# of leaf springs '68 cj5

Hi! I've got a stock '68 cj5 with the 231 v6 and t-14a trans. Years ago I had a bent spring and replaced them with some after market ones that rode like a cement truck. After pulling /swapping multiple leafs I gave up. I've now decided to try again. I see original springs listed for sale, but I don't remember what mine were from the factory. The factory ones rode smooth
and I would like that back. Does any one know what the factory leaf count was front and rear?
Does a higher leaf count mean thinner leaves, with a smoother ride, or is it just the opposite? Thx - Mike

 

BTT. Nobody have an original that they can count the leafs for me?

 

for the fronts
5,7,10 or 12 leafs are what's shown depending on how the Jeep was ordered.
5,9,10,12,13 shown for the rears.

 

my late 69 is 12/13

 

I have a '66 CJ5 and it has 10 in the front and 8 in the rear (see attachments).

TheJeep.com sells replacements:
10 front leaves:
http://thejeep.com/shop/product_inf...{8}83?osCsid=be3b69b4743812ba61d682265bc8cb7e
9 rear leaves:
http://thejeep.com/shop/product_info.php/products_id/2516{8}83

Mine are pretty flat, I'm going to replace them in a few paychecks.

 

Wow! I didn't know there were so many variables. Would my vin show a spring count somehow? This jeep is being retired to sunday drives, would someone recomend a leaf count for a smooth ride. Thx - Mike

 

Very little info in the VIN from that era - just the type of vehicle (CJ-5) and sequential serial number.

The leaf count wouldn't matter so much as the spring rate. That can vary with the manufacturer. The Skyjacker "softride" springs are supposed to ride nice, or at least softer than the originals.

Maybe contact Bob Supplee (in the "where to buy" thread at the top of the forum), tell him what you want and ask what he recommends. I'd avoid generic replacement springs if I wanted a softer ride.

 

I just replaced my 7 front 5 rear with Omnix replacement springs. NO ride improvement, if fact they may need breaking in. They are definitely not softer than the worn out originals they replaced. Don't care, its a trail jeep. Turned out to be a 1" lift from the old ones.

Folks seem to like the Softrides, but I think they only come as a lift spring... 2". IIRC.

 

I can say the skyjacker soft rides were a big improvement over my worn out originals. Doesn't "shake your teeth out" going over the railroad tracks anymore.