Softer Suspension

[Eric]

I am new to the CJ world, I always had newer vehicles and would like to have a softer suspension on my 80 CJ5 . I will be driving mostly on pavement and never realized the Jeep is seriously rough, I feel every pebble and bump in the road, I understand it's a Jeep thing but can I do something to soften it up?

 

[IOPort51]

do you still have the original springs??

I am new to the CJ world, I always had newer vehicles and would like to have a softer suspension on my 80 CJ5 . I will be driving mostly on pavement and never realized the Jeep is seriously rough, I feel every pebble and bump in the road, I understand it's a Jeep thing but can I do something to soften it up?

 

[Eric]

I am pretty sure they are the originals. When I bought it everything was mentioned on what was changed and the springs were not mentioned, they look original. Would I just need to put in upgraded shocks or replace springs? I am not too mechanically inclined but plan on learning a lot from this Jeep. Thank you for your response.

 

[Buuushman]

I am about to do A Y.J. spring swap on my 79 C.J.-5. goes to a 2.5" wide spring with fewer leaves and should be a vast improvement over stock. Through the research I've done, what you need are springs and shackles from a Jeep Y.J., a set of rear shackle hangers from a C.J. to replace the stock 2" front hangers ($13.99 ea. from Quadratec), new bushings, ( $24.99 from Quadratec), and new spring plates which may have to be fabricated, I have not found them yet.
I should be doing this mod in a week or so and will do a write up on it.

Bush

 

[Buuushman]

O.K.- found the spring plates too- $19.99 ea. from Quadratec.

 

[IOPort51]

Or you could buy a set of Old Man Emu springs and shocks. I understand they are about the softest ride going.

 

[gillmore]

I've got a 79 CJ5 with the original heavy duty springs. I installed new shocks earlier this month and it was a significant improvement. It is still bouncy, but it took the edge off and I feel a lot safer in turns and on our local potholed roads.

 

[Eric]

I am psyched that I joined so that I will be able to speak with you guys about this stuff. Awesome ideas and Buuushman I am interested to see your progress through write up, are all of the items that you have listed...bolt ons or fab work?

 

[indiandog]

what shocks did you use thanks

 

[gillmore]

I used Napa Gas Grande Fleet (Monroe Gas Magnum). They were about $180 for 4.

I also considered Bilstein ($240) but couldn't get them locally without a special order.

 

[CJKrawler]

I am psyched that I joined so that I will be able to speak with you guys about this stuff. Awesome ideas and Buuushman I am interested to see your progress through write up, are all of the items that you have listed...bolt ons or fab work?

It is going to be a mixture. The spring hanger and shackle mount should be welded to the frame. Changing the spring is a very simple process, undo a couple bolts, and take the ubolts out, and done. If you are new at the mechanic thing, just upgrade your springs and shocks. Switching to the YJ springs will be an upgrade, but you can get the same ride out of a quality CJ spring and shock combo, plus, it is almost an easy as changing your oil. Just make sure you get yourself a quality torque wrench, and a couple of jack stands.

 

[Buuushman]

Everything for the Y.J. swap can be sourced from Quadratec except the springs. You should be able to find the springs at the local wrecking yard, hopefully from a wrecked low mileage Y.J. I got mine from the 4x4 shop in town and they are Y.J. 2.5 lift springs that I got cheap because a customer wanted more lift and the owner wanted to get rid of them. IMO the hangers and such are better to buy new, as they are relatively cheap and a PITA to cut off of the donor vehicle. The only welding necessary is the two farthest forward spring hangers and they should be pie for anyone that can weld.

Bush

 

[jeepy]

Just get a set of Skyjacker softride springs, and you will be much happier with the ride.

 

[gillmore]

You may also adjust your tire air pressure. Dropping a couple of PSI can make a noticeable difference.