Which Leaf To Remove?

I’m looking to get a softer ride, and figured i would try removing a leaf from the front and rear spring packs. They’re rancho 2.5” lift springs, part number 44062 front and 44162 rear. Both front and rear have six leaves per pack. Top two can’t be removed because they’re wrapped around the bushing. Third and fifth from top both have clips riveted to them. So the only ones that can be removed relatively easily would be the little spring at the very bottom or the fourth from the top. I was thinking the fourth leaf would give me the best results, but was curious what others thought?

I suppose there’s also the possibility of removing the third leaf from the top, as the retainer clip is only attached to the two upper leaves which are already held in place by the bushing/shackle. Or maybe that’s a horrible idea, I don’t know.

for what it’s worth, the Jeep is sort of on the high side for my taste, so the sagging associated with leaf removal doesn’t really concern me.

 

What air pressure are you running in the tires? If you air down the tires this will help the ride.

 

Good Question................. I am wondering the same thing, I have Rancho 1" lift, and would like a softer ride. Thinking about looking at BDS I think is what I saw on here.

 

I'm not a fan of pulling leafs Each one it designed to support the one above. Back in the day Rancho tried a 2 leaf set up called the Freedom Rider. My dad ran them on his 73 CJ5. He had nothing but problems with broken leafs. A thinner leaf flexes better than a thick one so it's better to stack more thin ones for propper support. Look at the BDS springs. Also tire pressure plays a big part in ride quality. I had a TJ that weighed 4280 lbs on 35 X 12.5 tires and I drove it 8 years with the tires at 25psi. I ended up replacing the BFG Mud Terrains at 54,000 miles. Now I don't have the weight of my CJ in front of me but it is much less that the TJ I had. I run my CJ with 33 X 12.5 BFG All Terrains at 23psi and up to 65 mph max because that when she is wound up.
Do be afraid to experiment and be safe about it.

 

I had those, & it rode like a dump truck. Switched to BDS & I am much happier...it's like a better riding dump truck

 

This.

 

I don't have a pic of the rear but I run with the 2 easily removable leaf's out of the front and I swapped the three lowers in the rear out with the stockers. I have 33's on it in the pic.

 

From the bottom: Pull the 1st and 3rd leaves or just buy Walck's.

 

This is basically what I did on the rear pack on my CJ, and I pulled the 1st, 3rd, and 4th from the front on the 4" Rancho springs that are on it. Mainly because I don't care about these springs, they were on there when I bought it, and it's probably going to get a YJ spring conversion before it's all said and done. They ride better, but it's still terrible, polishing the contact surfaces, and using some dry moly lube helps, but nothing is ever going to make them ride worth a poop.

 

I second this.

 

It's a jeep. You want ride, buy a Caddy.

Ya signed on to be tough, dintcha?

 

Thanks for the replies. I realize that getting new springs is the way to go, but I’d like to try removing leaves first since it’s free. I’ll remove the first and third from the bottom and see what happens.

I’m currently running 17 psi in the tires. Fairly low pressure, but also a fairly light Jeep - no winch, no top, no back seat, relatively light bumper and I only weigh about 165.

 

I third this, you may be pleasantly surprised. I pulled just the first ones on my 3B over 30 years ago and happy I did.
I also agree with cleaning and dry lubricating between the leaves so they can slide easier, this helped a lot as well.

 

Or a Commando

 

I did the second one from the top on my old springs. It lasted until I did a YJ swap.
My thought. Why would I need another full length leaf under a full leaf.
And if a spring breaks. You could always replace them later.

 

I ended up removing the second and third leaf from the bottom, both front and rear. Lowered the Jeep about an inch all around, which is fine. The ride is significantly softer.

 

Try some original F134 Tuxedo Park springs. Softest riding springs I've ever expierenced on a Jeep CJ.
Two stage springs, 6 leaves up front, 5 in the rear. Bottom 2 leaves are flat, and the upper leaves are arched. These rear springs were also used on regular CJ5s up through '71 or '72. In most situations, you were riding on 4 and 3 leaves (F/R) and the ride was almost plush, for a leaf spring.
Yes, my Jeep used to really lean over on turns, but would lay on these bottom leaves and stayed pretty sure-footed.
-Donny

 

Those look like the pro comp springs I have. I have wondered about removing a leaf but will wait until the Jeep is running to decide - but I am glad this worked out. It looks like the Jeep is an m38-a1 with combat wheels - cool - but the pitman arm is a bit scary looking.

 

Yeah, I’m not a huge fan of that shortened and welded pitman either. It was installed by the PO. I’d much prefer a short factory made pitman, but I’m not sure what to buy. I know I have a Saginaw 800 box and the drag link end has a standard taper.

Yes on the combat wheels, but it’s not an m38a1. Just a 56 civilian model cj5.

 

My current pitman arm is 4.5 inches center to center, and it looks to be zero drop (although the drag link side of the arm is at an angle, I don’t think that is necessary). A totally flat 5” or even 6” pitman looks like it would work fine, but it definitely cannot have any drop. A 1” lift pitman arm (drag link hole one inch higher than the sector shaft hole) would actually be ideal.

i suppose I could go with this and have them ream it at 5”, but I’m sure it would be a lot cheaper to buy a pre-tapered 5” pitman if it exists. Flat Pitman Arm, NO HOLE | Pitman Arms | WFOConcepts.com