Reversal of a Spring Reversal

[dirtdug]

I am finally finishing up a three year, winter build on my 76 CJ5 i bought as a basket case a few years ago. Great winter project in my shop. The PO had a pile of new parts and the new engine and body were only sitting in the freshly cleaned frame with a 4" spring lift.
Among with the parts was a new Front Spring Reversal kit. I have installed the reversal, along with custom drive shafts, the project is coming to a beautiful completion, but I am realizing the reversal is not going to play well with my 35" radials, and my hooker headers. I am realizing now that clearing the 35' s with a stock suspension would be tough enough, but "with the rearward travel of the axle due to the Spring reversal, during the compression, and making contact with the Headers, getting the required clearance is going to be a challenge.

Available options;

• Smaller Tires (I don't want to, but probably the easiest solution)

• SOA ( Spring Over Axle, I don't want to, but might be a solution.)

• different exhaust and trim fenders ( oh I hate to)
• Geez I wish I could move the front axle forward an inch or so!

My goal was to build a good driver and capable off-roader. This Jeep is looking beautiful and I dread the thought of tearing into it too deeply to make any corrections, but If I have to, I will have to!!


Any suggestions please?

 

[Saddle Tramp]

The front shackle reversal, on paper, makes a lot of sense but as you found out having the front axle move rearward has its disadvantages too. I don’t run the reversal but others on this board do; hopefully they have the ticket to compensate for your problem. Another issue can be when you have to hit the brakes hard, the front end will want to submarine.

 

[73CJ]

What kind of SRS are you running?

I'm got a M.O.R.E. kit which moves the spring forward. With lift there's lots of room for 38s.

 

[dirtdug]

What kind of SRS are you running?

I'm got a M.O.R.E. kit which moves the spring forward. With lift there's lots of room for 38s.

Good Question!
I got this jeep in a PILE of parts with very little documentation. An internet search just now has confirmed it as a Rough Country Kit.
I researched the M.O R.E. system just now and it appears the difference is your kit moves the axle more forward than the stock location allowing more clearance at the rear of the tire during compression. This is exactly the issue I am wrestling with.
Do you know how far your kit moved the axle forward?
I am going to look mine over and see what work would be entailed if I were to move my axle forward of the stock location and hopefully accomplishing the same thing as is offered in the M.O.R.E. Kit.
Thanks for your input!