what front spring size?

[satxcj]

my jeep is pretty hard to control at higher speeds and I know its due to the fact that I have some monster shackles (5 1/2 inches from center to center). I know buying some springs with more arc to them will give me the ride height that I need but I don't know what size springs to get. The PO installed the lift kit and I have no idea what brand it is or size. the front springs are pretty flat. i did get some new shocks last year and when i took them to a local 4x4 shop they got me some that were for a CJ with about 4 ins of lift. I did measure the height from the center of the hub to the flat top of the fender and it measured about 26 1/2 inches. I'm thinking the springs were a 2 1/2 in lift and added the shackles to get an overall lift of 4 inches. However the rear springs are on the original shackles (don't know if that matters). right now the jeep sits on some 33's with about about 6 1/4 inches till it hits the mounting point of the fender to flares the rear has about 10 inches. I'm thinking that getting some skyjacker front springs what give 3 1/2 to 4 inches of lift will do the trick does this sound about right? and will my steering be better with the new springs or do I have to install shims to get it right?

 

[Old Dog]

A 4" lift is just about right for 33's.
Thoes shackes should be giving you about 1 1/4" lift, and yes your steering will probaly be better if you go with something closer to stock lenght (3" center to center)
You cluld get by with the 2 1/2" lift if you don't mind doing a little fender trimming.

 

[satxcj]

If I do the 2 1/2in Im pretty sure the jeep will sit higher in the back and lower in the front... not really the look I'm going for lol. Thank you for your input! I guess now all I have to do is order some springs and maybe new shackles or make my own. I really like the "H" style ones I know I can make some but I dont know how far apart they need to be. any idea?

 

[Petescj]

Heres the stocker off my Scrambler. Like Old Dog said right around 3 in.

 

[satxcj]

sorry what I ment was the length of the brace between the side plates like this one. Performance Accessories 0283 - Performance Accessories Heavy Duty 1¼ YJ Front or 1¾" CJ Rear Lift Shackles - Quadratec

 

[Petescj]

Like this?

 

[Old Dog]

Make it a snug fit over the bushings.

 

[Jimbos76cj]

if your going to buy new springs look into converting them to 2.5 inch in the front.

 

[JR74CJ5]

I did measure the height from the center of the hub to the flat top of the fender and it measured about 26 1/2 inches. I'm thinking the springs were a 2 1/2 in lift and added the shackles to get an overall lift of 4 inches.

To check the actual lift of springs, if any, you put a level or straight edge between the spring bolt attachments on each side, basically the front lower bolt (attaching spring to shackle) and the rear spring hanger center of both bolts. Then you measure from the top of axle housing to bottom of straight edge. If sits flat on the housing springs are no lift, 1" space between = 1" lift or 2.5" = 2.5" you get the idea.

The shackles are measured (lift wise) by taking the total distance between bolts vertically (center to center) - stock dimention between bolts (stock Shackle) 3" and dividing the remaining number in 1/2, so for example:

If you have 5" between shackle bolt centers vertically:

5-3=2 then 2/2=1 which means 1" total lift from shackles.

(someone correct me if wrong, this is what i am assuming from doing reading... )

There were 2 stock spring widths I am aware of for CJ's, but not sure which goes to which years etc. 2-1/2" like pictured and I think 1-3/4" (Not positive on this...)

Hope helpful.

FYI: I have 33's on now, with all shackle lift (springs are stock height). I am planning on getting back to stock shackle dimensions (heavy duty grease-able though x 3" center to center) adding 2-1/2" spring lift kit, and doing some Body trimming. I want to run 33's with min rubbing, and still keep my center of gravity low as possible to help avoid rolling as much as possible


~ JR

 

[Petescj]

FYI: I have 33's on now, with all shackle lift (springs are stock height). I am planning on getting back to stock shackle dimensions (heavy duty grease-able though x 3" center to center) adding 2-1/2" spring lift kit, and doing some Body trimming. I want to run 33's with min rubbing, and still keep my center of gravity low as possible to help avoid rolling as much as possible
~ JR

For a younger guy you sure have your head on your shoulders. Your plan is solid and sensible. If you wanna get a look at the before and after of the trimming with 2 1/2 in springs I just posted mine in here:

Dana 300 - Page 4 - Jeep-CJ Forums

 

[JR74CJ5]

For a younger guy you sure have your head on your shoulders. Your plan is solid and sensible.

Thanks Man! I've been noticing a little of that coming outa me... little scary actually!

If you wanna get a look at the before and after of the trimming with 2 1/2 in springs I just posted mine in here:

Dana 300 - Page 4 - Jeep-CJ Forums

I would be very interested to know how much you cut from where... Might take some of the guess work outa what I'm planning.

I can see the cut line in my head when i look at my jeep, but my head has provided some very bad ideas at times... Especially after a few

I don't want to Jack the thread though, if you have a write up thread, or some extra pics, or a build thread PM me and let me know where I can see some of the particulars.


~ JR

 

[Old Dog]

I don't want to Jack the thread though, if you have a write up thread, or some extra pics, or a build thread PM me and let me know where I can see some of the particulars.


~ JR

I put a pic of my new trim job with Petes in germys 300 thread. I traced an outline of a ty flair and blended it it.

 

[JR74CJ5]

I put a pic of my new trim job with Petes in germys 300 thread. I traced an outline of a ty flair and blended it it.

I just seen that... They both look great!
Gives me some ideas