1973 Jeep Cj5 V8 Slooow Frame Up Build

This is the starting point of a vary slow build....!!! I decided to start documenting this build as record to look back on, a way to discuss any issues along the way and tap into a wealth of knowledge. I have been reading thread after thread and exited to start putting some of my thoughts down...

The goal is to build a basically bone stock looking CJ-5 that my wife I can can use for pleasure, driving around our hometown and a little mild forest road driving...

 

First thing is to get the frame ready for powder coating. I originally was going all factory but hit a snag on my very first task, leaf springs. I planned stock but wouldn’t mind an 1.5-2” lift for a slightly large tire. I’m aware of the wrangler YJ springs and how they help the ride quality but just hate to extend the front spring that far forward. I’m thinking is it worth upgrading to the later CJ springs.

1974 CJ5 Spring length:

Front spring length 39 5/8
Rear spring length 46 1/8

Spring rates:

Skyjacker:
55-75 F-345 R-235 2.5” lift
76-86 F-240 R-220 2.5” lift

Rancho:
55-75 F-304 R-314 2.5” lift
76-86 F-325 R-290 2.5” lift

Pro-Comp:
55-75 F-304 R-290 2.5” lift
76-86 F-274 R-293 2.5” lift

Looks like the Skyjacker 76-86 is the best choice or at least for the front springs. The SkyJacker 55-75 rear spring is basically the same spring rate as the 76-86 rear spring. Their is a huge difference between the front springs. I will have a 304 V8 & Warn winch you front.

What do you think...? Not looking for YJ off-road flex but general small road & forest road driving. I started this after reading so many people comment on how rough their stock springs ride, STIFF..!!

 

love my bds springs.

 

I’ll check to see what their spring rates are...

 

I see you are near atl. I am located near there. I am currently in the planning stages of research and parts collection to begin my restore of a 74 cj5 as well. I have so far got all parts to change over to power steering. I did a lot of research on the change over to yj type springs and have a new set of old man emu springs and a full set of crabtree shackles so far. I felt like there are a lot of good after market springs out there, but in the end it seemed that the old man emu had just a bit better reviews when is came down to a mild lift, good flex, and ride quality. With you doing a frame off restore it should be fairly easy to accomplish. I have a list of researched parts and suppliers for all the hangers and bushings and supplies needed to accomplish the change over if you should decide to go that route. Also there are some kits available to accomplish the change over by bolt on and no welding required. I decided to piece out the set up myself to get better quality parts and control over any needed adjustments. If you have any questions post up or pm me. Jim

 

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I’m aware of the wrangler YJ springs and how they help the ride quality but just hate to extend the front spring that far forward.

Just a thought to consider on your spring length.
-the YJ springs are a about 5 in. total longer than your factory springs, however when installing them you need only to move the front shackle hangers forward 1/2 that amount or about 2 1/2 in and move the rear pivot mount back the other 2 1/2 in. that way your front axle stays in the original location.

 

Technically if you are changing to yj springs it’s a restomod restored would be 100 percent stock parts.

 

Correct...!!! If you want to put a label on it the this is a RESTOMOD... That is why I called it a build and not a restoration... I am not starting from a complete Jeep, but rather a few misc original parts a a lot of new parts...

I’m basically doing a BUILD that will be mostly stock... Also haven’t decided on YJ springs yet, working that out...

This it the look I’m going for...

 

its all good.

 

Welcome. Love that color. You will have a lot of weight in the front. THe 304 plus the warn winch is heavy. You don't want to nose dive when you put on the brakes. Nor do you want it to settle down lower than expected. I"d tend to go with a heaver spring in the front. But too heavy and it will ride like a tank.

 

Defiantly need to consider that... I’ve been trying to find the factory spring rates for the different setups to do a comparison with but haven’t found them yet..

Most of my fun comes from researching...

On a side note I’m from Ocala & my wife is from Orange Park... We drive through Green Cove every time we visit family....!!!

 

Fwiw I have a 304 and an 8274 warn with steel cable no trouble with the bds springs they are eight years old and still doing fine.