Front Leaf Spring Mount?

[Nomad127]

My '73 CJ5 appears to have its front leaf spring mounts changed. They look like they're moved further forward about 6 inches but the rear are in their original locations. Can someone smarter than me take a look at the pic and tell me what you think?

 

[BusaDave9]

I think what you are looking at is where the anti-sway bar used to mount. If the front of the spring was moved without moving the rear then longer springs would have to be used. Even then the axle would be moved forward. Moving the front axle forward isn't easy. You would have to move the steering gearbox too.

 

[CJ]

72 / 73 are the same.

Check the pic.

Bad image but the best the cell phone could do...

 

[Nomad127]

Thanks guys. Is it common to remove the sway bar and cut off the mount?

 

[BusaDave9]

Thanks guys. Is it common to remove the sway bar and cut off the mount?

The anti-sway bar and the front shackle mounts should be bolted on. At least that's the way they are on all late '70s CJs. I am not 100% sure but I think your '73 CJ had bolt on shackle mounts. I think even CJ's CJ had the shackles welded after it left the factory. Maybe he will log back in to answer that.
Nomad127 it looks like the PO welded on the shackle mounts and I guess maybe anti-sway bars.
Here is the bolt on anti-sway bar I am familiar with:

Whatever was there I don't think it was from the factory. Even your shackle mounts don't look like a factory weld.

 

[CJ]

Did a 73 have sway bars? My 72 did not...

 

[BusaDave9]

I don't know what was welded there but I think it's safe to say a PO did it. Are there weld marks on both sides?

 

[73CJ]

Did a 73 have sway bars? My 72 did not...

Never saw a factory swaybar on a 73. Addco made one that used a u-bolt that was routed into the frame. The nuts were on the bottom side of the frame with the u-bolt pointing down. Welded? Somebody other then the factory must have done that.

 

[Nomad127]

"Whatever was there I don't think it was from the factory. Even your shackle mounts don't look like a factory weld."

I agree that the welding job on the current shackle mounts don't look factory which is why I was curious as to what the hell the PO did. After looking at the photo from CJ, it appears to be in the right place but just crappy welding. Weird.

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[Nomad127]

I don't know what was welded there but I think it's safe to say a PO did it. Are there weld marks on both sides?

Here's two pics looking under from the center front. There are bolts and welds attaching the shackle mounts and you can see the other welding aftermath behind current mounts. As I was looking closer, it really looks like it's been in a wreck and the front clip had been rewelded...poorly. There's also a crack you can see behind the old welds. Yippie!

 

[zube13]

i was lookin at my '75 and the springs are in the same spot as ur's, mine have not been moved. i was able to look at the factory pre-drilled holes on the frame to match up. my dads '69 r n the same spot, but also have the cut welds behind the shackles about 6" like ur's. on the '75 it does not have the cut off welds. I have found that a lot of jimmy riggin has gone on with both my dads and my jeep's. it looks alot like an after market back yard shop weld and cut.