YJ vs CJ lift spring heights

[OldsCool]

Hey guys I'm getting close to doing a lift on my old CJ and was wondering, other than the obvious front spring widths being different and needing to swap the shackle mounts and u-bolt plates, what is the lift height difference when using YJ springs on our CJs?

I'm wanting to run 35's and want to swap to the YJ width springs up front. I've read conflicting posts across the net on the height differences between the Jeep model-specific springs (YJ vs CJ). I'm looking to do a 4" spring lift and was wondering if I should be looking for 4" YJ springs, or a little taller or shorter? I'll be using BDS springs if that matters.

Background and planned mods:
82 CJ7
AMC 360 V8
NP435 Transmission
Dana 300 Transfer Case
Waggy 44's
Daystar 1" body lift
15x10's
35x12.50-15's

 

[j6824]

Hey guys I'm getting close to doing a lift on my old CJ and was wondering, other than the obvious front spring widths being different and needing to swap the shackle mounts and u-bolt plates, what is the lift height difference when using YJ springs on our CJs?

I'm wanting to run 35's and want to swap to the YJ width springs up front. I've read conflicting posts across the net on the height differences between the Jeep model-specific springs (YJ vs CJ). I'm looking to do a 4" spring lift and was wondering if I should be looking for 4" YJ springs, or a little taller or shorter? I'll be using BDS springs if that matters.

Background and planned mods:
82 CJ7
AMC 360 V8
NP435 Transmission
Dana 300 Transfer Case
Waggy 44's
Daystar 1" body lift
15x10's
35x12.50-15's

I did the 4” BDS CJ kit. It’s closer to 5”, even after it settles, which it really doesn’t, because it’s so stiff.

YJ springs are said to be much softer in terms of both ride and flex. All things being equal...if I were in your shoes (I’m assuming you’re intending to stay sua), I believe I’d go with the YJs. The Old Man Emus seem to have the best rep for customer satisfaction and performance for a sua setup. A bit pricier than most, but they seem to have a loyal following...haven’t run across much negative about them that I can recall

 

[OldsCool]

Yes, I do intend to stay SUA. My last YJ Wrangler had OME springs on it when I bought it, but they were 10 years old and one front spring had sagged. Those 2.5" springs and a 1" body lift were barely able to clear 32's without cutting. I'm mainly going for BDS because I used a set of their 5" leaf springs on my last XJ and they rode great, plus their warranty is supposed to be excellent.

I'm just hoping to find an answer to the lift height differences. Since stock YJs sat lower from the factory than CJs did, and their stock springs are nearly flat (which I am suspecting is the reason they ride better) and stock CJ springs are arched, I didn't want to buy 4" YJ springs and end up with (for instance) 2" of lift. I'm set on 35's and I don't mind cutting for clearance, but if I can avoid too much of it I'll be happier with the end result.

My intended purpose for the Jeep is to be a throwback wheeler. Something that would've been a very capable rig when I first got into this hobby 20 years ago. Call it nostalgia if you will, but I won't be afraid to take it through moderate to difficult trails in the southeast.

Thanks!

 

[j6824]

Yes, I do intend to stay SUA. My last YJ Wrangler had OME springs on it when I bought it, but they were 10 years old and one front spring had sagged. Those 2.5" springs and a 1" body lift were barely able to clear 32's without cutting. I'm mainly going for BDS because I used a set of their 5" leaf springs on my last XJ and they rode great, plus their warranty is supposed to be excellent.

I'm just hoping to find an answer to the lift height differences. Since stock YJs sat lower from the factory than CJs did, and their stock springs are nearly flat (which I am suspecting is the reason they ride better) and stock CJ springs are arched, I didn't want to buy 4" YJ springs and end up with (for instance) 2" of lift. I'm set on 35's and I don't mind cutting for clearance, but if I can avoid too much of it I'll be happier with the end result.

My intended purpose for the Jeep is to be a throwback wheeler. Something that would've been a very capable rig when I first got into this hobby 20 years ago. Call it nostalgia if you will, but I won't be afraid to take it through moderate to difficult trails in the southeast.

Thanks!

I'm not sure they'll give you the clearance, then...they don't have anywhere near the amount of arch, especially once they settle...but the BDSs will...I could easily go to 35s on mine clearance-wise

This post may be of some interest to you (though not all of it is applicable, i.e. axle choice):

https://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f19/bds-jeep-cj5-cj7-scrambler-yj-spring-conversion-kit-26875/