Weight Distribution and spring placement

[billyballer]

Everything I've researched and read indicates that the CJ7 is nose heavy, meaning the front vs rear weight distribution is heavier on the front end. Yet it seems that the majority of people running lift kits run the stiffer springs in the back (unless they are equal at all 4 corners).

I was just curious if anyone has a good rationale for this. Is it simply to get a better ride on the road? Or anticipation of carrying a full payload?

 

[Torxhead]

I am sure that when lift kits are designed they do not account for a 9-12k winch, hardtop, and a 35" spare tire on a rear rack designed for that kind of load. The CJ7 is about 3200 lbs off the showroom floor and add a few more lbs for a heavy duty Transmission , rear axles, big tires, tools and spare parts.

 

[Petescj]

I am sure that when lift kits are designed they do not account for a 9-12k winch, hardtop, and a 35" spare tire on a rear rack designed for that kind of load. The CJ7 is about 3200 lbs off the showroom floor and add a few more lbs for a heavy duty Transmission , rear axles, tools and spare parts.

The only lift kits that I recall account for the things you mention are from Old Man Emu.

 

[Old Dog]

I think they do it because that's how the factory had it set up. Not sure why though. Maybe jeep figured that they were used mostly on ranches and such and would be hauling or towing heavy loads.

 

[tarry99]

Everything I've researched and read indicates that the CJ7 is nose heavy, meaning the front vs rear weight distribution is heavier on the front end. Yet it seems that the majority of people running lift kits run the stiffer springs in the back (unless they are equal at all 4 corners).

I was just curious if anyone has a good rationale for this. Is it simply to get a better ride on the road? Or anticipation of carrying a full payload?

Simply put everyone overloads there Jeeps......as mentioned before, winch , spare tire , heavy bumpers , rock guards, roll cage , body protection, extra fuel and how about an extra body and 300-500 lbs average of just tools and camping junk when going on a trip..........The stuff adds up quickly!

On my new CJ6 build my Spring guy is building me set-up springs to lay out the axles on the new chassis.......once completely finished and all weight is either added or calculated I'll put scales on top of the axles on all 4 corners and weigh the sprung weight only and then have him finish the springs packs.........no guessing then ........you get the ride and articulation you want the first time.

 

[billyballer]

I've heard that Deaver makes you give them corner weights before building spring packs for that exact reason.
It must be to account for added payload (gas, passengers, gear). Although a front mounted winch will just add to the nose weight.

 

[tarry99]

i've heard that deaver makes you give them corner weights before building spring packs for that exact reason.
It must be to account for added payload (gas, passengers, gear). Although a front mounted winch will just add to the nose weight.

yep!