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Suspension 101

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by heffleysmill, Oct 20, 2010.

  1. heffleysmill

    heffleysmill 7 Slot Hotshot

    On a set of factory springs on a 65 cj5, how would you determin if they need to be rearched? Is there a specific measurment from center line of the eyes to the top of the spring or were there different numbers of leaves installed on cj5s.
     
    heffleysmill, Oct 20, 2010
    #1
  2. timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Don't re-arch. Many have posted that they re-arched and the springs sagged within a year. Lots of bad experiences.

    IMO, if you have a '65 and they've never been replaced, they are due. It's one of those things that gets gradually worse with age, and there's no real 'critical' distance. On most old Jeeps that I've seen, they have sagged so that there's about an inch or so of travel between the springs and the stops. You should have 3 or 4 inches of travel with good springs.

    Just buy some replacements. Bob Supplee is a good source.
     
    timgr, Oct 20, 2010
    #2
  3. unclebill

    unclebill Banned

     
    unclebill, Oct 20, 2010
    #3
  4. Patrick

    Patrick Super Moderator Staff Member

    If you (anybody) still has the original springs on an early CJ, you will be thoroughly impressed with how much better it'll ride/ handle with new springs.
     
    Patrick, Oct 20, 2010
    #4
  5. sailorjeeper

    sailorjeeper What... me worry?

    What he said!!! If you want stock replacements Kaiser Willys sells them for a reasonable price.

    :v6::patriot:
     
    sailorjeeper, Oct 20, 2010
    #5
  6. dvmbrad1

    dvmbrad1 New Member

    Since the subject came up ... I'm trying to get back to rebuilding my '71. When I was actively workiing on it I'd decided to go with a BDS 2 1/2" suspension kit. I plan on using it for daily driving and light off road. Any thoughts on current preferences for this?
     
    dvmbrad1, Oct 20, 2010
    #6
  7. Warloch

    Warloch Did you say Flattie??? Staff Member

    I know that I am going to go with a set of Skyjacker springs for my niece's build. Patrick here likes them, and I have heard of several folks who like the ride.
     
    Warloch, Oct 21, 2010
    #7
  8. AKCJ

    AKCJ Active Member

    Yes. It was night and day between the old, worn out, sagging, broken original springs and the new skyjacker soft ride springs.
     
    AKCJ, Oct 21, 2010
    #8
  9. lynn

    lynn Time machine / Early CJ5 HR Rep Staff Member

    I put Skyjacker Softride 2.5" on the '71 back in '96. They're still on and working well. Great ride, combines nicely with Rancho 9000 adjustable shocks.

    BDS may be a tad stiffer out of the box, but I wouldn't hesitate to run those as well.
     
    lynn, Oct 21, 2010
    #9
  10. theotherjmmy

    theotherjmmy Member

    I have Rancho 2.5s on my 67 and they are pretty stiff. They only have about 200 miles on them as of now.
     
    theotherjmmy, Oct 21, 2010
    #10
  11. Patrick

    Patrick Super Moderator Staff Member

    I like the Skyjackers on my '67. My '71 has Superlift Super Ride springs, and they are mighty stiff in comparison.
     
    Patrick, Oct 21, 2010
    #11
  12. colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

    I have been pretty happy with my BDS 2.5 springs-they flex well and the ride is (relatively) smooth. I had Ranchos before these and they rode like a lumber truck
     
    colojeepguy, Oct 23, 2010
    #12