What model of shock abs to replace these on my 71 CJ5??

It seems that my CJ is very uncomfortable, I believe that shock abs are out of use.
I would like to replace them by a model giving more comfort.

This is the model at the rear : distance between axle is 47 cm = 18,50 inches



And this is the front model, distance between axle = 14,17 inches



Thanks in advance, Alain

 

Wow, your rear springs have a lot of leaves in them. I think that is a major factor in your rough ride.

 

yeah i thought the more leaves should be in the front? to support the weight of the engine and such? but maybe only the front springs are aftermarket lift springs?

 

Duplicate? Odd.

 

Regardless of how the Jeep rides, if the shock absorbers are leaking, they are worn out and should be replaced.

IMO the shocks won't make much difference in the ride. Most of the bump stiffness comes from the stiff springs used on this Jeep. Someone (Ken?) posted a list of the springs used on these Jeeps. The rears look like a very thick pack compared to the fronts. And yes, I believe the leaf count should be larger in the front, or at least the same front-rear.

If you want a softer ride, you could try these springs - http://skyjacker.com/product.php?ProdID=29584 - this comes with new shock absorbers. I expect the ride would improve a lot.

If you just want to replace the shocks, I suggest factory replacements from a manufacturer of your choice; ie the Monroe 31000 and 32207.

 

This is "stock" CJ5 but it was imported to work in a ski resort station, and there was probably many tools on it, so it was probably reinforced.

At the rear, there was, as I understood, a system to hold the spare typre on the roof.

I don't want to buy new leaves, I understand that shock absorbers won't make it "softer";

So I'll buy new ones, and that's all.

 

You could remove one or two spring leaves to soften the ride.

 

I am old and lazy... already I spent 3 hours to put my summer tyres on my Audi, I spent 1 hour to sharpen the blades of my John Deere lawnmower, I am retired but still trying to launch a company, and I want to survive...

Instead of removing spring leaves, I'll put some air out of the tyres... Easier.

I have been today at the goat-cheese farm with the Jeep, my wife says that it's OK, what else?

I'll buy new shock absorbers, maybe ask to the village mechanic to change them, it won't cost a lot, and... happiness, read a book in the sunshine.

Thanks to all for this info about leaves and shock absorbers. I'll keep you informed whan new shock abs in postion and tested.

 

My parent's '68 CJ5 with D225 bought new had very thick spring packs on the rear with more leaves than on the front.

 

Different spring packs were available.

I read that heavy duty/heavy load was 12 leaves. I have 9 all the way around. Rides like a brick.

 

What is the good number of leaves not to ride like a brick???hellokittyhellokitty:tea:
And not to break.

 

My parts book shows options ranging from 5 to 10 leaves on the front, and from 5 to 13 leaves on the rear.

 

I put a set of 2 1/2" lift Skyjacker soft rides on my '68 with the shocks. Still rides like a Jeep, as it should, but nowhere near as stiff as it was with the stock springs, which by the way, were sagging due to age.

 

These are the factory springs from my CJ-6:



The 9-leaf springs are for the front and the 5-leaf springs are for the rear. Notice that the rear springs are basically 3 long leaves, until the flat overload leaves are reached. These ride nice, and would be good replacements for flat factory springs, except that one of the rear leaves is bent.

 

I don't understand why I have 6 leaves on the front and 12 on the rear, but it is like this. For other Jeep, it is the opposite...

Mine was for an industrial purpose, so OK. Probably it was to compensate the weight of the hard top + some tools for snow and ice, it was sold for this purpose.

I believed that the stiffess was due to the shock absorbers.
The shock absorbers are not the problem, I'll change them for safety reasons, but that's all.

Because of the price of the leaves + the work, I can easily accept my jeep as it is.

I have also to change the tyres, they are very old and as hard as steel..

 

If your Jeep had some industrial purpose, they may have specified the heavy springs to increase the load rating. There is no need for that heavy a spring if you are only carrying passengers.

Some radial tires with 2-ply sidewalls will help a lot. Soft tires make a big difference. You don't need to run a lot of air pressure - adjust the pressure so that the footprint of the tire is even.

 

All is clear now. I understand the problem. The solution needs money, except adjust the pressure of tires. It's done.

I used to deive long ago in a frnch army Willys, and that was not so "hard", that's why I wonder where is the difference.

Now, I know. Thanks to all.

My first problem is to succeed in having the good information about fuel level.

I made many tests, my resistance was 47 Ohms, which is correct, I have to go further.

On my John Deere lawnmower, under the seat I have a transparent fuel tank. That' s what the should do for Jeeps!!!

I avoid big distances, the biggest is 10km, going to the goatcheese farm!

The fuel level is going down very fast! Or it seems so, and I don't have any leak.

I'll post on this subject.

 

"The fuel level is going down very fast! Or it seems so"

You should go about 6 or 7 Km on one liter of fuel. More or less. Not like a modern car.

 

Since I have my new odometer, I made 260 km. ANd I have put nearly 80l inside the tank.

I make only very small travels, going to country village : 5 x 2 10km total
going to my neighbour through the fields : 1 km x 2
travel aroung the fields for fun in 4w drive slow : 8 km
going to goatcheese farm : 8km x 2

I know that everytime I start the engine, it is more fuel.
When it is cold, I use the choke to let the engine heat 5mn

I suppose all these stop and start, letting heat, going slow in 4WD are more using fuel.

Well, it's a toy ...