Swapping/Reversing leaf springs? Is it possible?

[OliY]

Hey Community, Hope everyone is safe and well.

So i rebuilt a 61' CJ3b 1.5years ago and refurbed the original leaf springs which were in good shape. Having driven the jeep for some time i've noticed when looking at it from behind that the left hand side (drivers side) is dropped slightly. Having now measured from the ground to the centre wheels arch on both sides of the rear of the vehicle I've found that theres a 2" difference (lower on the drivers side) between each side.
The front of the jeep is fine.
So, my thinking is that perhaps its my extra weight in the drivers seat (200lbs) over the course of a year and a half (plus all previous drivers etc since 1961) that has caused the rear drivers side spring to 'soften' over time (?)

Now, rather than spend $230 on a new set of rear springs I wondered if I couldn't even the situation out by swapping the rear springs over? Having looked into it a bit more i'm not sure its possible due to the threaded U-bolts/shackles and the left-hand turn / right hand turn threads differences on each side.

Has anyone ever swapped springs around like this? Can it be done? or are both springs only capable of being used in either drivers side or passenger side positions?

Looking forward to hearing any advice on this.

Many thanks

Oli

 

[j6824]

Hey Community, Hope everyone is safe and well.

So i rebuilt a 61' CJ3b 1.5years ago and refurbed the original leaf springs which were in good shape. Having driven the jeep for some time i've noticed when looking at it from behind that the left hand side (drivers side) is dropped slightly. Having now measured from the ground to the centre wheels arch on both sides of the rear of the vehicle I've found that theres a 2" difference (lower on the drivers side) between each side.
The front of the jeep is fine.
So, my thinking is that perhaps its my extra weight in the drivers seat (200lbs) over the course of a year and a half (plus all previous drivers etc since 1961) that has caused the rear drivers side spring to 'soften' over time (?)

Now, rather than spend $230 on a new set of rear springs I wondered if I couldn't even the situation out by swapping the rear springs over? Having looked into it a bit more i'm not sure its possible due to the threaded U-bolts/shackles and the left-hand turn / right hand turn threads differences on each side.

Has anyone ever swapped springs around like this? Can it be done? or are both springs only capable of being used in either drivers side or passenger side positions?

Looking forward to hearing any advice on this.

Many thanks

Oli

What you describe sounds an awful lot like a case of the notorious driver’s side CJ lean

Easiest remedy I’ve seen suggested on here is to lengthen your spring shackles on that side. The additional length would be dictated by the difference in height between the two sides. Best method of measurement would be from the ground (flat level surface) to the bottom of the frame on each side, both front and rear.

Shackles usually come in 1/2” increments. Alternatively, you could make them or have them made.

 

[OliY]

Thanks j6824,

Sounds like there might be a more simple and less expensive way to solve the problem (who doesn't like that!!) do you know where i can find lengthened shackles for a CJ3b online?

I was always hesitant to change my springs out because I imagine the steel used in the 1960's is probably much better than something imported from China. However, if I do end up having to buy new springs, where's the best place to buy them?

Thanks for the help.

Best regards

Oli

 

[j6824]

Thanks j6824,

Sounds like there might be a more simple and less expensive way to solve the problem (who doesn't like that!!) do you know where i can find lengthened shackles for a CJ3b online?

I was always hesitant to change my springs out because I imagine the steel used in the 1960's is probably much better than something imported from China. However, if I do end up having to buy new springs, where's the best place to buy them?

Thanks for the help.

Best regards

Oli

Shouldn't be anything model specific so much as it will be bolt hole and bushing diameter...would just have to match it up to your existing setup in that regard.

There are plenty of sources for springs, albeit many choices are aftermarket lift type, but original replacements shouldn't be problematic, should it come to that

Below are a few links:

https://www.morris4x4center.com/sus...ushings/jeep_willys--leaf_spring_shackles.htm

https://www.morris4x4center.com/suspension/springs/leaf_springs.htm

There are other sources...Quadratec:

https://www.quadratec.com/vehicle/1945-1986-cj/lift-kits-and-suspension/shackles-and-hardware

https://www.quadratec.com/vehicle/1945-1986-cj/lift-kits-and-suspension/leaf-springs

You'll see parallels among these and the multitude of other sites with regard to the offerings.

You are right with regard to quality control as it pertains to a lot of replacement parts now manufactured overseas. The two to avoid if at all possible are Crown and Omix Ada...unfortunately, most if not all of their offerings are OEM factory replacement parts.

 

[OliY]

Excellent info, Thanks for the help with this. I'll see what I can find with regard to the U bolt shackles and post back in case anyone else ever needs the info.

It does seem though from what you have said that the drivers side lag is a fairly common problem so I wonder how other people have got around it and what hardware solutions they have found?

I'll start my search anyway

Many Thanks