confused about leaf spring replacement

i've read all the threads i could find through search about replacing the leaf springs on my early cj5 (69).

i'm still confused. i don't think i have a lift on mine right now. it has stock shackles that i will replace with MORE's. i am running 31"x10.5x15 tires and i really don't want to lift it. so i will probably use the MORE 3/4 lubeable shackles.

i have little to no idea about the springs i can, might, should use. i would like to smooth out the ride a little but i don't want to add to the "roll over" factor.

i can tell that the current springs are not keeping it tracking well. everything else has little or no slop. i turn the steering wheel and the front tires react immediately. virtually no lash. (thanks to all the help i got from everyone on this site when i rebuilt the steering!!!)

i can see, feel and hear the leaves shifting when i turn a lot. and some of the binding bands are loose or missing.

as i said i would rather not have to change a lot other than the springs and prefer no lift. or at least have it match the MORE shackles.

i will run the cj as a driver and off road. i prefer some stability as to roll.


in other words ....since you all helped me actually understand steering and ps steering/geometry, i KNOW you can help me with this.

i think i will prefer new rather than salvage springs. that way i know what i'm getting, etc.

thanks in advance for any and all. o yeah i prefer NOT to spend $800 + on the fancier kits. i realize that i will have to get new shocks.

thx again.

 

How many leafs are in your spring pak. The stocks ones had a bunch, like 8-11 leafs depending on the duty rating. My Rancho 2 1/2" kit has 6 leafs I think maybe 5, it is still stiff though, but fairly flexible. I don't think anyone makes a kit that creates a truly softriding early Cj5 or any 5 for that matter, everyone I have ever ridden in is very stiff compared to a Wrangler of any kind. The long leaves may be softer but they are $$$. The right shocks will help greatly along with not over tightening the shackle bolts. My Rancho's are somewhere around 13 years old and don't have hardly any sag, at least non that I have ever really noticed.

 

That means mine has 5, I remembered doing that I justed couldn't remember how many mine had for sure but I do remember mine had 1 more leaf than yours.

 

well. i when i mean smooth.... heh. on a cj, it's pretty relative. i've been in ecj's that FELT like the frame was bolted directly to the axles...

i'll count the leaves in mine tomorrow. but i think it's 9 in front and 4 or 5 in the rear. i know the po had the pass. rear re-arched. i would like to eventually put a winch on the front but i will be keeping the dauntless v6 and NOT putting in a v8.

i figure i will keep the stock length.

 

I bought the "better" stock springs from Walck's. He had 2 qualities and recommended the better ones (10 front, 9 rear). It put mine up about 1" higher than the old stock packs. They're not cheap, probably $100. more that the Skyjacker set. After doing the whole job, I kinda wish I had done the Skyjackers.

 

I used skyjacker softride on my 58. It rode like a different Jeep after I put them on. They are 2.5" lift. allows for 33's, but not too hight to get in.

 

Check out www.holbrookspecialties.com Great product, nice folks to talk to. I used their springs on my buildup. Haven't road/trail tested yet but will post results when I do.
Joe