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58cj With Front Shackles In The Rear. Swap?

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by danielbuck, Aug 3, 2022.

  1. Aug 9, 2022
    jeepdaddy2000

    jeepdaddy2000 Active Member

    Eagle Point oregon
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    Jun 24, 2004
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    The arc won't stay. If you go that route, you will need to have them done at a spring shop. You don't want to put any more arc than stock as it will shorten the main spring and can ruin the shackle angle.

    If you go with aftermarket springs, try to choose ones without the military wrap, as it may foul the frame under compression.
     
  2. Aug 9, 2022
    fyrmn

    fyrmn Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    High Desert AZ
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    Apr 29, 2006
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    FWIW
    If you decide to go with new lift kit springs, the front will sit lower than the rear. Due to the shackle mounting position in the frame as opposed to the later model where the mount is welded to the bottom of the frame. IIRC, that is about 3” difference. I don’t know of anyone who makes a correct aftermarket spring for these early year/years to compensate for this. I suppose you could go longer shackles to make up the difference. If I am incorrect I stand corrected. BTDT
     
  3. Aug 9, 2022
    danielbuck

    danielbuck Uncle Buck

    USA
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    Jan 22, 2013
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    3" probably sounds about right, considering the frame mount on a front shackle spring would be a few inches lower than the frame, and right now the shackle through the frame is a few inches above the bottom of the frame
     
  4. Aug 9, 2022
    Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

    Florida Keys
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    Jan 23, 2014
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    4,170
    I have a shackle reversal on my ‘66 CJ5 and have no issues with on-road handling, and I think the front climbs over obstacles better than a front shackle setup. I’d leave the shackles the way they are,
    As previously mentioned, bending some arch back into your springs won’t last any time. This needs to be done by a spring shop that knows what they’re doing with heat tempering.
    -Donny
     
    PeteL likes this.
  5. Aug 9, 2022
    danielbuck

    danielbuck Uncle Buck

    USA
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    Jan 22, 2013
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    thanks for the info :) Yes, I'll be leaving the shackle configuration as it is now. The drivability issue was definitely the toe-in alignment, and possibly a bit of the really old tires. New tires just arrived today, so I'll get them on later.

    I'll see if it's worth it to either get new springs (Deaver, Atlas, whatever) or have these re-arched.
     
    Glenn likes this.
  6. Aug 9, 2022
    Oldpappy

    Oldpappy A.C. Fults - Curmudgeon at large 2022 Sponsor

    East Tennessee
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    I don't know why folks want to replace an oil bath air cleaner with a paper filter. In my opinion the oil bath is better. If you need one I have several CJ5 oil bath cleaners out in the shed.
     
    Glenn and PeteL like this.
  7. Aug 9, 2022
    danielbuck

    danielbuck Uncle Buck

    USA
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    Jan 22, 2013
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    well in my case, the bottom of the oil bath fell out and is on the side of the road somewhere. :lol:
     
    FinoCJ likes this.
  8. Aug 9, 2022
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    Aug 3, 2003
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    When I got my one-owner '56, it was durn near perfect, except the bottom of the oil bath was missing.

    I went to a local scrap yard, and at the bottom of a pile of vehicles was a CJ5 tub. Virtually the only part left in it was the oil bath. I think I paid $5.

    And yes, I have no desire at all to convert paper filters.
     
  9. Aug 9, 2022
    Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    Apopka, Fl
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    Sep 21, 2002
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    I feel the same way.
     
  10. Aug 9, 2022
    Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    Apopka, Fl
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    Sep 21, 2002
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    12,367
    Leaf springs absolutely can and will break. I have first hand knowledge of that, as I know a lot of us on here do.
     
  11. Aug 9, 2022
    Oldpappy

    Oldpappy A.C. Fults - Curmudgeon at large 2022 Sponsor

    East Tennessee
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    Worn out leaf springs are still useful steel. Some of the best knives I have ever owned were made from the leaf springs off an old truck.
     
  12. Aug 9, 2022
    danielbuck

    danielbuck Uncle Buck

    USA
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    Jan 22, 2013
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    Yes, I've broken a leaf spring before, fortunately I was able to drive home with it. :)
     
    Glenn likes this.
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