68 Leaf Spring Options

I have a 68 CJ5 with a V6 and a snow plow. One of the front springs is shot and I'm having a hard time finding a replacement. Its a 10 pack leaf and no one seems to have one, I've seen 5 and 7 leaves but no 10. Can I use a 5 or 7? what are my options? I will probably install a lift when I have the funds so I don't want to spend a lot right now on temporary fix.

 

Is the spring fixable? Maybe a spring and axle shop can repair the one you have, the cost would probably be comparable to buying a replacement one.

 

Shot as in broken or just flat? If the main leaf is broken, get a used spring from someone here and replace the top one or two leaves. Or take a used 5 or 7 leaf spring and put a few of the leaves from your spring in the pack to beef it up. Lots of lift kits go in here, with left-over worn-out factory springs. Or install some weaker springs and add some air shocks or air bags or coil boosters - lots of options if you are resourceful. Post up your location and someone here might be able to help.

 

Sorry, I should have explained it better. The leaves are badly rusted and from the looks of it the whole leaf will need to be replaced. The other front leaf looks fine though. I just wanted to get her fixed up enough to get me through the winter so that I can plow the driveways if need be. Was the 10 pack leaf an factory option because of the plow set up? Do I even need a 10 pack? I am in Baltimore and I have been searching CL but can't seem to locate one.

 

if it aint broke dont fix it. thats what they call a can o worms

 

There are several new 10-packs on ebay right now. Various prices, about $125 per set. Worth checking for M38-A1 parts too, I think they may fit.

 

I made the mistake of replacing my springs with HD 11 leaf packs to support my plow. After taking the extras out it still rides stiff after 6 years and 12,000mi I've maxed out the hydro before those springs ever squatted.
I would get by now with the weak side if just plowing so you could get a quality lift kit and some air shocks or bags. pump up when the plow is on and not have a sore back when driving in the summer

 

Jeep used a lot of different combinations of leaf count and leaf thickness over the years. But all the '55-75 CJs used the same length and width of springs, so you can get replacements from any CJ (or M38A1) from that era.

I'd probably go jwjeep60's route if I had a plow.

Ken B. (member oldtime) posted a list of spring applications for these Jeeps a while back. Search and you might find it. But generally, replacement springs won't match the originals exactly, except in length and width. So don't obsess over the number of leaves.

I expect lots of members here have old springs around ... I know I do. Shipping is a big issue though. Maybe you can get the attention of someone in the MD-DE-NoVA area that has some springs.

 

Thanks for all of the advice. I will search for the leaf spring list and see what I come up with. I will probably do what jwjeep60 suggested and save a few bucks for a lift to put on in the spring/summer. I did find a guy that has a set of (4) 7 leave rears and 5 leave fronts for $100 and he isn't too far from me, what do you think? Should I go that route? I know there are new springs out there but as you said shipping.......ouch.

Sorry for all of the questions but I want to go about this the right way and not waste money on things that I don't need.

 

I wouldn't personally go with used. Most early jeeps have squatted down quite a little, in my experience, after 50 years or more. Even the 10 and 12 leaf.

Not pushing anything, but I think some of the ebay springs were shipped "free," or reasonable.

 

What did they come off of? I believe the set I have that came off my '75 is 7 front and 5 rear - this was a standard-duty setup in 1975.

Maybe they are aftermarket? $100 seems pretty high for used springs, unless they are near-new lift kit springs. IMO worn-out springs should sell for close to the scrap value. Make sure that whatever you get is 1.75" wide - later Jeep springs are wider.

 

It says that they are from a 66, and that they are nearly new. They are on the South Jersey CL site, there is a picture as well.

 

From the pic those don't look too bad.
If you can get all the shackles with them, even better.
Don't forget you'll need new u-bolts too.

 

SIDSCJ, I talked to the guy and he said that everything pictured is included and that he bought them new and they weren't on long before he scrapped the project. They have been sitting in his shed for about 10 years. I think I'll try to hook up with him and get them. The PO of my 68 had 2 new u-bolts in the Jeep so thats one less thing that I need.
Thanks for all of your input guys.

 

Do you guys think that it would be an idea to change the leaf springs to 2" wide? I know you would have to change the mounts. but can it be done with out to much of a headache.

 

Sure, if you can weld. Don't consider it unless you are going to weld the mounts on.

There's a tech article about converting to Wrangler springs on the site. http://www.earlycj5.com/technical/s...mediate-cj-5-to-wrangleryj-spring-conversion/

 

you might find that the new(ish) stock replacemets lift your jeep back up to where it should be and you may not need lift springs.