsafe or dumb. Whole point of thise build is to make it safer for my boy to be with me...and maybe to outdo a blabber mouths TJ.

 

The distance from the wheel will certainly change the spring's performance. The spring, tire and axle form a class 2 lever, with the load between the fulcrum and the applied force. Outboarding the springs moves the load further from the fulcrum, which raises the effective spring rate to body roll.

Jeep outboarded the rear springs on the Jeepster and moved the springs further outward on the later CJs so they could use a softer spring and maintain the same control over body roll. The lighter springs gave less bump stiffness. Articulation is basically the same as body roll. If you move the springs outward, you'll get less articulation for the same spring rate, but better control of body roll.

 

Thanks timgr. So since I do use the jeep as a cruiser as well (I mean who wouldn't) would it be a good idea, if I keep the springs under the frame like I am planning, to maybe add a sway bar to the rear? That way it helps keep body roll to a minimum and I will be able to disconnect it once I hit a trail. The springs I am using at stock toyota rear springs. I beleive they are a 5 leaf pack but I am not certain since they are not with me at the moment.

 

Nicely said Timgr.

 

I guess this is to me?

I can't give you a very good answer. Any spring setup will be a compromise. Given the stock spring spacing, you can move the springs outward some and lower the spring rate some, and have the same articulation and body roll, with a better ride. Certainly this was worthwhile to Jeep, so that would indicate it would be worthwhile to you.

Realize also that bump stiffness and load capacity are coupled too ... add squishy springs and you'll see a lot of sag with, say a couple of adult back-seat passengers.

It's all a compromise that you'll have to work out.

 

I'm running waggy axles and my fronts are out boarded while the rears are under the frame with no ill effects . The out boarding will give you more stability while under the frame will give you more articulation. Mine tracks fine.

 

Thanks timgr and Bob. I guess I will just put her together like I had planned and after some driving/wheeling, I will figure out if I want I want to change or leave the same. Im going to leave the stock spring pads on the axle, so If I want to outboard the rear as well, I can without doing a whole lot.

 

I know two Jeeps running Toyota axles with YJ springs both outboard front hangers and under frame rear. Both drive and wheel just fine, there should be no problem.

 

Thanks cj5dave. Throughs a little more confidence my way.