Stupid or Ingenius?

[korisu56]

I know I'm definitely not the first to think of this, but I may be the first person I know that may try it. I'm contemplating putting leaf springs on the rear of my TJ. It doesn't seem that it'd be that hard of a change. Just take a few days of leave after parts procurement and a lot of grinding wheels.

Get four shackle mounts, four shackles, two rear 4.5" lifted leaf packs, and perches for the axle. Grind off the control arm brackets, spring cups on the axle, weld on shackle points, perches and mount. I know I'm probably overlooking stuff, and I'm pretty sure I'd lose the rear trackbar (fine with me). One more thing to grind off then....anywho. Thoughts?

[USMCHarleyJeepGuy]

Go to www.midwestjeepthing.com (http://www.midwestjeepthing.com) and do a search on the topic or post the same question there. There is a guy named "Bushwacker" and another named "Chrispy" that have done the conversions before. There should be an old archived tread covering it as well. Also check the archives at Pirate4x4.

[Hitechredneck]

This might be a silly question but i cant resist. Why?

[korisu56]

Thanks a lot Jeff. I'll try that today.

Hitechredneck--Not silly at all as I've asked before. I heard it increases stability considerably on the TJ. Also, I think that taking care of them and re setting them up would be easy. I may be wrong on all of this, so I'm hoping people will comment their opinion.

[Hitechredneck]

Maybe i just cant see it. I dont see how a set of leaf springs in the back will be more stable then a nicely set up triangulated 4link in the rear. Im triangulated front and rear and its solid as a rock going down the road at highway speeds. Im no suspension expert by any means i just see it as a down grade. But i have never run it or seen it in person other then on a other trucks/wj,xj which is like apples to oranges. So it very well could be my narrow minded "leaf springs are old school 1970 equipment" lol hell i say go for it and let us know how it is. :-)

[korisu56]

Look at the cost of triangulated and leaf spring set ups though. That's the selling point for this set up. I have no idea how to do triangulated set up, and I'd be very very interested, but with the cost of long arms and triangulation versus the cost of leaf springs, it may be the way to go.

Brad Kilby ran leaf springs on his first TJ and has a great write up on it, but he hasn't run it since. The guys that do run leaf springs in the back haven't posted up yet.

[Truck]

This might be a silly question but i cant resist. Why?


I have to ask as well...Chris if you want a Real jeep (all real jeeps are leaf sprung) :Dthen just go buy one. Don't try and make that new fangled jeep into a half breed...:eek:

Truck

[korisu56]

I've said it before, and i"m sure I'll say it again:

I regret ever selling my YJ every day.

I can see the advantage of both. I can't buy another jeep for me, and I can throw leafs in the back of mine. Or, I could just wait until my Scrambler gets shipped to me in June :D

[10th Mountain Jeeper]

Well my take is, what type of wheeling you do will depend upon what you should do,
rock climbing you may wish to keep the coils, mud running you may wish to change out to leafs, coils= sag / leafs= stability, just my take

[korisu56]

That's exactly what I was trying to get at, just couldn't articulate the thought process yet. I don't do anything as of yet that really flexes out the jeep. I'm not trying to make a centerfold photo in a jeep rag, and I'm not going out to win trophies. I'm just looking to make my jeep that much more comfortable and easier to maintain. It'll be a little rougher on bumps and I may lose a little flex, but the maintenance, cost, and ease of options for later projects may offset the loss.

[10th Mountain Jeeper]

I believe your on the right track, pro and cons, Still don't think it's makes much diff..
I would spend your hard earned cash on something on your wish list.

[korisu56]

I think it's turning into a build as you go project. I may just take it easy so that it doesn't impede other purchases/builds. I posted up the same thing on JF and it's getting interesting with a lot of references and bickering:

Leaf Thread (http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=551618)

[georgia]

Kris with leaf springs you will run into the problem of the leaves sagging over time and a very stiff ride over coil springs. But if this doesnt bother ya-then hey go for it and make a half breed(wait isnt that what an xj is, lol)

[korisu56]

Coils also sag over time, and can be just as if not more than spendy than leaves. I can sell my CA's and springs for a pretty penny to offset the cost of doing the conversions. Just get a set of stock YJ leaves and do a SOA, call it good.

[dirTJeep]

This is a good topic. I like the idea, but question why. I have owned a YJ and now have a TJ with a 4 link rear. I like my Jeep know better on and off the road than the YJ, but have never taken a vehicle offroad that had both coil and leaf spings. I'm interested in how it will perform/ride.

[korisu56]

The reason being cost comparison between the 4 link and leaf springs to add the stability. Plus, it'd be a lot easier to stretch it out in the future, should I decide to. I'll add more later.

[dirTJeep]

I like the idea of this set up. Cherokees run the same thing. I'm looking forward to learn more about it.

[korisu56]

I'm hoping to get them in by the winter. I'm trying to get tires and a snorkel now, so this will have to wait lest I put the snorkel on back burner.

[Devildog]

Chris, when you do decide just make sure you get good springs. The old man emu's are great and the bds's I run are awesome. Just something to think about.

