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Redoing the suspension on M38A1

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by Homebrew, Feb 6, 2009.

  1. Feb 6, 2009
    Homebrew

    Homebrew New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 5, 2009
    Messages:
    12
    I am in the process of gathering the parts to redo the suspension on my 56 m38a1. The plan is to go SOA My search has came up with these:
    http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/HD-S...ptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

    These will allow me to stretch the WB a couple of inches and help prevent axle wrap (according to the discription) What else can I do short of lengthning the frame to extend the wheel base?

    The leafs I plan on using are stock CJ's with revolver shackles. I plan making some sway bars to help with on road stability.

    Any other suggestions?
     
    Homebrew, Feb 6, 2009
    #1
  2. Feb 6, 2009
    SIDSCJ

    SIDSCJ Jeep addict

    14th State
    Joined:
    Jun 25, 2004
    Messages:
    1,190
    Don't butcher an M38A1. Stay SUA, those brackets won't do anything for "wheel base", unless you move the mounting points on the frame. Stock axles?? If you're swapping axles these will work for spring perches, but you're gonna end up with a high narrow center of gravity with stock springs in the stock location. I'd look @ Holbrook longleafs (search the forum). Either I'm missing something or this is gonna turn out bad.
     
    SIDSCJ, Feb 6, 2009
    #2
  3. Feb 6, 2009
    w3srl

    w3srl All-around swell dude Staff Member

    Port Orange, FL
    Joined:
    Nov 6, 2002
    Messages:
    4,275
    It looks like you would gain a max of about 1" in overall wheelbase, not enough to even justify the cost of lengthening the driveshaft IMHO.

    As for the SOA idea, keep in mind that a 4" lift setup will give you about the same overall lift without all the hassles of fabricating new perches, steering gear and all the million little things that go along with a SOA conversion. When you are all done and the paint is dry, you will still have an 80" wheelbase vehicle with a high enter of gravity, and one that has a very severe driveshaft angle that eats U-Joints on schedule.

    There's a reason why so many guys that go SOA end up switching back. YMMV. ;)
     
    w3srl, Feb 6, 2009
    #3
  4. Feb 6, 2009
    Homebrew

    Homebrew New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 5, 2009
    Messages:
    12
    The rear is already SOA. Its just a really sloppy job, thats why I am redoing it. the rear axle is from a waggy front is stock as far as I can tell. The drive shafts are after market not sure of thier legnth.
     
    Homebrew, Feb 6, 2009
    #4
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