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opinion on springs

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by 66cjlasvegas, Feb 13, 2008.

  1. 66cjlasvegas

    66cjlasvegas New Member 2022 Sponsor

    Hi, I've been lurking here for a while and learned a lot, but I've got a question I couldn't find an answer to. I've got a '66 cj5 that I'm gonna put a 2 1/2" lift on, probably BDS. I know that a suspension lift usually gives a stiffer ride but the springs that are on there are the hd springs I believe.(8 leafs on front/ 11 leafs on rear) It rides pretty rough now, if the new springs are going to make it ride stiffer I may have to rethink this. Thanks for any help you can give.
     
    66cjlasvegas, Feb 13, 2008
    #1
  2. timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Different brands of springs have different rates, and are thus less/more stiff. However, "if wishes were horses...". You can't have lateral stability, ride height, and a soft spring with the springs as far inboard as they are on a CJ. The more you lift, the stiffer the springs need to be to get the same body roll characteristics.

    BDS are good, so I recall from reading posts here. Tires make a big difference - soft sidewalls and low pressure will smooth the ride considerably. Nice, deep seats help too.
     
    timgr, Feb 13, 2008
    #2
  3. SkysTheLimit

    SkysTheLimit Member

    if you are really concerned about stiffness but really want to lift your jeep, I don't know how much money you have, but it would be better to go to wrangler springs. You will have to buy new shackle to frame mounts, new spring to frame mounts, and new shackles in addition to wrangler lift springs, of course. The wrangler springs are longer and wider, though, which provides for a softer ride with more articulation. I don't know how handy you are for welding and such, but a fab shop should be able to set you up with the new bracketry welded to your frame for a couple bills. More technology generally has gone into making the wrangler lift springs as well, so they are thinner and flex better and ride smoother. Lots of people like Rubicon Express stuff, it's not cheap though. Just giving you best case scenario options. You might only have like 400 bucks to spend, though. good luck!!
     
    SkysTheLimit, Feb 13, 2008
    #3
  4. nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    You might also consider the Holbrook Spring conversion. They are about 9" longer than stock, ride great, and only require new spring mounts on one end of the spring to be installed, no frame mods. Very easy to do. Here's a link.
    http://www.holbrookspecialties.com/

    Oh, yeah, their phone # is 503-655-4747
    Nickmil
     
    nickmil, Feb 13, 2008
    #4
  5. lynn

    lynn Time machine / Early CJ5 HR Rep Staff Member

    The new BDS will not be as stiff as the stock HD springs.
    However...it may take a little while for your BDS springs to soften up, they'll be stiff at first. Cycling/flexing the suspension on some rocks or ramps during the first couple weeks will help alot.

    Skyjacker softride 2.5" lift is a good comfortable ride. It will tend to sag over the course of a couple years if your rig is heavier than stock at either end. You can compensate with longer shackles at either end if that happens. I did, ran them for over 10 yrs.

    A key to a smooth riding CJ5 is good shocks. I recommend Rancho 9000 series adjustables. (Avoid Rancho 5000s!! WAY too stiff!!)
    I ran the 9000s about mid setting or a tad less on the street/highway for the lateral stability... offroad I ran them at minimum which provided a superb smooth ride on some tough trails...rode as smooth as a stock TJ offroad :D

    I've also heard all good about the Holbrooks that Nick mentioned.
     
    lynn, Feb 13, 2008
    #5
  6. stalin440

    stalin440 member

    and if your poor like me, rough country offers a cheaper 2 1/2 lift. i have yet to test mine but i guessing it will ride like a hay wagon. the springs are heavy, could probably put a power stroke deisel in without it squatingR). i hear BDS and black diamond are good, but never have tried them.:beer:
     
    stalin440, Feb 13, 2008
    #6
  7. Vanguard

    Vanguard Take Off! Staff Member

    I'm pretty happy with my selection of the 2.5" Explorer Pro-Comp lift. It was the cheapest of the Lifetime warranty kits that come with shocks. The kit was compete with everything but shackles and frame bushings.
     
