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73 Cj5 Leaf Springs

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by Joel B, Mar 7, 2019.

  1. Joel B

    Joel B New Member

    Looking for better ride out of my 73 cj5 w/sbc 350 , it rides like a bicyle !!!!!
     
    Joel B, Mar 7, 2019
    #1
  2. zila

    zila I throw poop

    IMO a YJ Conversion Works best. But that's a lot of work and money.. The problem is skinny stiff springs.. I tried BDS replacement springs, but still not the ride I wanted.. .. Others here may have a solution.
     
    zila, Mar 8, 2019
    #2
  3. sterlclan

    sterlclan Member 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    I actually like my bds springs,but they have been used hard for five years or so and they have limbered up some. I also run a greasable shackle that is kept greased well , like weekly well
     
    sterlclan, Mar 8, 2019
    #3
  4. FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    I run the BDS springs (they are the same for earlycj5 as for an intermediate - just different u-bolts). I really like them - I find them super soft and flexy....if anything they might be too soft and flexy for high speed highway driving and cornering, but overall a HUGE improvement in ride quality over the old leafs I had.
     
    FinoCJ, Mar 8, 2019
    #4
  5. Joel B

    Joel B New Member

    Ok thx guys ....
     
    Joel B, Mar 11, 2019
    #5
  6. txtoller

    txtoller Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    txtoller, Mar 12, 2019
    #6
    rejeep likes this.
  7. Iandavidh

    Iandavidh Member

    Iandavidh, Mar 12, 2019
    #7
  8. txtoller

    txtoller Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    I will let everyone know once I get them.
     
    txtoller, Mar 12, 2019
    #8
    Iandavidh likes this.
  9. Norcal69

    Norcal69 Out of the box thinker 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    So what route are you going to go? Springs that fit the stock hangers? Stock skinny width but longer springs with relocated the brackets?
    Just curious because I looked into this route, but ended going the yj route for off the shelf availability/support and the cost.
     
    Norcal69, Mar 13, 2019
    #9
  10. Chilly

    Chilly Active Member

    I used a rebranded BDS (I think) 2.5" kit. Considered YJ spring conversion for better ride comfort. But instead of spending $500 for conversion (in addition to the actual springs) I put $250 of $1 bills in each back pocket. The extra padding works fine for the 2k miles (max) I'm likely to put on it each year.
     
    Chilly, Mar 13, 2019
    #10
    Norcal69 likes this.
  11. txtoller

    txtoller Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    I haven't figured all that out yet. I need to finish a couple of small projects before I tear into the 6. I have spoken with them and they gave me so much information on different set ups, that my head hurt for two days!
     
    txtoller, Mar 13, 2019
    #11
  12. rejeep

    rejeep Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Alcan are custom springs.. so everybody will be different depending on how you want them built..
    I had Bill build me several over the years.. latest are on my 109 Series wagon..
    I had to make several trips to the weigh station (variable weights) to dial it in where I wanted the springs to perform, ride height and shocks I was using..

    i don't think springs alone will make a pre 75 open air jeep ride any better.
    don't mistake ride vs performance..
    you can have springs that perform well, but ride lousy and vise versa..

    throw 300 lbs (or more) in the back of your jeep and see how it rides, you are basically driving a lumbar cart with a SBC..
     
    rejeep, Mar 13, 2019
    #12