Leaf spring advice

Looking for advice. I need to replace my front leaf springs (for more history - http://www.earlycj5.net/forums/showthread.php?107436-Leaf-Springs-too-flat). I have decided to stay with a stock set up since I just installed new shocks when I put on the crappy, used leaf springs I bought from a local supplier, and, pardon the pun, can't really afford to spring for an entire lift kit right now. I am running the original 232/T14/D20 set up and am thinking about adding a winch to the front bumper. The jeep came with 7 leafs on the front and 5 on the back. So, here are the options I'm considering. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, including any other stock spring suppliers I should be looking at:

Option 1 - Omix Ada via CSE Offroad (best prices I could find) (made in China - five year limited warranty for defects in material and workmanship)

7 leaf - part no. 18201.03 - $74.24 ea. (http://www.cseoffroad.com/1820103.html) (shipping included)
10 leaf - part no. 18201.04 - $107.15 ea. (http://www.cseoffroad.com/1820104.html) (shipping included)

Option 2 - Stanley Springs via Rocky Mountain Spring & Suspension (local supplier - http://rockymountainspring.com/) (made in the USA - not sure of warranty)

7 leaf (805#) - $134.20 ea. (shipping included)
10 leaf (1130#) -$128.60 ea. (shipping included)

Option 3 - General Spring (Kansas City supplier - http://www.generalspringkc.com) (made in the USA or Mexico - one year warranty)

7 leaf (805#) - $119.99 ea. plus shipping ($45-50)
7 leaf (865#) - $119.99 ea. plus shipping ($45-50)
10 leaf (1130#) - $129.99 ea. plus shipping ($45-50)

Here's how I use my jeep. I drive it on the Interstate and highways 3 or 4 times a year, reaching speeds up to 70mph. I drive it around town some during the winter at speeds averaging 40 mph. And I drive it off-road in the summer on trails rated no higher than a 5 by Traildamage.com (http://www.traildamage.com/trails/ratings.php).

Thanks in advance.

 

I had a front spring flatten out by about an inch & a 1/4. She ran down the road lopsided, leaning over to the passenger side. It happened while running her a little hard through some Florida sugar sand. I am prudish about placing import items on her and try to go for originality as much as possible. I have 7 leafs on the front and 9 on the back which are still factory. I priced out a set for both front and back and it was $600.00. That did not include new bushings or bolts and they were not going to jump on my CJ5 all by themselves. I went to an outfit that specialized in truck suspensions and for $100.00 they took it off, re-sprung the spring and put it back on. Good as new and I still have my original leaf springs. For originality I could only find springs where the steel is made in the USA instead if China. There was a difference in the 'look' of the springs & the way they were bundled together from factory originals. Can I expect for some others to 'flatten out'? I'm sure they may but it has not happened as of a couple of trail rides ago...

 

Just my opinion, but for a vehicle with a short, narrow wheelbase that's driven on highways at 70mph, I personally wouldn't go cheap on critical suspension parts.

 

Thanks, Rondog. Any thoughts on 7 vs. 10 leaf? I've read somewhere where the 10 leaf rides a little stiffer than the 7, but I'm not sure what real difference that would make to me. With stock steering, brakes and clutch, driving my jeep is always a workout anyway (but one that I enjoy). Btw, I've connected with Warloch and will be dropping by for a visit when the weather warms up.

 

Thanks, 1960 CJ5. Unfortunately, I have no idea if the crappy, used springs I put on are OE or made in China. If re-springing them runs $100, I think I'd rather spend a little more for new "made in the USA". I've already got the bolts and bushings and don't mind doing the labor myself.

 

go local he needs the money more than the Chinese

 

Chuck can give you far more useful actual advice than I ever could. I'm just a yapper.

 

Amen. I'm definitely leaning toward the 10 leaf from the local supplier, especially if there's a decent warranty attached. It's cheaper than the 7 from the same manufacturer (when I asked why, I was told that Stanley Springs makes a lot more 10s at a time than 7s), it's made in the USA, I'll always have the local supplier nearby if something goes wrong, and a pair of them should certainly accommodate any winch I install in the future (and any future drive train for that matter).

 

So, are you saying your bark is worse than your bite (really dig your avatar)? Chuck, any thoughts?

 

No, I'm saying Chuck's an actual Jeeper with experience! I'm just a Jeep owner. Last time I drove Ol' Red was in high school in 1973. Chuck's probably forgotten more about Jeeps than I'll ever know. I just try to soak up as much info as I can, and keep a pocketful of pennies so I can toss out 2 cents every now and then.

And the avatar is my little sweetheart, Coco. Just happened to catch her sitting like that one day.