opinion on springs

Hi, I've been lurking here for a while and learned a lot, but I've got a question I couldn't find an answer to. I've got a '66 cj5 that I'm gonna put a 2 1/2" lift on, probably BDS. I know that a suspension lift usually gives a stiffer ride but the springs that are on there are the hd springs I believe.(8 leafs on front/ 11 leafs on rear) It rides pretty rough now, if the new springs are going to make it ride stiffer I may have to rethink this. Thanks for any help you can give.

 

Different brands of springs have different rates, and are thus less/more stiff. However, "if wishes were horses...". You can't have lateral stability, ride height, and a soft spring with the springs as far inboard as they are on a CJ. The more you lift, the stiffer the springs need to be to get the same body roll characteristics.

BDS are good, so I recall from reading posts here. Tires make a big difference - soft sidewalls and low pressure will smooth the ride considerably. Nice, deep seats help too.

 

if you are really concerned about stiffness but really want to lift your jeep, I don't know how much money you have, but it would be better to go to wrangler springs. You will have to buy new shackle to frame mounts, new spring to frame mounts, and new shackles in addition to wrangler lift springs, of course. The wrangler springs are longer and wider, though, which provides for a softer ride with more articulation. I don't know how handy you are for welding and such, but a fab shop should be able to set you up with the new bracketry welded to your frame for a couple bills. More technology generally has gone into making the wrangler lift springs as well, so they are thinner and flex better and ride smoother. Lots of people like Rubicon Express stuff, it's not cheap though. Just giving you best case scenario options. You might only have like 400 bucks to spend, though. good luck!!

 

You might also consider the Holbrook Spring conversion. They are about 9" longer than stock, ride great, and only require new spring mounts on one end of the spring to be installed, no frame mods. Very easy to do. Here's a link.
http://www.holbrookspecialties.com/

Oh, yeah, their phone # is 503-655-4747
Nickmil

 

and if your poor like me, rough country offers a cheaper 2 1/2 lift. i have yet to test mine but i guessing it will ride like a hay wagon. the springs are heavy, could probably put a power stroke deisel in without it squatingR). i hear BDS and black diamond are good, but never have tried them.

 

Thanks for the help, those holbrook springs look interesting. Anybody here running them?

 

WE ARE WONDERING IF YOU CAN HELP US OUT WITH SOME JEEP QUESTIONS?
:? WILL THE LATER MODEL SPRINGS WORK ON THE EARLY CJ-5'S? WE HAVE A 1974 CJ-5 AND SOMEONE GIVE US SOME SPRINGS BUT WE AREN'T SURE IF THEY ARE GOING TO WORK.

 

i agree with sparky!!! make it work.R)

 

I'm interested in the Halbrook's too, but have a couple Q's for you guys running them. Do they really offer a true 3" of lift as I have 2.5" and would like just a bit more lift and want to make sure that at least I don't lose any height worst case. Also, the website says they are not compatible with shackle reversal, what the heck is the deal with that? Anyone know the idea on why that is? Why can't I just move back the shackle to frame mount further to accomodate the longer springs?

 

I have the BDS springs and I love them. They're nice and flexy, and give a much smoother ride than I had with the worn stockers. Though, when I have the hard top on corners can be very scary.

 

The reason they say not compatible with shackle reversal is because they didn't design it for a shackle reversal. They designed the springs for a standard front shackle design. Length, arch, caster and pinion angle, etc. all came into play when they designed these springs. It's kind of like a disclaimer. I put them on my Race Jeep on the front with a shackle reversal (M38a1 frame) simply because it was easier for me at the time. They made a huge difference. Before I was lifting the front end off the ground on hard launches drag racing. Now I can't lift the front tires off at all unless I jump. My front axle was custom though so I built it so all the angles with those springs were correct. If I was putting them on a stock CJ I'd put the shackles in the front vs. doing a shackle reversal for more stability and simplicity and because they were designed with stock running gear in mind. I drove the prototype set down in Moab, Utah and on a 3b on an early 5 chassis the washboard roads that usually make an early '5 bounce were like riding in a car.
They give a true 3" lift but that can very much be affected by the weight of motor (big v-8 vs. v-6) winch, how heavy your bumpers are, etc. Nickmil