1. Registration trouble? Please use the "Contact Us" link at the bottom right corner of the page and your issue will be resolved.
    Dismiss Notice

Yj Spring Conversion

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by cayenne, Nov 22, 2019.

  1. Nov 22, 2019
    cayenne

    cayenne Member

    central Texas
    Joined:
    Dec 24, 2006
    Messages:
    276
    Here is my summary on the Rocky Road YJ spring lift, for those who might find it helpful. Again, thanks to those who did previous write-ups with suggestions on tools, etc!

    I previously had a BDS 2.5" spring under lift with slightly longer shackles. I was never happy with ride, even with the tires aired down and adjustable shocks. But our roads are very rough.

    I went with the spring under 3.5" OME kit with heavy duty front and rear, and the cheaper shocks. RR recommended heavy duty front and rear (I was hesitant on the rear because soft ride was the goal). In the front, I have a c channel front bumper with a 8274 winch with steel cable and a simple pipe grill guard. In the back I have a rear tank, bumper w/ swing out tire carrier, 33x10.50 tire, and highlift jack.

    Overall, the installation went ok. Some spacers were missing from the kit, but RR sent me the missing parts for free and without much explaining. There was a lot of drilling, so sharp bits, cutting fluid, reamers were necessary. A 90 degree drill also came in handy. I also had to do some welding and bracing on my rear shackle hanger (they aren't replaced with kit) since they had bent inward and cracked at the rear cross member location. Also one of my spring hangers was not welded on centered with frame, so that needed a lot of grinding to allow the bracket to slide over it. Finally, even though it is not limited to this lift, the stock shock mounts on the frame are just not wide enough for modern shocks...I kinda wish I had done the front shock tower relocation while I had all my tools out.

    The front sits noticeably higher than the BDS did but I did also lose about 50lbs up there with my winch mount change. The whole jeep is also alittle higher. The front shackle ended up about where it is supposed to (bottom slightly angled forward). The rear shackle is straight up and down despite the weight listed above, full tank of gas and a 50lb hitch basket attached. I don't have any shims on the front, and the alignment came back ok (although I am still suspicious of it).

    The rear springs clear the gas tank skid plate on the rear with some trimming. I haven't flexed it out yet, so more trimming may be necessary.

    I only have a few miles on it at this point and the ride is softer. It didn't do anything for the bucking, but that is life with short wheelbase. Once I break in the springs, I'll repost about the outcome and whether it was worth it.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  2. Nov 22, 2019
    47v6

    47v6 junk wrecker! 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    USA
    Joined:
    Oct 25, 2006
    Messages:
    5,798
    That is one attractive jeep.
     
  3. Nov 22, 2019
    shadetreetim

    shadetreetim Member 2022 Sponsor

    Riverside, Ca -...
    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2019
    Messages:
    199
    Nice. I'm saving my pennies to do this someday.
     
  4. Nov 22, 2019
    garage gnome

    garage gnome ECJ5 welder

    Western MA
    Joined:
    Jun 19, 2009
    Messages:
    3,083
    I wonder if this would work in a flatty...
     
  5. Nov 22, 2019
    colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

    At the foot of...
    Joined:
    Apr 4, 2010
    Messages:
    7,110
    In your 1st pic, it looks like the rear wheel is not centered in the wheel well...is that the case or is it just the angle of the photo?
     
  6. Nov 22, 2019
    cayenne

    cayenne Member

    central Texas
    Joined:
    Dec 24, 2006
    Messages:
    276
    I don’t think it is centered, but by the time the spring compresses, the tire kisses the bottom rear of the arch. The fender flare might also do alittle optical illusion making it worse
     
  7. Nov 22, 2019
    47v6

    47v6 junk wrecker! 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    USA
    Joined:
    Oct 25, 2006
    Messages:
    5,798
    When the spring compresses, moves the shackles rearward and pushes the axle back. If the wheel was centered it would hit the body before the full compression would be had. Thats why high lift vehicles have comp cuts. When i set mine up I compensated for that by cutting the tub wheel recess a larger diameter.
     
