Do Skyjacker softride leaf springs really help

Has anyone out there installed skyjacker softride springs and noticed a difference. My 1970 cj5 is ready for new springs and i am considering installing 2.5" skyjacker softride springs but was wondering if they really make the ride softer. i was also wonders what is the best shock if i do go with the softride springs. I will be running with 33" tires as well, don't plan on doing any hard core off roading, just taking it easy. if there is another manufacture or shock system all together that someone has had a good experiece with that would be great as well. i have read these older cj5's ride rough reguardless of what you do, is that totally true. any help would be great.

thanks Dave B.

 

My 70 already had the Rough Country 2.5" springs and shackles in it when I bought it, and I don't know if they claim "softride" like skyjacker does, and I don't know how the original springs rode, but it's a couple orders of magnitude away from "soft" in my opinion..... I didn't expect it to ride like an Aston-Martin, but it's definitely not "soft"

 

"Soft" is relative in our old Jeeps. If you're used to late model vehicles, no, they will never ride "soft". If you're used to old farm trucks and what not then yes, they can ride "soft", sort of. The Holbrooks will give you as nice a ride as any leaf spring is likely going to except very, very expensive custom built units.

 

I have Black Diamond 3" springs on my A1 and they don't have a reputation for being a smooth ride. With that said, the easiest way to smooth the ride out is get an inflation chart for whatever tires you run. Then inflate the tires to the level that is sufficient for your GVWR. If you have a set of C load range 31 10.5 that are rated 2800 lbs each at 35 psi, the chart will show you what psi you need to run for an 1800 lb each load rating. This is probably around 20 psi or so. This has a dramatic effect on how the ride feels. Another secret is to run adjustable shocks. Even a set of stiff springs will ride softer with a light shock setting.

This is also good for tire wear. When I had 35 14.5 Mickey's on my Jimmy I ran them at 21 psi to get even tire wear on the road. With the 35 BFG's that number was 26.

 

Tires with flexible sidewalls (yes, not the best for the rocks) and low inflation pressures will help a lot.

What tire pressure are you running? Pressure spec'd on the tire is for a full load, and will be way too high. Lower the pressure until you get an ideal footprint (this is also best for tire life).

This topic has been covered a lot in previous posts. http://www.google.com/#sclient=psy&...gc.r_pw.&fp=97eede9ed711c932&biw=1311&bih=973

 

What Tim said!

I run 33x 12.5 bias ply swampers. I air them down to around 12 PSI. Rides like a pillow barge! Now keep in mind I do have an air compressor with me and always air up before getting back on pavement. I have come to believe it is a necessity here in the Southwest. I've run some places out here with 60 miles of the worst washboard and at the right pressure it's barely noticeable.

Also consider your loading. I have typical springs but a rear rack with spare, 2 jerry cans, hi-lift jack, etc. Back of the jeep is full of tools and spare parts. I'll be looking for either stiffer springs or an add-a-leaf.

 

Have you guys seen the price on holbrooks lately, They have really went up in the last year. I want a set for myself!


http://www.holbrookspecialties.com/

 

Thanks for the feedback guy, I don't have any idea what type springs are on there right now or do i even know were to look to see what type they are. I just know that one of the front springs are sagging and they all look like they should be replaced. To this point i have not driven the jeep, at least not sense 1987 when i was a kid begging my dad to let me drive it, and when he finally gave in i remember it was a rough ride. Right now there are old 33 x 12.5 x 15 firestone all terrain tires on it, i plan on going with the same size tires but with BFG mud terrain. As Joe mentioned i have to consider a few other things as well. I do also have a rear rack and spare tire as well as the entire body is made of stainless steel wich is about 4% heavier than regular steel. i will be riding on the pavement about 75% of the time, i am just woundering what the lowest PSI i should go with to have the pillow barge ride to it and not be unsafe or get 3 miles to the gallon. I looked at the price of the Holbrooks and i made a definate decision to go with skyjacker or rough country. Another thing i was woundering about was i measured the shakles that are on there right now and there is 4" from center of bolt to bolt and i plan on getting 2-1/2" springs, would that now be considered a total lift of 6-1/2".

 

If you have a 4" shackle it gives you 2" of lift, other guys on here are smarter than me on suspension may chime in. I run 33x12.50 pro comp mt's and run 25 lb pressure in mine I have been thinking about going to 20 and see if it helps or hurts.

 

And much easier!!

 

That should say 4" over stock length shackle. I'd have to measure a stock shackle but if they really are 4" bolt hole to bolt hole that's not terribly off what a stock shackle is.

I know Holbrook's has been trying to keep the costs down on their springs but the cost of steel, shipping to the builders, etc. has gone way up hence the cost increase. I agree it's a lot of money but like the others said, in the big scheme of things easier and cheaper than most conversions and it works.

 

In my experience Rough Country sucks.....On both an old Ramcharger and my current F-150 they ride rough and the springs sag fairly quickly. Never again for me!!

 

I have a 70 and when I first got it the ride was very, very harsh. I'm pretty sure they were the original springs. It would "shake your teeth out" just going over the railroad tracks.

When I put the skyjacker softrides on the difference was like night and day. I couldn't believe how much better it was after changing springs.

I use radial tires because I think they get better traction - but they also improve the ride.

2 other points.

1) if you're not going to do much off roading I would say take a look at using a smaller tire. Maybe a 32 x 10.50? I put up with the larger tires so I can do better off road but I can't see living with 33's if I didn't use them off road.

2) you said something about having a stainless steel jeep? tell us more! and we need pictures!

 

AKCJ, i was hoping to hear from someone with a 70 cj5 that has felt the ride before and after the softride springs, thanks for the feedback. It looks like everything you have in your jeep is what i have in mine. As far as my SS jeep i got it from my dad after he passed away 3 years ago, it was sitting in the weather for about 10 and i have been slowly restoring it. Click on the photobucket link below and the are pic in there. i can not figure out how to post pics on the thread from the photobucket in a larger size, if anyone can tell me i would be great.

http://s1226.photobucket.com/albums/ee418/dbougher/

 

Thanks alot Patrick, i think you have made up my mind and the skyjackers are the way to go. what shocks do you recommend with the softride springs.

 

Agreed.