What Yj Springs To Get

I will be getting the spring hangers from them.

 

This is the reason that we are going to modify Steve's RR kit this winter. After 1-1/2 years and a rubicon trip, the shackle angles have not changed. We are planing on moving the front shackle hanger back about 1" and the rear shackle hanger forward 1". Of course this is just the rough starting point. Once we get it all dialed in were going to just burn the brackets to the frame.

I have said before that there are problems with the RR kit. Those problems are correctable and I recommend it to anyone who doesn't have the shop, tools, or experience to DIY it. It is a fairly easy install and will net you a better ride than any other readily available spring kits.

 

If you go with the OME springs you need to make sure that you sort out your hanger and bushing situation. I used OME springs and a standard Daystar Yj bushing kit. The standard Yj bushings are too large for the OME springs.... I knew this going into it... If you have access to to a lathe, the bushings can be turned down to fit with the proper amount of "snugness". I used a piece of 1/2" tube as a mandrel to slide the bushing on and hold it while machining.
The OME springs are also not a full 2.5" wide.... so you will need to remove some material from the inner side of the bushings and shorten the metal sleeve.

While the OME bushings are much more expensive, it may be easier to go that route. I "think" the 2.75" wide Ruff Stuff brackets would work with the OME bushings.... minor bushing side grinding is probably necessary.
I highly recommend greasable bolts.... drill, tap and install grease fittings in the shackle hangers as well.



Setup for turning poly bushings in the lathe.

 

I will be welding my brackets on, at a later date. So if they need to be adjusted I will do it then. I actually, won't be doing that welding, because I currently weld by the pound.

 

My shackles are 5 1/2" center to center.

 

Does anyone have experience with bds springs? They offer a 3.5 inch option.

Also how can I figure out how much lift my Jeep currently has? I know it has longer shackles but not sure about the springs. I know they are not original.

 

IMO, springs that are in the range of flat-2.5” range of arch when weighted offer the best ride and articulation range. If you’re running the springs outside the frame, the actual lift height of the springs is moot. Out-boarding the springs usually involves spring mounts along the side of the frame. Comparing your planned setup to other rigs with the springs under the frame isn’t going to help, when you’ll be able to add/delete height to/from your rig by where you place your hangers.

I’m curious as to what your plans are for spring/shackle mounts? Pre-made or all custom?

 

I wish I would have done this when I put mine together. It would have been really easy to build an extra 1/2" or 1" of lift into the spring hangers.

 

DR61,
If you read through my build thread, you will see that I used RuffStuff hangers, and did a YJ 2.5" spring conversion with a shackle reversal and 4" RuffStuff shackles. My axles are from a J-10, so while wider then your Wagoneer axles, they will have the same spring perch offset and you will need to outboard the front springs. I also added a 1" body lift to clear the revised drive train. This combination is currently on 31s but is perfect for 33 inch tires. I feel that for 35 inch tires you will need to go at least 4" of lift and/or cut the fenders. I wanted to keep my fenders whole, so I won't go larger then 33s. The real issue is the size of the rear fender opening. A 35" tire is just too big for the stock opening. You can use a set of TJ fender flares and cut the fender accordingly to run the bigger tires on a 3-4" of total lift.

Project Old Goat - 1965 Cj5a Restomod

Mike

 

Pre made spring and shackle hangers. I will make the outboarding brackets to mount them too.

 

Read through your build. Very nice work. I will be cutting the wheel wells.

 

Hope you're making great progress on your swap! Here’s a Waggy D-30 swapped in to a 71 CJ5 with only the passenger side spring outboarded using 4” Superlift springs.

And out on the trails in Las Cruces NM in that config. Tires are 33x15.50 Swamper SX on 15x10 rims.

 

Where you at in Cali? I've got a rear Waggy D44 complete with brakes needing a new home.

 

Im outside Manteca. I have front and rear 44s from a Wagoneer. I'm hoping to do the swap next winter.