SOA with YJ spring swap

[redrussell]

I am switching out axles to a set of wide track CJ axles and while I have the axles out I want to do the SOA and YJ swap while I am at it. I know I will need new brake lines and shocks but how much longer lines and what shocks are best for that? Will the v8 AMC 304 be too heavy for factory YJ springs?

 

[tarry99]

I am switching out axles to a set of wide track CJ axles and while I have the axles out I want to do the SOA and YJ swap while I am at it. I know I will need new brake lines and shocks but how much longer lines and what shocks are best for that? Will the v8 AMC 304 be too heavy for factory YJ springs?

You will add about 5-6 inches of lift just from the SOA itself........The springs you do want are closer to a stock YJ that have no lift and are near flat since you just increased lift by the above amount mentioned already.
YJ Spring width as compared to your CJ spring hangers can be accomplished via stepped shackles usually in the front...........you need to measure yours before ordering.
Your steering will also need attention to correct the angle on the drag link once the lift is in place. As will , your rear axle will probably need the addition of an axle wrap bar to control spring wrap back there...........
Get the parts installed then worry about getting the correct length brake lines and shocks.........better not to guess.

 

[redrussell]

So stock springs are strong enough for a V8? Here shortly I will be replacing the AMC 304 with a 350 with an SM465 will it still be enough then? What are some suggestions for shocks?

 

[Posi]

Depends on how often/hard you will
You could always add 1/2 ton leafs to your main yj spring

 

[tarry99]

So stock springs are strong enough for a V8? Here shortly I will be replacing the AMC 304 with a 350 with an SM465 will it still be enough then? What are some suggestions for shocks?

Talk to the folks that your getting the springs from.........If you do a stiffer / more arc & lift type spring your ride will suffer. Most guys like them softer for ride and articulation.........of course there is a chance the springs could wear out or get softer more quickly.......just the nature of the beast when your doing what your doing.......The spring guys have the spec. on the weight rating of the CJ versus the YJ and they are pretty close.

The correct way would be to build your Jeep first with all the weight in it or add the weight of the 465 and whatever else will be hauled including adults and then weigh the sprung weight and have some springs built..........no guessing then!

Rancho 9000 shocks...........but again wait till you know the length and the height of the shock tower that will be used........

 

[csuengr]

You also must realize you can't do a spring-over and retain the factory steering linkage. Spring-overs are not a cheap lift.

The springs will be fine with a V8. An AMC AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l weights almost as much as a AMC 304 or 350. I run a 4" spring under with YJ springs and a LT1/TF727 combo. The only issues I have are the spring bushings failing.

 

[redrussell]

Yes when i do the SOA I plan to do a High Steer conversion as well. No sense in not doing something right while I am down there. Build has taken a turn. There is another thread I started about CJ suspension that has more information about that. I am doing SOA with YJ springs here shortly though to make make a long story short.

 

[redrussell]

You also must realize you can't do a spring-over and retain the factory steering linkage. Spring-overs are not a cheap lift.

The springs will be fine with a V8. An AMC AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l weights almost as much as a AMC 304 or 350. I run a 4" spring under with YJ springs and a LT1/TF727 combo. The only issues I have are the spring bushings failing.

I will not only have the 350 but will have the warn 8274 with AMC 150 ' of steel cable up front as well as air compressor and tanks under the good.

 

[Az84cj7]

Rubicon Express reverse wrap springs. They are made for SOA kits. A Little pricey but well worth it!

 

[ken98k]

Are you going to switch to High steer knuckles?