spring over axle or spring under axle?

Hey Guys,
I am looking to improve my ride and decided a set of new leaf springs and shocks for my 74 cj5 are the ticket. I am not looking for any additional lift but it looks like most of these kits you get lift anyway. So here is my question: How many of you have done a soa mod and did it improve the quality of the ride? or is this mod just for extra lift?

 

If you are not looking for lift, do NOT go spring over. Simple as that.

Spring over will net you 5-6" on stock springs. Works great off road, PITA on road.

 

+1. Stay spring under unless you really know what you are doing.

 

I had a spring over on a 79-5 and off road, axle wrap was a MAJOR issue for me. If I gave it too much gas on the road from a stop, axle wrap would happen. though I loved the look, I wouldn't recommend it. That was my only complaint about it though and I did think the ride was better. As stated above, you better really know what you are doing if you plan to do this yourself. There is more to it than just mounting the springs on top of the axle, a lot of geomatry changes with the steering.

 

Stay spring under for your useage. There is a LOT more to a spring over than just putting the springs on top of the axles. Spring wrap as mentioned, driveline/ujoint angles, steering issues, brake hoses, etc. etc. etc.

 

Interestingly enough a pro comp 2.5 kit on my cj actually improved ride quality an reduced body roll a significant amount. Enough that I actually removed my antis way bar.

 

This is exactly the kind of feedback I was hoping for. I have looked at the same procomp leaf spring lift kit and wondered if my ride quality would improve or make no difference? I was a little unclear if relocating my axle would be the ultimate answer for an improved ride or just for a lift only.
Thanks for the feedback. any one else?

 

I've got the same pro comp 2.5" kit. What little I've driven the jeep since I installed it, I like it. Handles much better than the flat stock springs. You mentioned you weren't interesting in lifting, but the only springs I've seen for stock replacement are the omix-Ada ones I believe. When I bought my pro comp kit, I originally ordered a super lift 1" kit from 4wheelparts because I wasn't interested in lift either; was is 2009 and they had just been discontinued.

 

I would stay away from anything Omix-Ada. Just my .02

 

X2 on Posimotos .02.

I would look at shocks and tire pressure for ride improvement before replacing springs. Those two, particularly tire pressure can make a decent improvement in ride quality.

 

I'm always amazed at how drastically better my ride is when carrying about 500 lbs in the tub - its night and day.

 

I had Omix springs... They went flat and had broken leafs within 4 years.

 

To add to this, make sure the shackle bolts aren't over-tight. That can keep the springs from moving freely.

 

Procomp must have improved their springs because they had a reputation for being rough riding.

 

They seem to be pretty good. They have military wraps on each end with Teflon wear pads between each leaf. I believe the older springs did not.