New spring project underway

I ordered my parts and started my front suspension project. I am switching to a YJ front spring and doing a shackle reversal. I visited Wabash Auto to get all the used parts I needed and ordered the rest new. They strip about 100 Jeeps a year and have thousands of good used parts. I got all my 2.5 inch spring pads, a track locator and a 76CJ front sway bar with brackets and hardware. I decided not to use stock YJ springs because of the length. They are about 5 inches longer than my CJ and that was going to be a problem. So I called Fort Wayne spring and ordered a set of custom made YJ spec springs that are CJ length. It was only a little more money than a new stock set of YJ springs. I'm already building my shackles and pivot end brackets so by the time my springs get here I should be ready to start mounting hardware. One thing I did find when I took apart my front end was a broken front cross member. It really didn't break it sort of ripped. The hole where the rivet goes through the cross member, through the frame and in to the shackle mount was ripped apart letting the lower frame twist over a half inch. It was nice to find this because that explains the movement I saw when I turned the front wheels. I plan to beef this up considerably before I install my new front springs. I attached a pic of the damage but it is hard to see. Impossible to see with the front bumper and winch in place. Might be something others with road wander to look for. More later.

 

You have ambition like I used to have! This what I did with that wimpy front crossmember and front frame, I had a piece of metal bent that rapped around the frame and welded it all to the existing frame. I also ran a flat strap of metal from the front of the jeep to the rear on the bottom side of the frame. These frames seem to crack when flexed alot, so I try to let the suspension do the flexing and made my frame nice and rigid. Oh, also ran a piece of rectangular tube right in front of the steering box from side to side so that steering box wouldn't go anywhere. Now I have a nice flat area for my winch also. Just thought I would share this with you, It has held up now for ten years! looks like you have a pretty good idea of what to do. Good luck and post pics!

 

Hey, I like the beef! Man that looks good. Did you have to go with a heavier spring to hold it up? Just kidding. That looks similar to what I had in mind. I hope mine holds up for ten years. I'll post results. Thanks.