switch front spring under to SOA

[cali_92]

i have a 4" RC spring under lift on my yj and it takes bumps terribly. obviously it gonna be bumpy because how arched the springs are to give the lift but i wonder if its the shocks too.. because with the lift i put on the shocks to go with but then i noticed i have long ass shackles in the front probably at least an inch lift possibly more and i wonder if thats causing the shocks not to absorb any bumps...
now for solutions...buy longer shocks say for 5" lift
change out shackles... but i like the levelness of the ride height.
OR, do it all and convert to SOA. i still have stock springs, get normal shackles and nice 5" shocks and what else would i need to complete SOA on the front?
but would that be worth doing? i think the ride would improve.

 

[LilRedYJ]

Here is a link to a really informative SOA write-up.
http://www.dehesa4x4.com/osburn/tech/soa.htm

Keep in mind that a SOA is usually closer to a 5.5"-6" lift .. Even with stock springs.

I don't know if you have already gone to the SYE / CV driveshaft set up... But you'll need to if you haven't ...
Steering angles will need to be addressed ... I have a high-steer system on mine.. But I have an extra 6.5-7.5" of lift in addition to being SOA;-)

Hopefully the write-up will give you all the info you need in order to determine what's best for your situation...

[☠]lllllll[☠] 89 YJ ...SOA +6.5...44"Trxus' I Love my dirtYJeep! [☠]lllllll[☠]

 

[cali_92]

thanks for the info i'll check that out

 

[cali_92]

do u think a SOA set up with the proper shocks will help my ride problem? i believe its a combination of stiff arched springs and useless shocks from rough country. and hoping that going back to my old stock spring and different shocks and using SOA to give me the lift to run my 33's will make for a nicer ride both on and off road>?
because right now i'd rather drive on a dirt road in almost anything besides my jeep. its embarassing how bumpy it is. its like the suspension doesn't flex/move at all!

thanks

 

[Saddle Tramp]

Try reading this too…..
http://www.jpmagazine.com/techarticles/suspension/154_0906_spring_over_versus_spring_under/index.html

 

[cali_92]

thank you

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

I'd check some things out more closely before putting the time and expense into a SOA setup. You may want to consider running hydro shocks up front if you currently have gas-charged shocks, they will ride smoother. Also make sure your shackle bolts aren't too tight, and that the bolts and sleeves are not seized in the spring eyes and shackle eyes. Doesn't hurt to disconnect your front swaybar and remove the trackbar, then flex the jeep out repeatedly by crossing a ditch at an angle so the axles articulate fully. This will help break in the stiff springs.

 

[jps4jeep]

COuple things to check out.

1. how old are the srpings, I have found some older springs that develop rust will not ride as well since the springs will not slide or the friction pads in the leaf pack are missing.

2. what is your shackle angle, if it is about 0 degrees or negative, it will not allow the spring to work as it should.

3. how tight the shackle bolts? they should only ba about 15-20 ft pounds. use a nylock nut and just tighten till snug, if you crank down on the shackles, they will not allow for the spring to work.


I highly doubt your shocks are your issue

 

[cali_92]

COuple things to check out.

1. how old are the srpings, I have found some older springs that develop rust will not ride as well since the springs will not slide or the friction pads in the leaf pack are missing.

2. what is your shackle angle, if it is about 0 degrees or negative, it will not allow the spring to work as it should.

3. how tight the shackle bolts? they should only ba about 15-20 ft pounds. use a nylock nut and just tighten till snug, if you crank down on the shackles, they will not allow for the spring to work.


I highly doubt your shocks are your issue

1. idk how old the spring are i've only had the jeep for about 5 yrs.. one of the reasons why i lifted it was because one of my rear shocks was making a bad noise everytime it flexed but i believethe front two are good and thats all im thinking about changing as of now

2. my shackles are mostly straight up and down

3. im starting to think i tightened the springs and shackles before the jeep was on the ground and too tight... i dont remember exactly but i checked the directions for ft/lbs and it said like 90-100 which i thought was rediculous but i put like 70
i'll double check tom and post results

 

[jps4jeep]

ideally you want your shackles to be angled slightly away from the fixed end (positive angle)

Here is my quick crappy pic. the o= the fixed spring eye and the \ is the shackle.

o__________\

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

Tightening the spring and shackle bolts before the weight is on the springs will definitely cause a bouncy rough ride.

 

[cali_92]

had to use a breaker bar to get the bolts to loosen.. jumped on the jeep to flex the springs actually could see them flex, shocking, drove around the block hit a few potholes and dips MUCH BETTER!
thank you ALL