Holbrook Springs Instructions

Does anyone that used Holbrook springs on a flatfender have a copy of the instructions they could provide to me?

Thanks

Mike

 

My experience with these is that the arc isn't flattened all that much when weighted. Using Holbrook's shackle position resulted in the shackles standing straight up when loaded. I haven't put the 3B back on the road yet so I don't know how much they settle with use but, right now, the 2" longer CJ 5 springs would be just right on the front.

 

That is great thanks

 

where can these be purchased? Google search didn't yield any results. It's an interesting concept that might be what I am looking for on my CJ2a truck conversino

 

I'm pretty sure the Holbrook springs are history. I tried to contact Gary directly but so far that hasn't happened. My second hand info was that he couldn't find a new vendor that would make those springs at an affordable price.

 

Holbrook Specialties is no more and haven't been for quite awhile now I think. You might call Rich at R&P Early Jeeps, I can PM his number if you need. I believe he still has the specs for these and can have them made. I know he sold a set to somebody within the last year because I saw them on a pallet at his place.

 

When I spoke to Richard about this about a month or so ago he said he is no longer handling Holbrook Springs and it is Gary Holbrook that has the specifications. Holbrook Specialties is still in business with a new owner and in name only. They no longer specialize in 4x4's. Last I heard David Holbrook was still working there but Ed and Gary sold the business and are no longer involved.

 

I am picking up a set from Benz Spring Co in Oregon next week. It is there model HJS-3F and HJS-3R they retail for about $200 a spring. You will need your own hangers for them. There is about 2 months build time.

 

I thought Benz Spring closed up shop. Not the case?

 

They did in Portland. Apparently either they had another shop or reopened in Salem, OR. Benz Spring Company – Benz Spring Company manufactures leaf springs, custom springs, u-bolts, and many spring steel applications.

 

For anybody that is running Holbrook springs I have a question. I am working with Benz springs on a set however they sent me a set that are the proper length and the center bolt is offset to one end of the spring. I will call the end that is closer to the center bolt the short end and the other the longer end. When the springs arrived the rubber bushing end is on the longer end and the brass bushing is on the shorter end. I believe this to be backwards.

Can anyone that uses a set confirm which is correct for me.

Thanks

Mike

 

So just like in the instructions above, you can see the center bolt is offset towards the outboard or bumper side and that would have the shackles side.

Do I contact McRuff on here to see about getting a set of shackles?

Thanks

Mike

 

The Holbrooks I received from Gary had steel bushed composite bushings for all ends. They would have no doubt worked but I machined a set of Delrin bushings specifically for my home brewed shackles.


Mike, apparently you did get the spring set form Benz. Did you have to give them anymore info than the Holbrook numbers?

 

Right- I just got a set from Benz Spring and there was a problem with the bushings in the eye. There is a short end of the spring, which is the eye closer to the center bolt and there is long end. On a stock flat fender jeep the one end has a bushing that is brass bushing and is 3/4" OD and uses a 1/2" greasable bolt this is the pivot end. The shackle end is 7/8" OD that uses a rubber bushing with a 7/16" bolt. The ones I got had the short end eye (one that goes to front bumper shackle end) with the brass bushing and the other end was set up for the rubber bushing. I am wondering if you can remember what bushing and did the short end go towards the shackle end and the long end towards the pivot end.

 

It's been awhile since I've been here, but anyway, I have a set of Holbrooks in the front of my 2A for 3 years now, I did do a spring reversal. I didn't like the 3" lift so I drilled a upper pivot at the top of the frame, the spring misses the frame by less than an inch. I used 1/8" nylon plates on either side of the frame for skuff issues. the front mounts are higher than stock and I did have to put wedges in to correct camber/caster issues. I don't remember the mounting bolt size...???...one 1/2" and the other7/16"? I just bought the size bolts needed and I think they were greaseable.?! I bought them about 12-14 years ago.?

I had thought about the stiffness of the leaves and considered grinding the leaves to a taper...but so far they seem to work well. For rear springs I used Rubicon Express rear YJ 2.5" wide by 2.5"lift I have drilled multi mounting hole in the frame mounts to keep the ride height the same and made longer shackles.

Over the years I have run across some commando front springs that had the off set center hole just like the Holbrooks I was going to use them on a jeep set up for racing but alas it didn't happen! I had the top leaf reconstructed with jeep rubber bushings as the originals were very large for a smoother ride. They would have been softer as the leaves were thinner.

Hope this helps with info! Dale

 

Just an update, Benz Spring is still churning out these springs. Just got a set delivered. Plan ahead, took about 9 months. Benz Spring is a subsidiary of J&J Amusements, which I dont find reassuring but the springs look ok. $1200.

 

Before I start pounding out bushings, if I understand correctly, these bushings are backwards arent they? The long ends, to the right on the bottom spring and to the left on the upper spring should have the brass spring since its the fixed end. Easy enough to make the shackle hole larger and used the installed bushing. Seems to be a custom fixed hanger bushing is a custom size.