leaf spring decision questions

I'm considering doing some horse-trading with an old vehicle I need to get rid of and need some input. I'd like a smoother ride on the old Willy's and could trade the old heap for a suspension lift and springs off of a '97 Wrangler. I don't necessarily need or want to lift the 5 but I will if it's part of the deal. My other thought is to get cash and save a bit more and purchase some Holbrook springs. So there are my 2 options I'm considering.

Now my 5 is pretty much stock with floor brakes and I've read that the Wrangler conversion requires a hanging brake set-up. Is the hanging set up required? If so, then I'll need to move/replace the heater and the project keeps growing.

The Holbrook springs appear to be an easy installation, will provide a smoother ride along with some other benefits, but cost more $$$.

I've also thought about acquiring the Wrangler set-up and storing it until I want to tackle a big project but only really want to do that if it's a great deal and the parts will fit.

A few other considerations, lots of other projects, not a lot of time, not a great place (yet) to tackle major vehicle projects, never enough $$, blah, blah, blah....

So, what do you all think would be the best deal?

Many thanks in advance.

 

Am I wrong but are '97 Wranglers not TJ's and have coil springs?

 

Technology teacher is correct. 1997 is the first year of the TJ, so it would have coil springs, which is not what you would want to use for a swap into a 5. If a wrangler spring swap is the route you want to go, look for an 87-95 YJ as a donor.

 

I was wondering if the '97 had coils or not, should have done more research prior to the questions.

I'd don't know how many springs are in the pack, I'll need to check. Would one just pull a short one out or is there something better to base the decision on?

 

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If I were doing a spring change today the Holbrooks would be my first choice. Then Skyjacker Soft Ride, then BDS, then maybe wrangler conversion.

 

As far as pulling springs out you can pull as many as you want out to get the ride you want, yes this is the wallett friendly version but it depends on what you are going to do as well, it makes the spring pack weaker and if you are wheelin it you have a better chance of bending your main leaf. Start by pulling the shortest ones out first and go from there, this I have done in the past to a few different rigs including dump trucks. Hope this helps, my 2 cents.

 

Thanks for all the info and advice. I tend to know just enough information to get myself into trouble and didn't really want to do it again. Currently I'm not wheeling it much and definitely not hard but once the kid gets a few more years my inner child may start appearing again.

I'll probably just get the cash for the old vehicle I have and save it for the next project be it new springs or something else.

 

I've been running 1" superlift springs, rs9000's and 32" Superswamper radials for years, and my 3b rides fantastic, I'm very happy with it! Glides right over the bumps instead of jarring my teeth out like stock flatty suspension..

 

My CJ has the Holbrook springs. I am very happy with them. Yes I paid $$$ but worth it IMHO. They are a straight forward install, welding is involved. The ride is amazing, I got a modest lift and have real nice articulation. Washboard is still touchy and I get a good amount of movement when dumping the clutch, I am use to that now. A worthwhile upgrade.

 

my first choice would be Holbrooks, and will probably go to them one day!

 

We're planning on putting new springs and shocks on our '63 w/ full metal cab this winter. The cab adds almost 500 lbs to the Jeep. Our's also has a backseat for carrying grandkids, family and friends. I've looked at a number of different options. I like the BDS 2.5" kit w/ add-a-leafs on the back to compensate for the additional weight of the top + passengers.

 

You may not need the add-a-leafs with the BDS springs. My CJ-6 with the BDS kit sits pretty high in the rear without a load.

 

Thanks for that, I'll start without the add-a-leafs.