Wrangler YJ Springs: How do I...

Granny

Granny

One day at a time...
Joined
Jun 12, 2007
Location
Cabarrus County (Rimertown)
Now that I've pretty much got the motor mount saga behind me, I need some wisdom regard in g springs...

Not trying to wear the description thing out, but just in case anyone has missed the details... My new YJ is bone-stock and has a 4-cyl with stock tranny/tc in it. I will be putting a 258 6-cyl with York compressor, and T-18/Dana 20 in it. it will also have a Warn 8274 sitting on the front end.

It is my intention to use the stock YJ springs for more flex and better ride, but common sense tells me I will have to beef this up some to support the extra weight.

Also, this time around I am trying to keep the passenger entry level as close to the ground as possible.

Some guidance please... ThanX! :confused:
 
Me again...lol

I just finished my YJ. I installed 4 front Waggy leafs. They provide approx 2" of lift. Also, they are slightly longer and allow a flatter arch and better shackle angle, too. Mine is SUA and with minor trimming, I tuck 33's nicely. They also great springs when used SOA.
Pretty much any full sized Jeep uses these springs in either a 5 or 7 leaf pack.
 
I'd go ahead and use the stock springs since you already have them. SOA with some sliders instead of shackles should get you at a decent entry level height.
 
Jody, I'm not real clear on what you are saying. Did you add 4 waggy leafs to the existing YJ pack or replace the YJ pack with the waggy springs?

John, read my original post again... I want to use the stock springs, but do I need to add to them to support the heavier 6-cylinder, plus an 8274 winch?
 
No, I used 4 front Waggy leaf packs (2 front, 2 rear) in place of YJ leaf packs.
They are about an inch longer yjan YJ leafs and also, the centerpin is offset. This offset gives ya a little extra wheelbase as well.
There is a lot of info online about the advantages of Waggy front leafs on a multitude of applications.
 
I'm running stock YJ leafs SOA with the 258. I don't have an 8724, I have a Smitty XRC8. I like it, so far. If need be I will cut the eyes off of a main leaf and add it to the pack, that's what I did with The Krawler. I'll have more info for you after this weekend :)
 
^^^ OK... from a Google search, your winch has an estimated shipping weight of 80 lbs. The 8274 goes about 110 lbs. The mounts are probably close to the same, thus about a 30 lb. difference which I wouldn't think would matter much. Sooooo.... I'll be looking forward to hearing from you. :)
 
Considering that the waggy springs nets a ~2" lift over stock springs, what is common to do is to use a 3.5 or 4" YJ lift pack, disassemble it, and use a wagoneer main leaf with a YJ lift pack. This is mostly only done on YJs that are already lifted.... as disassembling a new leaf pack would be stupid. However, a 2" wagoneer lift spring would net a 4" lift, and give you 2" more wheelbase.
 
Don, to be honest, I would use the springs that you have to begin with. To clear your tires( I assume you are gonna use the same ones from Granny or some just like it, from our past conversations) you will need to do the spring over. Doing this you can go ahead and plan to move the center pins to go in from the bottom, instead of going in From the top. Plan out a traction bar, but don't make or install yet. Get it all together and see how it's gonna flex and so on. Then decide if you are going to have to do this or that. I like the waggy spring idea, but John's idea also works. You will know more once you have it all together, running, winch installed and loaded like you were headed out on the trail.
 
upnover said:
Get it all together and see how it's gonna flex and so on. Then decide if you are going to have to do this or that.
Click to expand...

Chip, I know you are right... I guess I am trying to do too much pre-planning. I got my top, and all the related hardware, cleaned up, removed, and stored indoors. Today, I plan to take some measurements, and mark some reference points. Then I will start disassembling the front body parts in preparation to remove the old engine/tranny/tc assembly. Looks like maybe it about time to start that build thread. :)

ThanX too all!!! :beer:
 
Back
Top