  8. Nov 22, 2019
    Jw60

    Jw60 Sitting up n buckled down. 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Sedalia MO.
    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2008
    Messages:
    4,716
    I just think it's the loose fender flare
     
  9. Nov 22, 2019
    shadetreetim

    shadetreetim Member 2022 Sponsor

    Riverside, Ca -...
    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2019
    Messages:
    199
    I think its the vise grips on the windshield making the back tire look off...
     
  10. Nov 22, 2019
    cayenne

    cayenne Member

    central Texas
    Joined:
    Dec 24, 2006
    Messages:
    276
    You don’t like my custom method for keeping the bikini top rolled up while not in use?
     
    Bowbender, shadetreetim and ITLKSEZ like this.
  11. Nov 22, 2019
    shadetreetim

    shadetreetim Member 2022 Sponsor

    Riverside, Ca -...
    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2019
    Messages:
    199
    Just the opposite, I applaud your ingenuity. (y)
     
  12. Nov 22, 2019
    cayenne

    cayenne Member

    central Texas
    Joined:
    Dec 24, 2006
    Messages:
    276
    seriously though, I am looking for a better way to do that.
    The intermediate window frame is a new addition, and I don't think I have room for a footman loop on the front to tie a strap to. Putting the top in the it in the little channel is a pain in the ____.
     
    shadetreetim likes this.
  13. Nov 22, 2019
    scott milliner

    scott milliner Master Fabricator

    Seattle Wa.
    Joined:
    Dec 17, 2002
    Messages:
    2,361
    Springs will settle a little over time. Over all. I'm still happy I did the conversion.
     
  14. Nov 23, 2019
    y2grey

    y2grey Member

    Fayetteville NY
    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2011
    Messages:
    106
    On a fatty I would suggest using oe width rear springs (from the manufacturer of your choice) on all 4 corners. On the front it involves moving the shackle support to the front of the frame and moving the rear hanger back one length.
     
  15. Nov 23, 2019
    wasillashack

    wasillashack Member

    Wasilla, Alaska
    Joined:
    Mar 17, 2008
    Messages:
    268
    What shocks? Different shocks may be able to tune the ride to your satisfaction. Good luck!
     
  16. Dec 1, 2019
    cayenne

    cayenne Member

    central Texas
    Joined:
    Dec 24, 2006
    Messages:
    276
    I finally got a few ranch road miles on the new springs. It is noticeably softer and significantly reduced the jarring jolts. It does have more side to side sway.

    I did notice that I already had some interference with my steering knuckle and the shock body (small dents and missing paint). When I flexed it, I saw the problem and at full compression I can’t turn in much without the knuckle hitting the shock body. Makes me regret keeping the Dana27 even more. I also need longer bump stops in the rear. I have about 1” of shock travel but 2-3” until I hit my 4” tall bump stops.

    Anyone have a solution to the front shock interference? I already have them mounted with the body on top and rod end facing down.
     
  17. Dec 1, 2019
    Rich M.

    Rich M. Shoe salesman 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Maryland
    Joined:
    Mar 23, 2008
    Messages:
    2,169
    Move them to the back or top of the axle, or scope creep to a D30.
     
  18. Dec 1, 2019
    cayenne

    cayenne Member

    central Texas
    Joined:
    Dec 24, 2006
    Messages:
    276
  19. Dec 1, 2019
    cayenne

    cayenne Member

    central Texas
    Joined:
    Dec 24, 2006
    Messages:
    276
    Well I guess I am committed to this dana27 now so it looks like moving around the shocks are on the after hunting season to do list.
     
  20. Dec 2, 2019
    Norcal69

    Norcal69 Out of the box thinker 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Northern California
    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2014
    Messages:
    3,547
    Your shocks are upside down. You will get a better drive and less side to side sway if you turn them the proper direction...... BTDT.
    When we installed this kit on steve's 71, we cut the shock mount off flush with the spring plate to give the shock more room.
     
New Posts