    Vanguard, Feb 13, 2008
    #7
  8. 66cjlasvegas

    66cjlasvegas New Member 2022 Sponsor

    Thanks for the help, those holbrook springs look interesting. Anybody here running them?
     
    66cjlasvegas, Feb 13, 2008
    #8
  9. RANDYCJ-5

    RANDYCJ-5 New Member

    WE ARE WONDERING IF YOU CAN HELP US OUT WITH SOME JEEP QUESTIONS?
    :? WILL THE LATER MODEL SPRINGS WORK ON THE EARLY CJ-5'S? WE HAVE A 1974 CJ-5 AND SOMEONE GIVE US SOME SPRINGS BUT WE AREN'T SURE IF THEY ARE GOING TO WORK.

     
    RANDYCJ-5, Feb 13, 2008
    #9
  10. sparky

    sparky Sandgroper Staff Member Founder

    sparky, Feb 13, 2008
    #10
  11. Warloch

    Warloch Did you say Flattie??? Staff Member

    Yup - with the RS9000's - can not say enough on how much I like them. Do a search on the Holbrook here as several of us run them. I have not heard anyone say anything bad about them.
     
    Warloch, Feb 13, 2008
    #11
  12. Huntman

    Huntman HIGH ROLLER

    i agree with sparky!!! make it work.R)
     
    Huntman, Feb 13, 2008
    #12
  13. SkysTheLimit

    SkysTheLimit Member

    I'm interested in the Halbrook's too, but have a couple Q's for you guys running them. Do they really offer a true 3" of lift as I have 2.5" and would like just a bit more lift and want to make sure that at least I don't lose any height worst case. Also, the website says they are not compatible with shackle reversal, what the heck is the deal with that? Anyone know the idea on why that is? Why can't I just move back the shackle to frame mount further to accomodate the longer springs?
     
    SkysTheLimit, Feb 13, 2008
    #13
  14. Warloch

    Warloch Did you say Flattie??? Staff Member

    The end 'lift' will depend on the weight and other factors of the jeep. I have the Holbrooks and a 2" body lift, on my '51. You can not do the Shackle reversal as these are narrow flexxy springs. If you think of the impact of axle wrap on springs, it would happen on the fronts only in reverse with a reversal (if that makes any sence).

    Personally - I can not think of a reason to have a Shackle reversal with theses springs and the RS9000 Shocks. The ride on mine with 31's and 15PSI was so smooth over wash boards - I thought I was in a car.
     
    Warloch, Feb 14, 2008
    #14
  15. 66cj6tuxpark

    66cj6tuxpark New Member

    I have the BDS springs and I love them. They're nice and flexy, and give a much smoother ride than I had with the worn stockers. Though, when I have the hard top on corners can be very scary.
     
    66cj6tuxpark, Feb 15, 2008
    #15
  16. nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    The reason they say not compatible with shackle reversal is because they didn't design it for a shackle reversal. They designed the springs for a standard front shackle design. Length, arch, caster and pinion angle, etc. all came into play when they designed these springs. It's kind of like a disclaimer. I put them on my Race Jeep on the front with a shackle reversal (M38a1 frame) simply because it was easier for me at the time. They made a huge difference. Before I was lifting the front end off the ground on hard launches drag racing. Now I can't lift the front tires off at all unless I jump. My front axle was custom though so I built it so all the angles with those springs were correct. If I was putting them on a stock CJ I'd put the shackles in the front vs. doing a shackle reversal for more stability and simplicity and because they were designed with stock running gear in mind. I drove the prototype set down in Moab, Utah and on a 3b on an early 5 chassis the washboard roads that usually make an early '5 bounce were like riding in a car.
    They give a true 3" lift but that can very much be affected by the weight of motor (big v-8 vs. v-6) winch, how heavy your bumpers are, etc. Nickmil
     
    nickmil, Feb 15, 2008
    #16