No More Holbrook Asymmetrical Springs Ecj-5

We hope this is the correct forum (we don’t post much, but we follow religiously)

We need help ....

Sandy & I have a pretty-much stock 1975 CJ5, 304 cu in with a dealer installed “Tuxedo Front Bench Seat”. Kind of a sweet little jeep. About the only upgrades we have on it are some old-school white wagon wheel rims (8” wide) and 31” x 10.5 ProComp A/T tires. She’s running strong and the tires are amazingly quiet. We continue to love the ‘ol jeep (Sandy calls him Moondog .... I swear it’s more her jeep than mine).

Anyway, the stock 10-leaf spring suspension is breaking my 61-year old back. The springs have always been “stiff” and we’re figuring they’ve work-hardened some over the past 44 years. It’s time to snag some asymmetrical springs. Of course, we researched and Holbrook Speings came out the winner.

We contacted them and unfortunately they no longer make the suspension kits. Rats.

Question & we need help:
Does anybody either know of a good alternative or possibly a “parts jeep” that may have had a Holbrook upgrade in its earlier life? Parts are parts, eh?

We would like to keep the original look, feel and height as best as we can, meaning can we keep the spring lift as close to stock. One inch lift would be cool, but we like to stock look.

Bounce back your thoughts and thanks for any advice
Dan & Sandy Newfang
Merritt Island, FL

 

Some have done this, YJ Spring Conversion: 1955-1975 CJ to YJ Spring Conversion , I am now leaning this way for my CJ6. You can also, contact, Alcan Spring - Manufactures Fine Custom Leaf Springs , they maybe able to help.

 

No comment on the springs - I find my BDS springs just fine. Soft tires at low pressure helps.

The 60/40 bench seat was a factory option for the CJ-5 and CJ-6. Maybe you have something different, but a bench seat was on the option list and available for many years, maybe the whole run.

Likely better in the Intermediate forum, since your question does not involve a "build" as such. Mods can decide.

First post - welcome from Boston!

 

Apologies for the misplaced forum, you’re “spot in” that this would be more appropriate in the “Intermediate Forum”

Good lead on the YJ conversion, we’re looking at that

Now the question: “Over the Axle” or stock, that being “Under the axle”?

 

The seats in a Jeep are an important component in smoothing the ride. Might want to look at alternatives.

"The only shock absorbers in my Jeep are the passengers..."

 

' We would like to keep the original look, feel and height as best as we can, meaning can we keep the spring lift as close to stock. One inch lift would be cool, but we like to stock look."
Reading your aforementioned wish's........Most definitely ' SUA '

 

Thanks again to all for the help

 

The Holbrook springs were considerable higher than stock, 3.5" I believe.

 

I changed out mine , on my 1975 CJ5, back to the OEM's , from a shackle that measured 4" center to center. Their 1 1/2 "s shorter than the previous shackles. Lowered my ' Rosie ' about 3/4 " . I've been contemplating removing 1 ) leaf from my 6 ) leaf fronts, too soften the ride & lower it a tad more. Old legs aren't what the used to be !

 

My rough country's ride good. I've got a set of stock springs if you want to try another set. They are noticeably softer.

 

Ed and Gary Holbrook sold Holbrook Specialties probably a year or so ago and they no longer specialize in 4x4 stuff. Holbrook springs “May” be available through Richard Imholt at 503-557-8911. The former owner of R&P 4x4 Parts Inc. My understanding is Gary was going to continue having springs built on a build when ordered basis and sell them through Richard. Not sure if this is happening or not.

 

Great lead nickmil.

What we’ve done per this forum thread:
1) definitely we’ll be performing a SUA mod (thanks Lockman)
2) we are looking hard at a YJ conversion .... just a little scared about problems with extending the front leaf beyond the current frame anchor point and potential probs with shifting the axle forward past the original OEM specs. This is what we liked about the Holbrook Brother’s setup ... geometry stayed the same.
3) we sent a note to Alcan Springs asking if they had a “Holbrook-type” setup? Haven’t heard back yet.
4) Contacted Jeeps Unlimited to see if they had any “junkers” that might have a pre-existing kit in their stock
5) finally, we’re now going to snag nickmil’s lead and contact Rich Imholt

Keeping fingers crossed and thanks for the advice, direction and leads (so far)