Suspension Measurements

Edit: This is not intended to be another "what is/are the best lift springs thread". I have mods in mind, and have been through this before. I am asking simply for some measurements before moving forward.

I'm going to be doing some suspension work on my 68 CJ5 in the coming month or so. First, I need to figure out whats on there. The springs front and rear are not stock and are also different brands. The rear sits a bit higher. I may reuse the rears, and put them in the front. Still in the planning phase, not sure what I'm going to do yet.

Question:
I'm wondering if folks can give me some measurements both front and rear, from known spring/lift heights (including the shackles or other mods affecting suspension height)? Maybe from the top of the axle tube to the bottom of the frame?

I realize there's a lot of variability but i'm hoping this will me give an idea of the springs I have on there now. Thanks in advance.

 

Can't swap springs front to rear as the rear springs are longer.......unless you are doing some serious mods to make them fit.

 

Yep, that's exactly what I'm going to do. I've done it before and its a great way to both improve the ride and get more articulation out of the front end. Of course it means moving the spring and shackle hangers appox. 3" at and each end, and making sure the axle is centered in it's original position. Its not that big of a deal really; some careful measuring, some cutting, a little drilling and finally, some welding. The ecj5 fame is long enough in the front. If I know the arch on my existing rears (I'm guessing they are 1 or 1.5" springs) then I only have to buy one pair of rear springs. I can always buy a pair of 2.5" springs, compare them to my rear springs, and move on from there. It'd be nice not to have to purchase a full set....then I'm considering the wrangler spring swap.

 

I put Rancho 1" lift springs on my Stock CJ 5, they settle that much in a year or two. You might consider just having the ones on your Jeep rebuilt and reached, that was not too expensive the last time I had it done. Something to consider. Good Luck

 

Ok. It finally dried out enough to lay on the ground. Not sure this will help, but here it is.

I measured directly up from the tops of the axle tubes to the bottom of the frame directly above, ignoring the bumpstops (or lack thereof). I got between 5"-5 1/4" up front, and the same in the rear.

Shackles are home made, but stock height.

I'll post a pic of the front end so you can see the angle of the drag links. I'm guessing there is about a 1"-1 1/2" lift to this thing, judging by their angles. At stock height, I think they should be a little closer to level.

 

Your springs look O K to me, maybe a little flat, the shackles are pointing forward a little, but not much. You could get them rebuilt probably cheaper than buying all new.
Someone has worked on them before, the bar stock shackles are not stock. Good Luck
I just took another look are your shocks upside down?

 

"Famous Potatoes" made me laugh. Idaho's claim to fame.

 

It's so silly. The closest productive potato farm in Idaho is like 500 miles from here!

 

I'm just pulling measurements for the OP. Everything on mine is the sketchy handiwork of the previous owner. I got it working well enough in a few days to drive it cross country, then it got pushed to the back burner, and here it sits.

I think he was looking to shave a few ounces off the unsprung weight by flipping the shocks.

 

ITLKSEZ. Thanks for posting this. It does help. I'm actually in Idaho right now visiting my folks. When I get home I'll remeasure and see what I come up with. I think I recall the front in the 5 1/2" inch range and the back around 7 1/2", from axle to frame. My rig has about 1/2 of shackle lift (1" over stock conferr shackles).

 

My goal here, like most most folks doing suspension work, is to improve ride and increase articulation off road. Putting longer springs on the thing achieves this goal. Putting CJ rears in the front is a cost effective way to do this if a guy has some of the parts already.

I have a feeling my current front springs are in the 1" range and the rears are 2 1/2" range. Again, they're not from the same kit/manufacturer. Somebody pieced it together.

I'll probably pick up a pair of 2 1/2" BDS rear springs, start into the rear-end, and go from there. My hope is that my existing rears are close to a 2.5" spring, and put those up front. Again, I realize that I have to do some mild fab work.

I've thought about the Holbrook option but they are still a 1 3/4 wide spring, and $1200+. A pair of BDS rear springs cost $250. I need new shocks no matter what.

 

If it's an option at all, I'd seriously consider a wrangler spring swap. The stability a wider spring offers is a major improvement, and the wider pack also allows the leaves to be thinner and more flexible without compromising handling.

Don't pay much attention to me. I'm just the devil on your shoulder.

 

That's a good suggestion and I am considering it. It's probably the best system for sure. It is of course a bit more work and money. With the RR kit I'd have to figure out if I can get the shackle hangers/brackets in there without moving my power steering box and then how it will affect my front bumper with the winch and all. I think Wrangler springs are just long enough that i'd have to modify/reinforce the front frame horns If I don't use the RR kit. Cj rears will fit in there just fine. I have to decide how far down this rabbit hole I want to go. It would be nice to make this one a weekend project.