Removed leafs from leaf springs!

[rocmoc]

I just came back from desert runners & sandrails (still have a VW) to my current '69 CJ5 (had two jeeps in the 60s & early 70s). I bought this one as a project, needed a lot of TLC. I upgraded to Rancho 2 1/2 inch lift leaf springs, the originals were shot. To say the ride of the Rancho springs was horrible on blacktop & off-road would be an understatement compared to my past rides. Finally decided the springs were to way too stiff after trying everything easy and the off the shelf shocks don't cut it. Today I removed the first two leafs (the smallest ones). What a difference! I now have suspension movement. I will be working with Off-Road Warehouse on a set of Fox Shocks. They have set me up well in the past.

It took me just under 3 hours including prep & clean-up. I took 12 points of measurements. When everything was done, I had lost 1" of lift. For me & my setup I am still in good shape as I started with 4". If you are unhappy with your stiff ride, consider removing a leaf or two.

rocmoc n AZ/Mexico

 

[Torxhead]

I once installed a Rancho 2 1/2" kit on my '86 about 15 years ago with similiar results. From there I removed just one leaf and was quite satisfied also. After a short while I did notice that my CJ was beginning to sag a bit more, so I replaced the 4 leafs that I removed and put up with the stiff ride until I went to a 4" kit. I guess thats what happens when I mess with somebody elses design. So I would suggest that keep an eye on your modification and see how it holds up.

 

[dalefan88]

I been wanting to do this to my 2.5" pro comp lift to see what happens if I ever find time


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[rocmoc]

I once installed a Rancho 2 1/2" kit on my '86 about 15 years ago with similiar results. From there I removed just one leaf and was quite satisfied also. After a short while I did notice that my CJ was beginning to sag a bit more, so I replaced the 4 leafs that I removed and put up with the stiff ride until I went to a 4" kit. I guess thats what happens when I mess with somebody elses design. So I would suggest that keep an eye on your modification and see how it holds up.

Will do! Read somewhere else the the first two leafs were the overload springs so maybe I won't have a problem since I have no plans of carrying anything heavy.

Thanks again,
rocmoc n AZ/Mexico

 

[Torxhead]

I been wanting to do this to my 2.5" pro comp lift to see what happens if I ever find time

After I dumped the Rancho lift, I installed Pro Comp 4" springs, and they were stiff also. It seemed to be quite the general consensis around the net on the ride. I have had those for about 10 years now and have had very little sag if any with them and tons of rock rash on them. The big issue that I have had with the Pro Comps is spring wrap. As shown here where the u-joint has rotated up and whacked the muffler. I am quite suprised that it never broke the joint. I have just installed a set of BDS springs that have a military wrap on each end and only 4 leafs on the rear spring. I can't really comment on the BDS springs since I just installed them other than the ride has really improved. With a short wheelbase rig a quality shock is quite critical for a good ride plus expensive.

 

[rocmoc]

My Ranchos have the military wrap.

I put my old shocks back on so I could take it for a ride. WOW, what an improvement! I could not have hoped for more. Yup like you said a quality shock is what I need now. It even drove better.

rocmoc n AZ/Mexico

 

[Tommy986s]

Has anyone done this with Rough County 2.5", they are as the name implies, I might try it to, still trying to find my kidneys after this weekend.

 

[jasonmark1993]

I have a superlift on mine and I cut the lower two leaves so I wouldn't lose any lift.

I already have homemade traction bars so no spring wrap.

Made a big difference. Just gotta do the front someday.

 

[dalefan88]

I have a superlift on mine and I cut the lower two leaves so I wouldn't lose any lift.

I already have homemade traction bars so no spring wrap.

Made a big difference. Just gotta do the front someday.

What did you use to cut the springs?


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[jasonmark1993]

I just put a cutoff wheel on my grinder. Didn't even pull the springs initially. Once I got the right feel, I pulled them apart and cleaned them and greased them. I also grinded down the new cuts so they were round and wouldn't cause extra friction.