Super Cheap Spring Lift on a CJ5 (long)

The springs on my 73 CJ5 were totally sagged out, so I needed to do something. I have been called cheap before by friends. The local wrecking yard owner even suggested that that the US Govt and I may even be credited with helping to invent copper wire(The IRS and I fighting over a penny). About 5 years ago I installed a 2 1/2 lift on my 69 IH Scout 800 that only had 35,000 miles on it so the stock springs were in good shape. Maybe some of you have already tried this, but the old stock Scout springs sure looked a lot like CJ springs except somewhat heavier and a bit more arch to them. When compared side by side I estimated that I would get 1 1/2 to 2 inches of lift with them. I thought what the heck I'll try it. I put new CJ5 poly bushings in the frame mounts that I already had on hand, but the eyes in the 69 springs were larger(68 and older 800 spring eyes are exact same as Jeeps). I had some of the larger Scout bushings but they were the flanged type. The flanges sanded off easily and smoothly with a belt sander so that proved to be no problem. (the Jeep had H shackles on it so flanged bushings wouldn't fit) The springs mounted up great and gave me about 3 inches over what I had (but remember my original springs were sagged out an inch to an inch and a half). I went to the local auto parts store and found some cheap shocks with extra travel and stock compressed length. I also got some front brake hoses that were 2 inches longer than stock as the stock ones looked to be almost ready to stretch on full extension. The rear hose appeared to be long enough. Next was the road test. It rode a little stiffer than the original springs but not bad at all. I do have a 10,000 lb Warn winch on the front so the extra stiffness on the front wasn't felt at all, just felt a little stiffer in the back(back was empty, should do good loaded with trail equipment). Overall I was happy with the results, I am now even willing to spend the bucks for new U-bolts for the front, I had new U-bolts lying around for the back and didn't want to spend the money for fronts until I was satisfied with the results. I now even wish I would have purchased better shocks, but will wait until I wear the cheap ones out. At present I have about $120.00 dollars invested in the job, but I still need to get front U- bolts tomorrow. Comments good or bad are welcome.

 

You nut!

 

this is a common thing to do on the early Scout 80's and 800's, using Jeep springs as the Jeep lift kits are cheaper than the Scout kits. One thing that the Scout guys have to do is run a little bit longer rear shackles due to the weight of the rear of the Scout and the frame configuration puts the spring at a different angle so it actually lowers the rear of the Scout some. That's one reason the Scout springs are normally a little more expensive. Have had a few friends do this and worked out great. Had forgotten all about it until your post. Great info! Nickmil.

 

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