cj to yj springs installed as shackle reverse?

[gliryan]

I'm going to be buying a lift for my 1980 cj in the next couple of weeks. Been doing a lot of research and I'm going to go with a yj conversion, likely the rocky road one as it seems to be of good quality and good price. I'm curious as to if there is any reason I couldn't install the mounts on reverse to get the shackles towards the back when I do this.

I'm going to get the the spring conversion, new grease-able rear mounts, all new grease-able shackles along with a 3" or 3.5" lift spring. Any help is appreciated

 

[hole]

I've been considering doing the conversion too since the stock springs are sagging on mine. I to am curious what info everyone has to offer.

 

[darnkid]

from CJ to YJ spring conversion kit for 1955-1975 Jeeps

Some folks have asked us about shackle reverse kits when converting to the Wrangler springs....

We did used to carry such a system for the newer CJ's. However, we found that Jeep (along with Toyota, Nissan, Suzuki, and other vehicle manufacturers) put the shackles in the front in short-wheelbase 4WD's for a reason.... SAFETY.

Running shackles in the rear on a short-wheelbase vehicle like a Jeep CJ makes the vehicle highly unstable under hard braking (which is usually when you need your brakes the most). Further, shackles reversals on the CJ create axle hop under braking. After seeing a Jeep coming off of Lion's Back in Moab with his front axle hopping and a resultant total loss of control, we swore off shackle reversals forever.

Putting the shackles in the rear may seem like a cool way to go and you may read about smoother ride quality, but the bottom-line is that the vehicle becomes unstable and the ride quality of just using Wrangler springs alone with the shackles up front as they should be is as much comfort as any Jeeper could ever ask for.

 

[gliryan]

I've read this, and am still going to do it. This is the ONLY time I've read anything like it, I've not read one other encounter of this sort of thing happening.

 

[darnkid]

yeah that was just the first link I opened when I was looking for conversion info/kits. I'm interested in a yj swap too but I think I'll keep the shackles normal. It'll be a while before anything happens with it anyway

 

[gliryan]

Gotcha. I've been reading over the rocky-road page for a few days, I just need to call them. I think they have the worst site when it comes to being informative with what you are buying. It makes me want to just buy from elsewhere really.

 

[Old Dog]

Make sure you use the right driveshaft so you don't shove it through your Transfer Case .