CJ5 Full Width Axle Leaf Springs?

[Red Mutt Ranch]

I am doing a full width Chevy axle swap on my 1978 CJ5. I am using Dana 44 front and 12 bolt rear, 37 inch tires are going to be on 16.5 steel rims. I am also extending the front frame 3 inches and 16 inches in the rear. But I am not sure what leaf springs to use, I thought of using K5 leafs and revolver shackles. Any suggestions?

 

[jps4jeep]

you can use chevy springs, but they will not work all that well since you jeep simply does nto weigh anough to utilize the full potential of the spring. plus most blazer owners remove stock K5 springs for the longer 52" and 63" springs from 1/2 ton trucks. If I were you I would use stock YJ in the rear since you stretching it so much and some waggy fronts. the center pin is offset on the fronts so you can improve the approch angle.

you can also mis match S10 springs and Dakota springs and F150 springs. pretty much any 2.5" wide spring can be used, the flatter the better.

 

[Red Mutt Ranch]

Wow I didn't think of that. Thank you very much, I kinda want to stick with a stock style of spring not cj but just any stock springs. Lift springs and odd year models are not easy to get in smaller locations if I break something.

 

[Red Mutt Ranch]

Well I found a set of 44 inch Rancho springs 2.5 inch lift that I think I'm going to use. Would those be good?

 

[xjmarc]

It's been a while but seems like you have to move the front springs outward of the frame with full widths.

 

[Red Mutt Ranch]

Yeah I am in the middle of that at the moment. I love all the different ways people have come up with on how to attach the brackets. I am using Revolver shackles and Gone Too Far spring mounts for maximum flex. I was thinking of doing a 4 link but that might have to come later. I will post pictures soon on how it is coming together.

 

[xjmarc]

Good luck with the revolvers, I've yet to meet anyone who likes them. They tend to unload on turns and coming down hills.

 

[jps4jeep]

not a fan of them either, on hill climbs that load and unload causing the axle to loose traction.

 

[Willy Beamin]

On my yj im gunna try mazda b300 leafs same as ford ranger very simaler to s-10s in a 3/4 eliptical set-up but thats me n will b a while till i acctualy get them installed with the d60s these r the specs on the b3000 springs
56 5/8''or56 3/4'' long center pin is 25 5/8'' front side 31'' rear side 2.5'' wide they also come 1 main leaf with 2-4 ext. s.c. is 1050-1750 stock leafs for rear yj r 765-1080 45 6/16'' long c.p.22 11/16 both sides im gunna reverse the springs so axle streches back 8-9'' im not tellin u to do this but hope the lil bit of info helps also there is a web site with every spec 4 every leaf sping just cant remember wut its called just seach google thats where i found it u can use that site to find the springs u need

 

[jps4jeep]

Willy Beaming: I am sure you have researched but some experience I would like to share, 3/4 eliptical setups are highly prone to spring wrap, not sure if it applies to you set up, but in a SOA application it gets really bad. a four link with 1/4 eliptical spring might suit you better.

I ran this set up in the rear of my YJ for one trip in a SUA configuration, since the shackle can have rotational leverage applied to both ends (top and bottom), the top spring would pull down from the frame and would bend the bottom spring, almost pointing the pinion at the floor boards. A traction bar may have helped, but that would do nothing to stop the spring from pulling off the frame under throttle assaults.

 

[Willy Beamin]

Willy Beaming: I am sure you have researched but some experience I would like to share, 3/4 eliptical setups are highly prone to spring wrap, not sure if it applies to you set up, but in a SOA application it gets really bad. a four link with 1/4 eliptical spring might suit you better.

I ran this set up in the rear of my YJ for one trip in a SUA configuration, since the shackle can have rotational leverage applied to both ends (top and bottom), the top spring would pull down from the frame and would bend the bottom spring, almost pointing the pinion at the floor boards. A traction bar may have helped, but that would do nothing to stop the spring from pulling off the frame under throttle assaults.

thank u for ur input and i belive u no wut ur talkin about im just dirt poor n figured for 100 bucks in parts (junkyard) i would like 2 try it, also im running it sua with bigger/longer leafs to raise alil and strech wkeel base 8 6/16 inches with triangulated track bars cant afford coilovers n all those joints nd frame/axle brakets as soon as my pocket alows me to ill ditch the leafs add 2 more links air shocks/coilovers and i finally get my 4 link i hope

 

[stumpbumper]

I know you are asking about springs here! but are you really going to use the 78 cj5 frame and extend it out front and rear?
If you are hanging full width axles and probably a V8 on that frame you are asking for frame problems.. Toooo much weight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You should think about using a Chevy frame and making the body fit it!

Springs!! The only way I would full width is to outboard springs! I would also use YJ springs and I don't like spring over so I would spring under on a 4 inch lift!