CJ suspension

Ok so, I was reading in the tech archive about the YJ spring conversion and I'm a little confused. Although the article was informative it does not cover the front end alterations. So my question is this: Do you have to alter the steering system at all (relocate steering box, drop pitman, ect)? I have read on pirate and a couple other places that this may be the case. Id rather not lose any turning radius as that is probably the best part of a jeep...

 

As long as you do not use lift springs you do not need to use a drop steering arm or alter the steering in any way.
If you use springs greater then about 1.5" of lift , then yes you will have to modify the steering. This applies to even normal CJ lift springs

That article was specifically about a YJ spring conversion not about lifting the JEEP. Any issues with large lift and other modifications like shackle reversal still apply.

 

Most of the steering mods you read about on Pirate are related to moving the axle forward, and doing SOA (spring over axle) conversions. Even the 4.5" YJ conversion only needs a drop Pitman arm. The lift won't affect turning radius at all. However, the main reason to lift the vehicle is to put on bigger tires, and the tires themselves may limit steering radius. On mine, 35's really increased the radus from the tires hitting the springs. I put on a set of Spidertrax spacers and got it all back.

 

Sweet! That's great news as I just got 4 rear 5 leaf springs off a wrangler today! I guess I'll take em apart and get crackin with some graphite paint and teflon pads lol

Thanks guys!