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Cj 5 Front End Sag.

Discussion in 'Builds and Fabricators Forum' started by Thunderkiss65, Jun 26, 2022.

  1. Jun 26, 2022
    Thunderkiss65

    Thunderkiss65 New Member

    PA
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    I purchased a 65 CJ 5 a few months ago and the front end sits 2 inches lower than it shoud, due to added steel channel and a heavy winch by the PO. The rear springs have 12 leafs which look original and the front have 4 leafs. Someone changed the front shackles to long angle iron that measure six inches to the center of the bolts, I want to change these to shorter heavy duty shackles and a different spring set-up and gain the height I need. What are my best options? This jeep is only used around my house and may never be out back on the road. Thanks
     
  2. Jun 26, 2022
    Thunderkiss65

    Thunderkiss65 New Member

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    My avatar is not mine btw. I wish it was though. Lol
     
  3. Jun 26, 2022
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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  4. Jun 26, 2022
    txtoller

    txtoller Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Weatherford, TX
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    Personally, I would be all in on new springs and hangers. Maybe a 2 1/2" life spring, something softer for a nicer ride. There are a few decent ones out there. Many like Old Man Emu, SkyJacker is another.
     
  5. Jun 26, 2022
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Not sure Skyjacker is still available for these 1.75" wide springs. Maybe. AFAIK OME has never made springs for this application. Many here have BDS Suspension springs and are happy with them (including me). Read old threads - it's a very popular topic.

    Original springs are surely toast at this point. They fatigue and sag. Fronts with few leaves are maybe Rancho or Rough Country? Read old threads. The old threads are archived so you can search through them and get your questions answered.
     
  6. Jun 26, 2022
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    That doesn't sound OEM.

    I'd expect the front to have a pack nearly as numerous as the rear. Although there were may different set ups.
     
  7. Jun 27, 2022
    Thunderkiss65

    Thunderkiss65 New Member

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    I'm not sure if t he front springs are original, the whole front end needs rebuilt. The P/O plated the sides of the frame ahead of the grill and added C channel and a 12,000 lb winch. It has the original four cylinder engine, but the springs are not handling the extra weight. I'm kinda leaning towards the omix 10 leaf packs for the front and heavy duty shackles.
    Thanks for all of the info.
     
  8. Jun 27, 2022
    CHUGALUG

    CHUGALUG Member

    Silverton, OR
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    Walcks is reported to have the best new springs they have them made for them.
     
  9. Jun 27, 2022
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    Beware Omix in all things.
     
    jeepstar likes this.
  10. Jun 27, 2022
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

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    That four-cylinder originated in the 1930s, and is heavy, compared to engines with similar displacement. Casting technology has advanced a lot since then. The AMC 4-cylinder that appeared later in these Jeeps weighs at least 100 maybe 200 lbs less.

    I would look more the the weight of your winch and added steel. It would be good to remove any extra steel that serves no purpose.

    AFAIK factory front springs for these Jeeps have a minimum of 7 leaves. Aftermarket makers like Rancho and Rough Country sell springs with fewer and heavier leaves.

    I would put Omix at the bottom of the list. If you are short of money, remove the winch and extra steel.

    You have lots of key words now for search. There is way more info about this topic in old threads than we can cover here.

    If I fitted new springs, I'd go with factory-length shackles. Long shackles ruin your steering and suspension geometry. Realize you get half the increase in ride height for any increase in shackle length.
     
    Last edited: Jun 27, 2022
  11. Jun 27, 2022
    duffer

    duffer Rodent Power

    Bozeman, MT
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    OK, I'll go one further. DON'T put omix on your list. If you want something close to stock, I don't think you will best Walcks and I have had nothing but excellent service from Carl. You might want to put that front end on a weight reduction diet. My 3B had a snow plow mount welded over the front bumper when I purchased it. That was a chunk of 4 x 10 x 1/2" angle iron the width of the bumper, plug welded to the bumper and frame horns. It was hell to remove but the suspension was way happier when it left.
     
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