Spring Replacement Issues

Replaced all four springs with Omix stock type springs. The installation was typical for a Jeep mechanics, a lot of unexpected little things but no deal breakers. I did run into something that I though would be good to pass on the group.

The rebound clips/clamps on the front springs interfere with the spring stops. The stop actually sits on the clip when the weight is on the spring. I've removed the stops for the time being while thinking about a work around.

BTW the new springs feel better than the old ones but are softer riding than I would have thought. Never having a Jeep before I assumed they would ride rougher.

 

A couple of suggestions. I think the pack of washers on your bump stop is something a PO added. You could also go to a smaller urethane bump stop, which may clear the clip. If needed, you can cut the top of the spring clip off with a sawzall or such - it won't affect the function of the spring. All the clip does is keep the leaves from splaying out.

 

Not being familiar with the intermediates..but that bump stop looks homade to me

My early frame has the bumpstop bolted directly to the frame.

 

Factory equipment.

<edit> I have these, but I have not installed them yet. http://www.amazon.com/Prothane-19-1301-BL-Black-Rectangular-Bump/dp/B003AW2EKO They are 1 3/8" wide, and may clear your clips.

 

Good point about the washers, I didn't notice that. One idea I had was to cut about half of the rubber stop off to make it half as thick. Also thought about cutting the top of the clip off too. I'll look into different bump stops that are a bit thinner too. As I said, just another one of those small things you find when you do this kind of thing and a solution is usually found pretty quickly when submitted to the earlycj5 hive mind.

 

i have ditched the whole bracket and stop altogether made a much less harsh off road exp.

 

So maybe I just leave the stops off and not worry about it. I like that, the price is right. I guess the spring hitting the rubber stop isn't much softer than hitting the bracket is it?

 

If you take the bumpers off, you have to take the brackets off too.

I'm not sure what the intent of those bump-stop brackets is. There is a bump stop on the frame above the axle tube too. It's clear that they don't stop compression of the spring altogether. The spring rate will increase as the spring contacts the bumper, reducing the likelihood you'll smash the axle into the axle bumper. Maybe that's their only purpose.

 

i pulled the entire bracket and rubber off also. they are not on there know but i have poly bumpstops to use on the axlw tubes. with my 2.5" lift springs i would have to extend them alot to do any good so i just jerked them off. it makes for a cleaner look also if anyone really care about that.

 

Looks like the survey say's...... Take the bracket off, it's not really needed.

I'm working under the Jeep today and when I'm finished putting the tow bar side brackets on (not fun) I'll pull the bump stop brackets off too.

I guess Jeep put those brackets and stops on there so they could do the jumps in their 70's TV commercials.

 

I think those stops are to control the "S" bend tendancy of the leafs from axle wrap. I took them off a YJ I had one time and it felt like I had a softball rolling around in the cab every time I gassed it over an obstacle (off road of course ). It may be even more of a concern with the new springs being softer. Just a thought - good luck.