Removing Leaves From Leaf Springs

I know there has been lengthy discussion in the forum about leaf springs and softening the ride on these early CJs but from what I was able to find on the forum I hadn't seen much talk about modifying leaf springs in this way. At least not specific detail on how to do it.

I recently took my jeep to the shop for a bit of work that was beyond my garage capabilities and the very first thing the mechanic said was "wow look at those springs! Did they come from an 18 wheeler?" 10 leaves sure does seem excessive for a little 1966 CJ5. His suggestion was to remove a few leaves. I've been thinking about it and wondering if it's really that simple. I've never messed with the springs in that way so I wanted to ask you all if it's as easy as taking them apart and putting them back together with fewer springs. It seems like there's more to it than that. What about those bent metal brackets holding the leaves together? Would new ones have to be made to hold the thinner leaf set together? Is this a bad idea all together? Buying new springs is probably out of the question for me this year.

Looking forward to your thoughts. If this isn't a bad idea and serves as a cheap way to soften the ride, I'd love some technical advice on details that may not be so obvious.


(Edit: it should be noted that this jeep is used 100% for gravel roads and mud. Mostly flat terrain aside from the occasional deep rut, and driving speed rarely exceeds 35mph)

 

A lot of work for a Jeep that doesn't exceed 35 mph...
lower tire pressure might be a better option

 

Fair enough, it's the washerboard gravel roads and dry dirt roads that beat me to death. Even at low speeds.

 

2 major points I learned from doing this:
1. Your ride height will probably drop, so if it's already on the low side, you might want to reconsider.
2. Try to keep the progression of leaf lengths consistent from long to short (i.e., remove every other leaf rather than 5 from the bottom). This will help prevent over-stressing and bends.

It's a trial and error process, so be prepared to have your jeep apart numerous times.

As far as the pack clamps go, I used to use hose clamps (and duct tape to keep them in place) until I got the hight and ride I was happy with, then I'd install the permanent ones. They're sorta single use (twice if you're lucky). They're available at a spring shop or online.

 

Yeah the ride height occurred to me after posting, that would be a problem. I'm already at stock height and probably a bit lower after 50 years of use on the springs. Wouldn't want to drop lower and wouldn't want to spend the money on an all new suspension system this year. Maybe tire pressure is my best bet for now.

 

Watch the local Craigslist for an old cheap set of lift springs, then mix-n-match individual leaves between them and yours. Some of my favorite Jeeps were on leaves from all different packs.

 

I have high arch springs on my jeep and it rides.. well, like an old jeep. I run about 20 lbs of air in my tires to make the ride a bit easier, but in time that will wear out the tires funny. I would leave it alone. Once you take apart those old spring packs, they aren't going to be fun to put back together. you're also going to break your Ubolts and there will be other issues you're not going to want to mess with. trust me.

 

All of the above advice, is good advice. Your springs are indeed probably not worth taking apart. That said, I have modified springs with good results. As ITLKSEZ has said, it does take a little experimentation. Removing a single bottom leaf or second to bottom leaf (or both) will often have a positive softening effect in a 6 or 7 leaf pack. I've messed around with this adapting longer, higher weight load rear springs for the front end.

Lastly the leaf keepers can be bent open in a U shape which will help the leaves move and flex better. But do not remove them because they help to keep the leaves aligned. The BDS springs for example, do not have a tight-banded keeper around the springs. The top is open a 1/2" or so to allow for some movement.

 

Springs get old and tired, they are one of the main parts of a Jeep. The old school springs need up grading to the new technology to make your Jeep all it can be. Also think about shimming the left side to take out the Jeep Lean, I wish I had done that when I replaced my springs. Good Luck.

 

Thanks, I appreciate everybody's comments. This sounds like a project for next year when I can do it properly rather than rig something questionable.

 

If u want a really soft ride you'll have to buy new springs, or at least different ones.
I did a YJ spring conversion,and love it, it's super soft and flexy.
Rides kinda like an atv. Their are many options on spring choice.

 

I did the same thing to my Renegade II it had 12 springs in the front and 13 in the back. The ride seemed very harsh and I removing a couple of leafs. I should of keep closer tabs on them but during the process of moving a few of them vanished. I really never even could tell if the ride improved any.

 

You might want to get a few spring center bolts before you start taking the pack apart. These bolts are really long, and will help you to draw the pack together once it's apart. Supposedly Napa stores have them.

 

I've rebuilt spring packs a number of times as a back-woods measure.

I eventually discovered that a professional spring shop can do anything I need, at reasonable cost.