School me on Leaf springs

[tireman74]

I am thinking about replacing my leaf springs and shackles and I have a few questions about it and was hoping to get some pointers. First question is my current shackles are 6 inchs long, do I need to replace them with shackles of the same length? Second question is I currently have rough country springs and looking for something a little softer (yes I know it's a jeep but it is a weekend vehicle and it never leaves the concrete) what would be a good spring to go with?
Tips on replacing the springs is welcome!!

 

[HackFabrication]

Do some research on the wrangler spring swap. Unless you are running a big tire, and based upon it being a pavement vehicle, I would return to a stock height spring. Definitely go with a shorter shackle.

As far as swapping springs: Jackstands and jacks.

 

[Old Dog]

What Hack said. Go with shorter shackles for sure, stock length is 3"

 

[tireman74]

Do some research on the wrangler spring swap. Unless you are running a big tire, and based upon it being a pavement vehicle, I would return to a stock height spring. Definitely go with a shorter shackle.

As far as swapping springs: Jackstands and jacks.

Running 33's on it, will they fit with a standard 3" shackle?

 

[PaRenegade]

Spring suspension costs are basically "you get what you pay for". Rough Country has a pretty well known reputation for riding as soft as a skateboard across a tank track! And I can vouch from experience too. I would look into BDS for one of the better yet not so expensive sets. If the money is there, as well as the time and ability to do it, then go with an Old Man Emu conversion to wrangler spring setup. BDS also makes a conversion kit that may fit the bill.
Your shackles are pushing the boundaries for length, imo. And it all depends on their construction when it comes to aftermarket shackles. It also depends on what height of lift your looking to end up with too. If your not looking for more flex then put the shackles back to stock length or close to it. Let the springs give you the hgt. you want.

 

[tireman74]

Spring suspension costs are basically "you get what you pay for". Rough Country has a pretty well known reputation for riding as soft as a skateboard across a tank track! And I can vouch from experience too. I would look into BDS for one of the better yet not so expensive sets. If the money is there, as well as the time and ability to do it, then go with an Old Man Emu conversion to wrangler spring setup. BDS also makes a conversion kit that may fit the bill.
Your shackles are pushing the boundaries for length, imo. And it all depends on their construction when it comes to aftermarket shackles. It also depends on what height of lift your looking to end up with too. If your not looking for more flex then put the shackles back to stock length or close to it. Let the springs give you the hgt. you want.

Money is there and time is there, but ability is questionable. I'm a great parts replacer, but if I have to get creative and fabricate something I don't have the tools or know how.
I'm assuming that if I called OME they would know what I am wanting to do and could help me with what I need?

 

[Torxhead]

OME and BDS are quality spring builders, calling them would be getting the right information first hand, hopefully.

 

[tarry99]

I am thinking about replacing my leaf springs and shackles and I have a few questions about it and was hoping to get some pointers. First question is my current shackles are 6 inchs long, do I need to replace them with shackles of the same length? Second question is I currently have rough country springs and looking for something a little softer (yes I know it's a jeep but it is a weekend vehicle and it never leaves the concrete) what would be a good spring to go with?
Tips on replacing the springs is welcome!!

If you have the time and the money go to one of the two best spring manufactures in the country and tell them what your doing , tell them the ride your looking for and they will build you a set that will work.

All of the springs you buy from these other folks are just off the shelf components and fit many configurations and will have a terrible ride just like what you currently have.

Springs are not a one size fits all Item.

Call Bill @ Alcan Alcan Spring - Manufactures Fine Custom Leaf Springs

or call Jeff @ Deaver Springs Deaver Spring | Leaf Springs, Suspension, 4x4 Off Roading

 

[Woolyworm]

I like my black diamonds s lot.


Wooly

 

[hdgapeach]

I have a sneaky suspicion if you put some stock length shackles on it, your ride won't be near as rough as what you're experiencing now. Ain't sayin' it'll ride like a dream, but I'd bet those shackles are geeking up the caster on your front axle.

I'm not trying to talk you out of new or softer springs. Just giving you an opinion learned from a little experience.

 

[Kane]

There is only one good reason for a longer shackle and that is when you have a higher arched spring that will spread out longer when flattened. The longer shackle will allow this and not limit the compression. Beyond that they should never be a discussion for lift.

 

[tireman74]

I have a sneaky suspicion if you put some stock length shackles on it, your ride won't be near as rough as what you're experiencing now. Ain't sayin' it'll ride like a dream, but I'd bet those shackles are geeking up the caster on your front axle.

I'm not trying to talk you out of new or softer springs. Just giving you an opinion learned from a little experience.

I am running 33's on it right now, if I change the shackles to 3 inch will that change the height that the jeep sits at right now?

 

[rockinreel]

Yes, and your back tires will probably rub the front side of the rear wheel well near max flex mode. But I agree with others here on the 6" shackles. I had a pair of 6" shackles and took them off. Steered like . Had someone turn the wheel while I watched the shackles and they moved left to right.

It's hard to fit 33's on a CJ without a 4" Spring lift or cutting fenders. On the Highway, you might be alright with no lift and 3" shackles. IDK.

 

[tireman74]

Just got off the phone with an OME distributer and I am thinking about going with the YJ conversion kit. It comes with 5.25" shackles but I can swap them out with some 3.5" front and 4.5" rear shackles.
Here's my concerns.... going from a 6" shackle all the way around to 3.5" front and 4.5" rear will that change the angles for the driveshafts, etc? Your opinions on the 5.25 shackles?

 

[Torxhead]

When you get off the highway where the springs flex unevenly. The longer spring shackles do tend to tilt a lot more.

 

[tireman74]

When you get off the highway where the springs flex unevenly. The longer spring shackles do tend to tilt a lot more.

I don't ever get off the highway, this is my Sunday crusier.

 

[Woolyworm]

You'll typically get a lift of about half of the shackle length over stock since they are typically about a 45deg angle. So a 5.25 shackle will give you about an inch or so of lift over a 3" shackle. My guess is going back towards a stock length will improve your driveshaft angles unless other mods were done -ie shims to rotate the axles to compensate for the lift (doubtful this was done since a shackle lift is typically a low dollar budget lift). The YJ springs are wider and will give you a better ride that the CJ springs. OME stuff is top notch. I run a 3" black diamond lift with about 1/2" body lift and 1/2" shackle lift with 33s and they only rub here and there when I'm at full flex. If you run a 10.5 tire they don't rub at all. I like my black diamond springs a lot. They are military wrap ends and the flatter spring of a 3" lift gives a better ride I think. If you want more lift you could also check out the rubicon express kit which I hear is pretty badass.


Wooly

 

[tireman74]

I like the lift I have, just want to get away from the 6" shackles and find a little better ride without having to make a bunch of adjustments to drive shafts and other things.

 

[Woolyworm]

If it were me and I was just on road with 33's for a cruiser I'd go with a 2-3" lift, 3-4" shackles, 1" body.

The YJ conversion will give you the smoothest ride. If you want to clear those 33's, you'll still need about 4" of combined lift to do so. Remember, the flatter the spring, the better the ride, so if you do a little lift in all areas, spring, shackle, body, you'll get the best ride.

My 2c.


Wooly