Cj5 to yj springs

Baker

Baker

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 25, 2010
Location
Suffolk, VA
I'm looking to convert my cj5 to yj leafs. What would be the best route to go? I want to run about a 35-37" tire. Should I keep it sua and run lift springs or stock springs and go soa? I know if I go soa I'll have to mess with some sort of hi steer setup. Currently have 31" tires and a 4" pro comp lift on the jeep and it rides horribly stiff and doesn't flex much at all.
 
If you would be interested in a shackle-reversal at the same time, I have this kit for sale. http://www.mountainoffroad.com/_e/S...kle_Reversal_with_YJ_Springs_2_1_2_7686_2.htm
You would need to source some tubes for the shackles to mount to as these are already welded in. I would avoid using stock take-off springs in an SOA suspension. They will sag very quickly leaving you with a very sloppy feeling suspension.
 
So tknopp you say I can run 4" lift springs with stock yj shackles?
 
I converted to a BDS YJ 4inch lift kit. Rides way better than it ever did before. I'm still sua and running military 37's. As for the shackles I just made some. Not sure what length they would be considered compared to stock.
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This is with stock flares and no trimming. Since then I have removed flares and had to trim the back fender well.
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The rear drive shaft and vibration will be you enemy if you lift is too much. I'd lift it as least, as possible, and trim as much as possible. I would also recommend against the front shackle reversal. If you do that, and you wheel it, then you will have to get a long slip driveshaft. It being a CJ-5 creates several issues, unless you stretch the rear and do a comp cut. I run 3 1/2 inch spring over BDS springs with 43's and can still stuff it into the fender.
 
Ok I thought about stretching it but that brings me to my next question. If I want to keep a back seat what are my options for mounting a fuel cell and still being able to pull the rear axle back? Can I get a real shallow fuel cell and fab brackets to go under the back seat or is that a really bad idea? Note I'll almost never have a passenger in the back when wheeling "hard" I want to keep it though for when my daughter gets a little bit older.
 
I think someone makes a fuel cell that fits behind the rear seat. I would also advise against the shackle reversal if you plan to wheel it. I ran the RE 1.5" YJ spring in a SOA setup with 38's and did a shackle reversal. I destroyed a couple of long-slip driveshafts because of the axle wrap allowed by the shackle reversal. I do highly recommend those springs though.

Picture worth 1000 words and all....
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I have a set of 5" bds yj springs with the bds 1" shackles that I'm going to install on a cj 8 with 35's as soon as time allows. I'm curious about their flex but I wanted to stay under the axle. I'll let you know how the clear when I can get them on.
 
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I have some 4" BDS YJ springs set up spring under on my CJ7. I have been impressed with both flex and ride. On H1 37's
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