Any YJ spring lifts here?

I got some questions for you. Did you use the stock axles? Any problems with anything.

 

The problem is not with the stock axles, but the length of the YJ spring, and especially up front that is a problem. I am using a custom tube frame which solved the length issue. I think there is someone on this site that had a spring shop make a set of short YJ springs made to match the stock length, you may want to do a search on this site for his post on this, and again the issue is spring length not stock axles. There is an article on this site about YJ springs on a CJ5, which is close to a Flat fender, but again the CJ5 has a longer frame up front. Also, I would not go spring over, as this is old school, as I went spring under with new 3.5 inch lift springs which is much better and you do not have problems with spring wrap...

 

The reason i am looking for alternatives, like the spring over with yj springs is i am looking for a cheap alternative. I do not have the 300.00 plus dollars for lift springs. I am able to modify or make what i need to do the swap. Ive found the spring plates and hangers cheap. Whatever i need to do i can buy cheap or make.

if i need to stretch the front of the frame a couple inches i can do that to.

 

When I had my flatty I boxed the frame and used 2"x5" box in the front to lengthen it about 6". This strengthened and moved the front mounts down for a shackle reverse. I attached the front and rear mounts as far out as I could and I think the wheel base ended up about the same as stock. Being narrow that was a little tippy so I ended up going with Waggy axles a little later which was a much better and stronger setup. You'll need to fab up a wrap bar of some sort as this is a problem.

 

One more thing, I have to admit that I went with waggy axles, cut down to 56", for a wider stance on my CJ3B. The price for the Dana 44's from pick-an-pull was too cheap to pass up, and my friend has a machine shop that does this sort of axle shortening so the price was right!!! The waggy front 44 is the short one (passenger side drop) were you only have to shorten one side to make it work in a Flat Fender Jeep.

 

I gave some info on installing YJ style springs in my buildup here http://www.earlycj5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=60125 There are some part numbers listed for hangers to use as well. Stock YJ springs for spring over lifts are soft and ride ok but axle wrap and wheel hop is brutal without some sort of rear control arm or ladder bar. Even the front axle wrap can be bad. I have done the lifts before for others but I would never do one for myself. It saves money initially but ends up complicated in the end. I decided to go with a 4.5" lift kit having YJ style springs for myself. It can be done like you have in mind and work but sometimes it is just better to wait and spend the money to get a better product. Good luck with it.
Greg

 

I have to agree with AVmechanic. While seeming less expensive up front a spring over conversion usually costs way more in the long run sorting out issues like spring wrap, steering angles and clearance, caster issues, etc. I'd save my pennies until I could purchase or trade for a decent lift kit.
I have done both ways and have found that a spring under lift is generally much cheaper in the end result.

 

Ok guys thanks for the help.