Leaf Spread

My 1975 Cj5 rear leaf springs have broken keepers. The springs have splaid apart like open fingers. Is it worth trying to add new keepers or just order new stock springs? I do not have any lift and run 31/10.5/15 tyres. The ride is currently very rough.

 

You need to make sure that your U-bolts are tight and that no leaves are broken. You should be able to find some new keepers to keep them straight until you figure out if you need to replace the springs.

 

Thanks, I ordered some Keepers and will try them first.

 

Do you mean splayed vertically or horizontally?

Even without keepers I don't think he leaves should be splayed vertically. If horizontally, then I agree with Daryl about the u-bolts.

 

They are in alignment just separating like pages in a book.They are straight. I will post a few pictures.

 

Here are the pictures

 

The lower leaves are supposed to have slightly more curve than the top leaf, so the pack stays together. If they are spreading out, there's something wrong with the temper of the lower leaves.

NB the standard rear springs on these Jeeps have two flat overload springs and only the top three leaves curve. Maybe that's what you are seeing? Like this - More Information for OMIX-ADA 1820205

Almost every new enthusiast-owner replaces the springs on these Jeeps. The original springs will be worn out after 43 years.

 

Those are toast. Replace.

 

If they are original (likely - they look like it) they are the "HD Springs & Shocks" option for 1975. 10 leaves. The original HD suspension were most like the 1" or 1.5" lift springs sold today.

 

Check out BDS springs.

 

Thanks new springs it is

 

times a bunch. made a huge difference

 

Maybe.

But I think the situation illustrated is the irresistible force of pack-rust between the leaves. The same thing that wrinkles the girders on railroad bridges.

Time for new springs.

 

Hope to have new Springs in by next week. Looking around on options. The plan is to keep current ride height. My tyres are 31/10.5/15 and I’ve had no issues. Most off-road is sand and muddy beach roads. I will post some pictures.

 

i still vote bds...after they settle some they arent that much taller than stock.

 

Ok maybe 3 choices - custom - Deaver, Santa Ana CA or Alcan Grand Junction CO. Get exactly what you want, highest quality, for premium price.
Lift springs - BDS or Skyjacker I guess. I have BDS on my CJ-6 and am pleased with them. They are advertised as 2.5" lift but they are not much higher (maybe an inch?) than the original "Heavy duty springs and shocks" that came on these Jeeps. Maybe also Rancho or Rough Country - not sure if they are still in production, but both have a reputation for being really stiff.
OEM replacement - pretty sure that Dayton Spring is supplying a line of OEM replacement springs. Not sure whether they are domestically produced or "overseas." Omix-Ada also sells OEM replacement springs, but Omix is pretty much universally hated.

 

cant even figure how many times to X2 that

 

This is my current look and what I wish to keep. The springs seem original and part of the HD option. The current question, are Shims needed if I stay with a stock spring setup?