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Smoothing out the ride? Replace shocks or leaf springs or?

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by John_pro2a, Apr 9, 2007.

  1. Apr 9, 2007
    John_pro2a

    John_pro2a Member

    Joined:
    Nov 25, 2006
    Messages:
    62
    I have a mostly stock 75 CJ5. Very old shocks on it, and original leaf springs. Probably about 150 to 200k miles on it, with a fair number of those being in tow.

    Right now I can feel every little bump in the road pretty hard. I recognize that with the short wheel base things will be a little stiffer in general, but right now it feels pretty dang hard.

    So what's the best route to go for smoothing out the ride a little bit? Start with just replacing shocks? Or just do the leaf springs? Or do both right off the bat?
     
    John_pro2a, Apr 9, 2007
    #1
  2. Apr 9, 2007
    Boyink

    Boyink Super Moderator Staff Member

    Tulsa, OK
    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2002
    Messages:
    6,197
    Both.
     
    Boyink, Apr 9, 2007
    #2
  3. Apr 10, 2007
    lynn

    lynn Time machine / Early CJ5 HR Rep Staff Member

    Huntingdon PA
    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2002
    Messages:
    3,437
    Most of us agree with Boyink, replace both. I've found that a 2.5" suspension lift from Skyjacker is a pretty soft/flexible set of springs. These are only 4 leaf packs and will tend to sag over the years if your rig is heaver than a basic stock rig. Mine is heavier, and I've had the Skyjacker on for 10 yrs. I've compensated for the sag in the back with shackles 1.25" longer than stock. Still gives me a soft ride and very flexy.
    I combine that with a set of Rancho 9000 adjustable shocks. I run them id-range on the street, for a decent but firm ride, and at minimum on the trails for a ride as smooth as a stock TJ.
    There are other good combos, this is what has worked well for me :)
     
    lynn, Apr 10, 2007
    #3
  4. Apr 10, 2007
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2003
    Messages:
    23,596
    Hmm. How many leaves do the springs have, front and rear? How much distance is there between the tops of the axles and the frame bumpers? Do you want to keep the stock ride height?

    There's a tradeoff between lift and ride and stability - what are you looking for?
     
    timgr, Apr 10, 2007
    #4
  5. Apr 10, 2007
    JeepTherapy

    JeepTherapy Sponsor

    Negaunee, Michigan
    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2006
    Messages:
    695
    I did the BDS 2.5 lift on my 77. It rides a tad firmer than stock 77. But still no where as harsh as my 74 that had the rough country 3" lift. I lost the rough country springs in favor of a set of wrangler BDS lift springs. I think the wrangler springs give the most compliant ride.

    As tim mentioned though; as ride hide and compliance increases, stability decreases. The 74 without shocks in it is down right scary. Little off cambers in the alley cause it to lean way over. I am sure it will take some major getting used to.

    But even the softest springs are going to be harsh with stiff shocks. I ran the RS 9000 in a suburban I had. It was nice to be able to adjust the shocks for conditions. I used it to tow a 7000# trailer and would stiffen the shocks to tow. But on the stiff setting without the trailer the ride was harsh.
     
    JeepTherapy, Apr 10, 2007
    #5
  6. Apr 10, 2007
    CJ-X

    CJ-X Member

    Ohio
    Joined:
    Aug 6, 2006
    Messages:
    816
    If the leafs are real rusty, they can be stuck together and cause a rough ride. Also a lot of spring packs are very stiff by design. I would recommend any softride spring package.

    Worn out shock absorbers usually won't make your ride stiff. Shocks stop your jeep from bouncing a second or third time after the suspension takes a jolt. However, if you replace your springs, you will most likely want to replace your shocks.
     
    CJ-X, Apr 10, 2007
    #6
  7. Apr 10, 2007
    High5

    High5 Member

    Urbandale, IA
    Joined:
    Jan 13, 2005
    Messages:
    802
    Replace it all. Before I stuck my 2.5 inch lift on I couldn't push down on the front end and make it move. 9 leaves on the front, 7 on the back I think. Now, with my 2.5 inch 4wd.com lift I can make the springs flex. Doesn't ride like a car or TJ, but it is considerable better. I have heard the RS 9000 shocks make a big difference as well. They should for how much they cost.

    High5
     
    High5, Apr 10, 2007
    #7
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