74 CJ5 leaf springs

i have spent the last week figuring out what we need and want to do with it and in what priority. one of the things we want to do is replace the leaf springs. as far as i know the whole thing is pretty much stock and original, it has ten leafs on each side both front and back. my question is i want to replace them without lifting/lowering and would like to mantain the the performance but if possible would like to lose some weight and or leaves; sugestions?

 

Just curious - if you want to keep the same ride height, why do you want to change the springs? If the springs have gone flat, you could replace them with new springs with close to the original arch. This will put the ride height back to what it was when the Jeep was new, or a close approximation to that.

The springs make a trade-off between ride height, body roll around corners, and stiffness. You really can't change one without changing the other. It's not realistic to want a softer ride with the same ride height and handling, for example.

 

I think Rancho makes a 1 inch lift spring, or you can buy replacements from like 4wd.com and I have even seen them from JC Whitney.

When you do the springs you might want to think about greasable bushings as well. Wish I would have.


High5

 

I want to restore the jeep back to its original height but I want to avoid installing ten-leaf springs. What I am looking to do is possibly accomplish this with a new leaf spring with fewer leafs to remove some of the weight yet mantain or inhance the original performance without lifting further than it's original height or loosing height; is this possible or do I need to install ten-leaf springs.

and thanx High5 for the info on the bushings.

another quick qestion; what do the tubs usually weigh when completely striped?

 

Weight? Remove some of the weight of the Jeep or some of the weight of the springs? I don't think the weight savings will be significant compared to the weight of the vehicle.

I don't think the number of leaves really matters much, compared to the spring rate and arch. You could certainly buy springs with fewer leaves that have a higher rate and stiffer ride. It just depends on how the manufacturer designs the springs.

What do you consider enhanced performance?

 

thats what i needed to know; if it was necessary/possible. thanx for your input. i'm sure i'll be back with more questions.

 

I just replaced my worn out, 1 rear bent stock springs. Jeep was purchased new with 7 front, 5 rear, which I was told was the "standard", non heavy duty set up for the 258 in 1975.

The new springs and bushings (7 front 5 rear) lifted the jeep 1" from where it was with the worn out ones. The ride did NOT improve, still rides like a jeep.

 

From what I have read your best bet to have better ride would be to go with YJ springs. They are quite a bit wider and ride much better.