Suspension Install tips?

[Scout1067]

I just ordered a 2.5" BDS suspenson kit to replace the springs on mine which are sagging and giving my Jeep the kind of gangster lean a Bradley in my Troop had after a mine strike in Bosnia. My parts are starting to trickle in as in addition to the BDS kit I ordered complete new hardware, mounting plates, bump stops, greasable shackles and bushings, etc.

I have replaced shocks before but never a complete suspension like this with leaf springs and all. Are there any tips or things I need to be looking out for? I am sure there is something about doing that will come up and bite me. I just wondered if any of you more experienced jeepers on here have some tips for things to pay particular attention to or to look out for.

 

[HackFabrication]

Jackstands under the frame.
Lots of PB Blaster.
Cutting torch and/or air tools help. A lot.

Do not re-use your existing u-bolts.

 

[jp360cj]

Jack stands under the frame. Ideally, tall enough for the tires to off the ground, but still bolted to the axles.
Disconnect the driveshsaft, shocks, and brake lines if necessary.
Remove u bolts. possibly the worst part of the job. If they are troublesome, I just cut them off since I'm not reusing them anyway.
Support one side of the axle with the jack (just enough so there's no weight on the springs)
Unbolt the leaf spring from the shackle/hanger. Repeat for other side.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Coat all threads with copper anti-seize.
You will need a torque wrench.
Don't tighten a thing, till all is in place.
After the first 100 miles. Re-torque everydangthing. Again at 500 and then 1K.
Take notes as you go......
LG

 

[Torxhead]

Don't overtighten the bolts for the spring shackles.

 

[Idahododgeram]

Invest in or make your own greasable shackle bolts. I made my own. The above info is spot on. If you have to cut your old U bolts make sure to keep fleshy parts away from everything. Some of those are under alot of stress and can bite you real quick. I learned the hard way.

 

[Scout1067]

Thanks for all the tips. I hope all the parts come in within the next week or so. My greasable shackles are backordered as well as one of the spring plates so we will see. My son has already told me he will come up to help me when I change the springs out and I want to get the job done before fall comes on.

 

[BIG4D]

Be sure and check your spring saddles on the axles. They are known for rusting out. Mine were and ended up having to weld new ones to the axle tubes.
Before you start, pressure wash the suspension very well. This will minimize the amount of mud/dirt you will have to dig through to get everything off.
This is a good time to change the axle grease and check the brakes. You will have the wheels off, so give them a quick check while you are there.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[mriplaybass]

If you are going to go off road with it, especially if you plan to crawl rocks, it would be a good idea to get some spring plates that also protect the U bolts.

 

[Scout1067]

If you are going to go off road with it, especially if you plan to crawl rocks, it would be a good idea to get some spring plates that also protect the U bolts.

I had thought of that but this is my everyday driver and while I go off road that generally means goat trails and logging trails. The local Forestmeisters frown upon true offroading and their are some pretty stiff penalties in Germany if you get caught doing it. Essentially, if it's really fun they have all kinds of rules and regulations to suck the life right out of it. Kind of like the Army that way.

 

[mriplaybass]

Ah yes! The fun police! Where I live is one of Americas recreational playgrounds. All types of motorsports are welcome and accomodated. ATV's, dirt bikes, snowmobiles, etc. Everything but off road trucks and Jeeps! Even when people try to purchase land and create an off road park, the local authorities step in and crush the efforts.

 

[Peanut Butter]

I just ordered a 2.5" BDS suspenson kit to replace the springs on mine which are sagging and giving my Jeep the kind of gangster lean a Bradley in my Troop had after a mine strike in Bosnia. QUOTE]

When were you in Bosnia? My tour was 98 to 99. Most of it at the Blue Factory.

 

[Scout1067]

When were you in Bosnia? My tour was 98 to 99. Most of it at the Blue Factory.

I was in Bosnia from Jan-Dec 96. I was in B Troop 3/4 Cav, 3 ID (we reflagged to 1/4 Cav, 1ID in February) and we crossed the float bridge over the Sava on 4 Jan 96. It was hilarious because the engineer camp was right next to the bridge and had flooded right after they finished the bridge so all the tents and quite a few vehicles were under water.

I had the joy of separating the Bosniaks and Serbs. Bosnia is actually where I got into my first firefight with a bunch of Serb paramilitaries when we kicked them out of a base camp they had established inside the Bosniak sector. We lived in our tracks until April when we finally set up tents at our camp after the engineers finished de-mining it.

 

[mtnwhlr]

I want to thank you for your service.

 

[Scout1067]

I want to thank you for your service.

I got to spend a career doing what I wanted to do and going all over the world on your dime. I should be thanking you for the support. Some places were hellholes but others were quite nice.

PS, I also find it kind of embarrassing, my wife says that is silly but it is what it is.

 

[mtnwhlr]

I spent 2 years in Germany in the 70's in the Army.

 

[Scout1067]

I spent 2 years in Germany in the 70's in the Army.

I did a total of 3 tours in Germany. 95-98, 02-05, and 08-11 when I retired. I was a fraternizer and married a German girl then stayed over here after I retired so I son could finish school in the German system. Now the plan is to buy a travel trailer and do a grand tour of Europe for a few years before going back Stateside and doing the same thing there. Don't know where i will eventually end up but it is most likely we will end up taking over the farm in Oklahoma from my dad because none of brothers want it.

Needless to say, I loved the Army, why else would I have stayed for 23 years.