YJ springs or something else

phantom_jeepster · #1 09-18-2007, 12:57 PM

I'm trying to figure out what suspension to go with. I'd like to keep it around or below 4-5 inches. I plan on driving it on the road just as often as trail use. The more flex of the suspension the better. I heard YJ springs are good but I still want to it to be lifted. Alcans are what I want but I don't have that kind of cash to spend on the suspension right now. The stock springs are bad as well. Does anyone have any suggestions?

uglyjeepoffroad · #2 09-19-2007, 12:37 AM

Swap the stock springs too a spring over and measure and purchase some rancho 9000s.
Mine will run down the road at 70 mph and still crawl the rocks.

gskcommando · #3 09-19-2007, 10:22 AM

Don't know what you mean by "bad" springs. Did you talk to the guys at the 4x4 spring/lift shop? Maybe they can just rearch them to have a couple more inches of lift? I am pretty sure that's all my PO did with mine. It's probably the cheapset option to get the job done right. If nothing else they should be able to tell you your options and the cost.

Regards,
gary

phantom_jeepster · #4 09-19-2007, 11:54 AM

Bad meaning they have no arch or recoil. So you think I could go with something like a add a leaf to get the lift I need? I'm going to the shop next week but its about two hours away, so I have been writing down questions to ask.

Quote:

It's probably the cheapset option to get the job done right

What is the wrong way to go about this? I want to make sure I don't go that route.

So doing a spring over doesn't cause any issues in driving? I was always little nervous because I figured the road manners would be bad. How well does your jeep articulate?

gskcommando · #5 09-19-2007, 02:35 PM

I don't know that adding a leaf would add lift. Seems like a leaf would allow more weight and probably a rougher ride. Probably need some one more knowledgable than me to answer that. Thats why I suggested taking it to a good spring shop.

As for my Jeepster, it is a steering nightmare. I attributed that to poorly adjusted Ross steering and loose front wheels. Yea, loose front wheels. My PO modified the front end for disk brakes. Its not clear that the hub/bearing/axle set up is correct. I do know that he tightened down the big axle nut by cutting a grove in the nut, inserting a screw driver and tightening the nut with a hammer. Used stuff is fun isn't it? I haven't had time to fix it right with the other dorked up stuff on the Jeepster like a hosed clutch system.

Regards,
Gary

Joe67Conv · #6 09-19-2007, 03:21 PM

My yet untested solution is the Rubicon Express reverse eye, 1.5" lift YJ springs, SOA. Of course care has to be given to steering geometry when installing the spring perches. The RE reverse eye springs are said to offer great ride and lots of flex. I currently have installed, and had run 4" lift (SUA) springs made by Benz Spring in Seattle. I had to have the main leaf remade at Denver Spring because Benz did not factor the eye to eye measurement with the lift to determine the correct leaf length. End result was flipping the shackles back on some relatively moderate trails above Cottonwood Lake (CO), and a failed attempt to run Grizzley Lake the same weekend, flipping the shackles climbing the rocks out of the creek. Even with a Warn 8274 holding the front down. Ya'd think an old company like Benz would have had the know-how to build lift springs, but I found they didn't. Even at Denver Spring, I drove it down there with the Benz Spring, showed them what to do, then went home, pulled the springs and drove them right back. They did OK on the new leaf, but still, with a lot of arch, I think it affects the ride quality. I drove them that way for a couple of years, then while I have the Jeepster undergoing other mods, it seemed the right time for a change. Again. I believe I'll get a better ride from flatter springs with the RE's SOA setup.

uglyjeepoffroad · #7 09-20-2007, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phantom_jeepster

So doing a spring over doesn't cause any issues in driving? I was always little nervous because I figured the road manners would be bad. How well does your jeep articulate?

If you are talking about mine, it articulates pretty well considering the front shocks are still too short.

I have a new set of Alcan fronts that I need to install (2.5 " wide), but that is this winter's project,
Along with power steering, longer shocks, new shackles and mounts, and new perches on the front axle (which may be a waggy 44 by then).

2470commando · #8 09-21-2007, 05:52 PM

I used rear double wrap CJ springs in the front with shackle reversal and springover. I used front GW springs in the rear with springover. It rides great and clears the 38.5s real well.

Joe67Conv · #9 09-22-2007, 07:20 PM

Many OEMs produced spring over systems, including GM, Toyota and others. Some used shackles out front, some at the back of the front springs. I know people with them either way who swear by that setup. Most Jeepsters are squirelly at 70mph. I didn't mind drivng mine with the 4" SUA setup at 75+, as long as fast reactions weren't likely to happen.
Leaf thickness, spring rates and # of leaves will also contribute to how it handles. SOA can't be any worse than the stock setup. The SOA rear setup I ran before starting my enigne build and front to rear mods was great.

Articulation is also determinted by shock length, shackle length and angle the shackle is when at normal ride height and when fully compressed and fully extended. The 4" SUA front springs I have under my Jeepster now perform very well, but were limited by the shock length and stock mounting locations. You can only put a shock so long under a vehicle and have equal articulation in both directions. A wagoneer front mount or the longer Ford F250 mount will accomodate a much longer shock, giving you lots of travel. Or, I suppose you can choose a longer shock, stock location giving shorter compression travel to get more extension. Best way to decide length is to take the shocks off and see what the full compression measurement is, then the full extension and choose your shock length from there. The wagoneer front mounts make an easy upgrade for longer shocks. The pics attached show that the shocks limited the extension using the stock mount locations, but it still performed fine on a moderately difficult trail like Holy Cross. This wasn't the most radical part of that trail by any stretch, plus I've never had it on an RTI ramp to know its full capability. My Jeep is not a "Rock Crawler" so I don't expect to perform like one. The new front shock setup will consist of the F250 upper mounts, and relocating the lowers so the tie rods don't crush the shock tube on full turn lock as this single run did. Lesson learned. New shocks will also0 be the type that can be mounted upside down.

The 4" lift front springs under the Jeep in the pic, and the 4" SUA rears are available and for sale as of now. Cheaper than those I've seen on ebay ($650 + shipping) or new from Alcan. Contact me ousdie this thread for more information if you have interest. I'd rather not have to ship, but ...

Following wheelin' pics taken by John "Hurc" Vaughan

phantom_jeepster · #10 09-25-2007, 01:50 PM

Joe,

I sent you a PM.