F-150 leafs under CJ-5?

orange150

orange150

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 20, 2005
Location
Fairfax City, VA
I posted this over on pirate and like everything else I post over there I got no responses. So:

I am about to start building my '75 CJ-5 using parts I have gathered over the years. I will be installing a 351, C6, 203/205 doubler Ford D60 w/ 5.13s & detroit and 14 bolt w/ 5.13s & detroit. My main question is about the suspension: I have two sets of F150 leafs and one set of 4" lift rear springs for a K5 Blazer. I haven't seen many people running F150 springs in jeeps and was wondering why. It would be very cheap to use them since I have them sitting around. Just looking for an idea. Also been thinking about running leafs front and 3 link rear but that wouldn't be as free as the leafs I have.

Oh, my goal wheel base is 115"
Thanks!
 
I don't know about f150 leaves, but I stretchet my willy's & used dodge dakota leaves.

They are 56" with an 10" offset center pin.

Sounds like a cool build, you gonna do a build thread?
 
Jeff B said:
Sounds like a cool build, you gonna do a build thread?
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If I can get my act together I will, I'm hopefully moving to a house w/ a garage in a few months.

I also just noticed I wrote leafs instead of leaves... now I don't know which way is the right way in this context! and I try so hard to be grammatically correct.
 
orange150 said:
I also just noticed I wrote leafs instead of leaves... now I don't know which way is the right way in this context! and I try so hard to be grammatically correct.
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I am probably incorrect, I am sure some grammar master will chime in & educate us.
 
I would think you would be fine with the f150 leafs. What kind of wheelbase are you trying for? If it is 100 or more it would be much better with those springs i would think. You probably wont have near the problems i have with xj spring bending all the time.
 
How long are the ford leaf springs? Also is the center pin offset? My buddy is running stock blazer springs under his cj with rockwells and 44s and they seem to do really well. Hes not having any troubles bending them and they seem to ride pretty good.
 
They are 57" with an offset, looks to be about 5"?
a77cj.littlekeylime.com_mrnimages_springs.gif
 
Prettyy sure F150/Bronco springs are 3" wide. Chart has them at 2.5
 
What year springs are they? I have a set of early 70's rear springs off of a 2wd ford f250 on my cj7 and they are 2.75 wide.
 
well after doing some more searching it seems like most people were against their hight, but I feel like I could play with the leaf pack and hanger position to get the ride hight more desirable. Some people also seemed to not like how much they extended their wheel base but I am looking for a little bit longer one anyway. Couldn't seem to find where anyone was running them in the front of their rigs.
 
Going to bring this back from the dead real quick because I completely forgot about another suspension alternative: 1/4 elliptical. How do the 150 springs do when used in this application? I have done some research and it seems that if I use a decent shock and a nice link setup it could be just as fine as a coil over shock but for a lot cheaper since I already have the springs laying around.
And as long as I'm on the subject what about using 1/4 elliptical on the front? I haven't searched front application, just thought about it.
 
I've never seen anyone run a 1/4 elliptical in the front, I'm sure there's a reason why, but I'm not sure. I know that the reason alot of guys don't use the f-150 springs is becuase the spring rate is pretty hefty for a lightweight Jeep.
 
1. I dont see any real reason not to run a 1/4 elliptical front, except maybe space. It's all in the links and how you have them set up.

2. it really doesn't matter which springs you use. to get a CJ-5 to 115" with leaf springs, you will have to extend the frame. you can just put the spring hangers where ever you need them to be to match whatever springs you use.

3. I have a CJ-5 with stock 86 chevy rear springs. i have removed one leaf to get the ride height i wanted, and i think they are almost too soft. They ride OK, they flex OK, but they dont do much to stop axle wrap. i would consider playing with the idea of using the lifted chevy springs you have under the axle.
 
strange1 said:
1. I dont see any real reason not to run a 1/4 elliptical front, except maybe space. It's all in the links and how you have them set up.
2. it really doesn't matter which springs you use. to get a CJ-5 to 115" with leaf springs, you will have to extend the frame. you can just put the spring hangers where ever you need them to be to match whatever springs you use.
3. I have a CJ-5 with stock 86 chevy rear springs. i have removed one leaf to get the ride height i wanted, and i think they are almost too soft. They ride OK, they flex OK, but they dont do much to stop axle wrap. i would consider playing with the idea of using the lifted chevy springs you have under the axle.
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Jeremey......traction bar! :wheel:
 
I think as of right now my plan will be to run 1/4 elliptical using the 150 springs. This is all still planning though, still need a place to build.
 
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