New springs?

Went out this last weekend for the first time with the new wheels and tires. Had a great time in the Mojave desert trailin' and climbing hills. One problem though. Bent the heck outta my right rear fender behind the tire. On little bumps it just rub a bit, but a couple times it bent it right up and in. It would only bent on the right side, but rub occasionally on the left side too. I really don't know how much lift I have. Now the questions...

Do I have a bad spring on the right rear?
Do springs just wear out after awhile?
How much lift do I need to clear the body with 33" tires? BDS 2.5"?

Thanks

 

Pat, sorry to hear...bent fenders is not an option! Definitely either a body lift or spring lift may be in order, or go smaller wheels. 33s do require more room at full articulation (I have 33s w/ a 2.5" or 4" spring lift and 2" body lift). YES springs do wear out...you will notice this by noticing a sag in a corner at rest. Do you notice a sag or fracture of a leaf anywhaar?

If you did get a lift kit, you could even sell your good, used springs here, or on the Willys Tech board, or eBay to help fund the upgrade. Just remember to get longer shocks and/or longer brake lines. Steering may also be an issue. I'm still happy (and VERY lucky) with my stock manual Ross setup even at my elevated dimensions. Went 80 MPH easily tonight for 20 miles. Pic of the steering linkage resultant of a lift kit:



Those are tough angles, but somehow they work for me as I'm mostly a freeway driver.
Scope out eBay for cheap new/used lifts. HTH!
-Alan