Leaf spring lift

[jmbridges]

Any easy way to tell how much lift leaf spring are giving you? Not sure if these are stock springs or not, I know the shackles are not, they measure 6.5" bolt to bolt. Planning to change my springs but not sure what kind of lift to get. Here are a couple of pics. Thanks!

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[gr8dain]

Draw a line from one wye to the other. Then measure down to the top of the axle tube.

 

[Torxhead]

Check Busa's post #9:https://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f32/what-kind-lift-do-i-have-if-any-12170/

 

[jmbridges]

Great, thanks to you both! I understand the shackles add about half their length in lift as well?

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[gr8dain]

Great, thanks to you both! I understand the shackles add about half their length in lift as well?

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Yes. That is true. And from the pic, it does not look there there is any lift in the spring at all. And I had a typo above. It should say "eye". Not "wye". But you probably guessed that.

 

[jmbridges]

Yes. That is true. And from the pic, it does not look there there is any lift in the spring at all. And I had a typo above. It should say "eye". Not "wye". But you probably guessed that.

Yeah I think you are right, but I'll measure it tomorrow. I think these are the original springs, they are 4 leaf springs. The shackles would give about 3 inches or so of lift, then it has a body lift that is 1-1.5 inches. I don't think I want - sure I don't need - anymore than that, so probably will replace with same. Thanks for assistance!


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[gr8dain]

3 inches of lift is a lot for a shackle. Normal cj shackles are 3 inches from bolt to bolt. That would mean yours are 6 inches from bolt to bolt.

 

[jmbridges]

3 inches of lift is a lot for a shackle. Normal cj shackles are 3 inches from bolt to bolt. That would mean yours are 6 inches from bolt to bolt.

Yeah I thought so too, but they measure 6.5" from bolt to bolt


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[gr8dain]

Yeah I thought so too, but they measure 6.5" from bolt to bolt


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Wow. Personally, I would swap those out for shorter ones, and get 2.5" or 4" list springs at a point that you can swing that. Depending on what you want to do with it and what size tires you will be running.

A body lift should be OK at 1-1.5 inches. So unless the pucks are broken, I would leave those.

 

[JR74CJ5]

3 inches of lift is a lot for a shackle. Normal cj shackles are 3 inches from bolt to bolt. That would mean yours are 6 inches from bolt to bolt.

Yeah I thought so too, but they measure 6.5" from bolt to bolt


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Wow. Personally, I would swap those out for shorter ones, and get 2.5" or 4" list springs at a point that you can swing that. Depending on what you want to do with it and what size tires you will be running.

A body lift should be OK at 1-1.5 inches. So unless the pucks are broken, I would leave those.

I agree here - and check your angles still for everything.

 

[jmbridges]

Thanks. Seems I have an unusual set up. I got this jeep last year and am still in the process of tearing it down to rebuild. I measured the shackles again just to be sure and indeed both the front and rear shackles measure about 6 inches from eye to eye.




You guys were right, minimal lift in current springs. There may be a half-inch or so in the front, but that is with the engine, Transmission , Transfer Case all out. I'm pretty sure these are the original springs.

Now that I know what is going on and was going to replace the springs, I think I will convert to OME yjs, probably with 2.5" lift. With what I think is 1.5" body lift, that will make about 4" lift. The body lift is 1.5" tall. Is that the amount of lift, or was there a stock amount that you have to account for?



Sorry for all the questions - I'm a newbie Thanks.

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[jmbridges]

Also, one other thing, I have read about dropping the Transfer Case . This jeep did not have a Transmission drop either despite the lift, is that essential? I assume that affects the angles of the driveshafts, etc

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[gr8dain]

With what you plan (2.5 spring lift) and stock shackles (you don't say what you plan is there), I doubt you will need the drop kit.

I don't have one and with the 1" body lift I built into the body mount wings on the frame and the 2.5" leaf spring lift, I am fine. But I have a CJ8 . The angle for the rear would be more severe for a 7 or a 5. I have heard some needed it and others don't.

You could also use stock YJ shackles with the YJ springs. That will give you 1/2 inch more height. I had them on mine before I rebuilt it.

If the total height of the body spacer pucks are 1.5, I would think that is stock. I don't remember what stock is. I cut mine to 1.25 as that is what I measured on a buddy's stock CJ.

 

[jmbridges]

With what you plan (2.5 spring lift) and stock shackles (you don't say what you plan is there), I doubt you will need the drop kit.

I don't have one and with the 1" body lift I built into the body mount wings on the frame and the 2.5" leaf spring lift, I am fine. But I have a CJ8 . The angle for the rear would be more severe for a 7 or a 5. I have heard some needed it and others don't.

You could also use stock YJ shackles with the YJ springs. That will give you 1/2 inch more height. I had them on mine before I rebuilt it.

If the total height of the body spacer pucks are 1.5, I would think that is stock. I don't remember what stock is. I cut mine to 1.25 as that is what I measured on a buddy's stock CJ.

Thanks, I have 33" tires now, don't plan on changing those. Would 2.5 be enough with the yj shackles? Or should I get shackles with a small amount of lift?

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[gr8dain]

It depends on your plans. If just a street rig, you should be fine. If going on rocks and need the flex, it might be tight.

I am showing my CJ with the 2.5" springs and about 1" of body lift and stock shackles. I have 31" tires that are a little worn so measure 30. The 33s will fill it up a bit more.

I am thinking of getting 33s in a month or so and will be adding shackles that give an extra 1/2". Just so I won't rub the fenders.

Not sure if I am answering, but in my opinion, if you want to wheel and have 33s, I might go with 4" springs and stock or YJ shackles with a 1" body lift max. Probably would not need the body lift.

 

[gr8dain]

And the YJ shackles give 1/2" lift. And I think that I would only go 1" max of shackle lift. Just make sure that the angle of the shackles are at about 45 degrees when installed.

 

[jmbridges]

Ok thanks, I may go with the 4" springs then. I will be doing some light off roading, nothing major though

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[gr8dain]

Ok thanks, I may go with the 4" springs then. I will be doing some light off roading, nothing major though

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I may move to 4" springs after I put the 33s on. We will have to see. I also have to consider the parking garage at work. Can't get too tall.

 

[gr8dain]

I hope someone else pipes in. I do not consider myself an expert. Just going from experience and what I have gleaned from others I wheel with.

 

[j6824]

I may move to 4" springs after I put the 33s on. We will have to see. I also have to consider the parking garage at work. Can't get too tall.

Mine had those same shackles on mine when I got it...anything along the lines of what you're proposing is going to make all the difference in the world in terms of how it drives...those are a nightmare