YJ Spring Conversion.

Hey Scott, great work so far! Now that you're knee deep in the conversion, and welded the new brackets on, do you think this method is any easier than just cutting off your old brackets and welding on YJ brackets?

 

This type of work is very easy for me. As for others? I can't comment on that.

 

I took the front bumper off to change the location of the power steering box. I've got it relocated. I just moved it back towards the grill about an 1". Good thing I used a collapsable steering shaft so I won't have to cut it.





With the winch off the Jeep. The front spring are a lot better without all that weight.

 

Today I found out from Rocky Road Outfitters that the leafs I ordered are on back order and I won't get them for 6 weeks. I'm not to happy right now.

 

Took the Jeep out for a test run. It rides much better. Yes. It's still soft in front, but it glides over the bumps. I also don't notice the torque steer from the locker in the rear. And it is very stable when you light up the rear tires and drift in a corner. I did notice it still leans in the corners. Not as much as the old springs. I may get the optional sway bar kit. Oh. I need to adjust the steering. My steering wheel is off. All in all. I think it's a good upgrade. I'll have to take it off road and see how it works.

 

I've had the same basic springs in my flat fender since 2005 in a spring over set up. The ride is nice. Especially when compared to the old Rancho stuff that was under it.

 

I found a new problem. My springs have so much down travel that my front driveline is hitting the exhaust pipe.

 

That's a good problem to have... could you get clearance by hammering the pipe flatter? Looks great. I'm running the Rubicon Express 2.5 leaves on my M38a1. it'll be awhile before I can drive it, but they are nice and soft

 

Uou got high angle in front drive-shaft you may want to look at that, it can be a cause of faillure.

About exhaust i would relocate it, you ll gain extra clearance there. You wont like a rock to it the exhaust line.

 

I'm waiting on the new leafs before I tackle the exhaust. I was looking at the exhaust. I think there will be about two more inches of axle drop. I'm thinking I can either lower the exhaust or route it back closer to the transfer case, not sure.

I've been driving it lately. I took it on the freeway. The steering is really precise. With little movement from the steering wheel it will change the direction. I'm surprised that it drives strait when letting go of the wheel. It doesn't seem to return back to center at all. Thinking I should have the caster checked before I do that.

I need to install the leafs and go from there.

 

I don't think I'd lower the exhaust if there's another option. As mentioned, hate to get it snagged on a rock or log or something.

What do you attribute the quicker/tighter steering to? You just moved the box right? Didn't replace it?

You've done a lot to the JEEP recently. Good stuff. Glad it's working for you.

 

The old worn out springs had a lot of side to side play in them. Maybe caused from worn bushings/ springs. I could actually see the frame move side to side before the wheels would turn. Now with the fast ratio power steering box, steering components so tight, and new springs. It's really noticeable.

 

I went out and disconnected the drive shaft. I only need about 2 mores inches of drop on the driveline. Looks like I should be able to route the exhaust back closer to the transfer case.





This is with a jack stand under the frame behind the front spring hanger.






This is the front axle at full drop.

 

Wow this is pretty interesting. My old YJ rode so much better than any CJ I've ever been in. I might have to move a rocky road kit and some 2.5" springs to the front of the list for Ol' Yeller.
You mentioned a sway bar kit. Is there an aftermarket kit? Or will you just fit one from a '76 and newer CJ? I like that idea too. Plus I found an old set of disconnects amongst my Jeep junk when I moved.

 

Scott, Nice job.........I see you reversed your front shackles from rear to front now..........was that part of the Rocky Road setup?

 

Yeah. It's the way their kit is designed to make it safer to drive.

 

I see one on Rocky Road web site.