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Spring Hanger Differences, If Any

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by Jonbbrew, Sep 14, 2021.

  1. Sep 14, 2021
    Jonbbrew

    Jonbbrew Member

    Paso Robles, CA
    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2015
    Messages:
    739
    Hello,

    I have a frankie that is a CJ5 on a C3A as far as i have been able to tell over the years. I know BDS is the way to go when lifting, which i plan on doing someday. But also considering going ahead and replacing the C brackets with newer styles. Is there a difference in the bolt hole size on the frame hangers as i am trying to also plan for the new springs which seem as though to get the lift i need to go with CJ5 springs.

    Thoughts...
     
  2. Sep 14, 2021
    Sierra Bum

    Sierra Bum Member

    The High Sierra
    Joined:
    Oct 23, 2017
    Messages:
    329
    BDS springs are popular as they hold up, ride and flex well. I have a set of ECJ5 rears in the front of my 68' CJ5 (non BDS on the back). Works really well. Something to think about is this: If you do indeed have a CJ5 tub on a CJ3a frame, which obviously is unusual, keep in mind that the springs are different lengths., thus the hangers and shackle bracket spacing is not compatible between the two models. If you want to run ECJ5 springs you'll need to move your srping hangers & shackle brackets and maybe need to lengthen the flatty frame. With this you'll want to install new hangers anyway. If I remember right the CJ3a springs are 36.5" long front -x- 41" long rear. ECJ5 springs are 38.5" long front -x- 44.5" long rear. If you do this you may as well run ECJ5 rears in the front as well.... or YJ or late CJ springs.
     
    Jonbbrew likes this.
  3. Oct 8, 2021
    64cjbob

    64cjbob Member

    Butler pa
    Joined:
    Mar 18, 2021
    Messages:
    62
    Nice looking jeep what year and color. I have a 64 and pine tip green. Looks the same color
     
    Zooks likes this.
  4. Oct 9, 2021
    Jonbbrew

    Jonbbrew Member

    Paso Robles, CA
    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2015
    Messages:
    739
    Thanks. I would really want to do that fab change. I will check the spring length as best as I can to help confirm what I have. I just want to bolt right in a compatible spring and shackles.
     
  5. Oct 9, 2021
    Jonbbrew

    Jonbbrew Member

    Paso Robles, CA
    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2015
    Messages:
    739
    Not sure on color or if it’s an actual Jeep color. Looks better far away and in pics. I like it though. It’s registered as a 63’ Willys CJ5 but not much is really that. I wonder why my signature block is not showing. I’m on my iPhone right now though so maybe only shows up if I post from my PC. It has more details
     
  6. Oct 9, 2021
    Andrew Theros

    Andrew Theros Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Los Osos, CA
    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2021
    Messages:
    393
    If I turn my IPhone sideways, it shows the sig lines.
     
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  7. Oct 9, 2021
    Sierra Bum

    Sierra Bum Member

    The High Sierra
    Joined:
    Oct 23, 2017
    Messages:
    329
    JonBrew, as to spring hanger compatibility, both cj3a and ecj5 springs are 1.75" wide, thus they are compatible. There may be a difference in bolt size, and I'd think that this could be addressed by otherwise sizing up and drilling out the hanger hole and using a hard polly bushing (that can also be drilled out). Something else to consider is an asymmetrical spring like the old Holbrook long-leaves (not sure if they are being made now). They achieved a longer spring on these old jeeps with an off center axle placement on the spring. With this, you may be able to avoid frame modifications and only move the spring hangers and not the shackle hangers.... being careful to line everything up correctly and thoughtful of shackle angle. And lastly just as an FYI, the late CJ and YJ front and rears are all around 44.5" long, eye to eye.
     
    Last edited: Oct 9, 2021
    Jonbbrew likes this.
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