[USMCHarleyJeepGuy]

The reason being cost comparison between the 4 link and leaf springs to add the stability. Plus, it'd be a lot easier to stretch it out in the future, should I decide to. I'll add more later.

Chris,
You can always go wide open hard-core to allow for a longer AND easier stretch later...Keep the control arms and go with quarter elliptical springs! Saweeeeet!!! :eek::D:beer:

[Truck]

Chris,
You can always go wide open hard-core to allow for a longer AND easier stretch later...Keep the control arms and go with quarter elliptical springs! Saweeeeet!!! :eek::D:beer:

Now your talkin'

Truck

[theyeti1775]

Yes XJ's are half breeds on leaf rears and coil fronts.
Really the best reason to do something like that is if you plan on having a lot of heavy crap on your rear.

If you are still in the area while you do it, I'll help. Might not know what I'm doing but I'm pretty sure I can at least hold the axle while we f it up right.

One thing you might consider is find an axle the same size to practice with. I know a few places on Craigslist that have XJ axles for sale. Also I think DJ (djsxj) on NovaJeepers has a 8.25 laying around for an XJ. Aren't they the same width as you would require? Cause if so then the only 'true' adjustments would be your frame mounting. You could possible leave the old mounts in place incase you don't like what you have created.

Also since your saying this as a cost cutting thing, you have to consider most lift kits take into account a stock setup. So you would be buying piecemeal (higher cost possibly).
Realistically go drive some XJ's, their front set up is like a TJ (many of the parts are interchangeable. That and with the leaf in the back you will get a feel for the ride comfort.

[USMCHarleyJeepGuy]

Yes XJ's are half breeds on leaf rears and coil fronts.
Really the best reason to do something like that is if you plan on having a lot of heavy crap on your rear.

If you are still in the area while you do it, I'll help. Might not know what I'm doing but I'm pretty sure I can at least hold the axle while we f it up right.

One thing you might consider is find an axle the same size to practice with. I know a few places on Craigslist that have XJ axles for sale. Also I think DJ (djsxj) on NovaJeepers has a 8.25 laying around for an XJ. Aren't they the same width as you would require? Cause if so then the only 'true' adjustments would be your frame mounting. You could possible leave the old mounts in place incase you don't like what you have created.

Also since your saying this as a cost cutting thing, you have to consider most lift kits take into account a stock setup. So you would be buying piecemeal (higher cost possibly).
Realistically go drive some XJ's, their front set up is like a TJ (many of the parts are interchangeable. That and with the leaf in the back you will get a feel for the ride comfort.


I agree completely...start with an XJ rear axle to get all of your positioning of your spring perches (unless you were going to be bold enough to try the 1/4 ellipticals).:D

[korisu56]

Never even heard of 1/4 ellipticals. I'll search them.

I figure I can take the measurements of a YJ as they're only .1" difference wheelbase wise. I don't think that riding around in an XJ will give me an accurate picture due to it being a completely different beast all together.

[USMCHarleyJeepGuy]

Never even heard of 1/4 ellipticals. I'll search them.

I figure I can take the measurements of a YJ as they're only .1" difference wheelbase wise. I don't think that riding around in an XJ will give me an accurate picture due to it being a completely different beast all together.


My opinion would be to locate the rear shackle as absolutely far back as you can (on the rear bumper if you beef it up and build one to accomodate it) and get the stretching done the first time around if you are going to do it. Relocate tank or go to a fuel cell, but just do it right the first time.

BTF has a better than average 1/4 ellip set up if you want to take a gander to give you a better idea about what it is.

S/F
Jeff

[korisu56]

I'm not going to stretch it the first time around strictly because the cost would kill me. However, i can easily stretch it out later buy just moving the rear shackle mount back and getting XJ leaf packs. For now, though, if I just get YJ leafs and do a SOA, it should sit level where I'm at.

[Hitechredneck]

How much are you looking to spend doing this whole rear leaf spring thing? where does the cap out on to expensive kick in? do you already have your jeep lifted? if so how much?

[korisu56]

I have 4.5" RE SF kit on 35's. Everything is probably going to run at a cap of 500 bucks. The most expensive part is going to be the traction bar. That can be made, but I'd rather not.

[Hitechredneck]

sounds good cant wait to see it all done and hear a review to find out if i wasted a ton of money on my long arm set up....lmao

[korisu56]

Yeah, the only problem is going to be finding HALF a long arm kit for just the front :D

I'm probably going to be slowly procuring parts to hide from Jen :). Also, I think I can get some free YJ stock leaf springs to be the tester set.

[JonB]

Here...take a look at this. This guy did a leaf spring conversion to his TJ.

http://www.4x4wire.com/jeep/tech/susp/tjleafsprings/

[korisu56]

Yeah. Brad Kilby hasn't run them since. Dunno why.

[10th Mountain Jeeper]

Yup, quarter elliptical is the way! very stretchy and fairly stable

[korisu56]

Yeah. I looked that up, but it doesn't seem that I wouldn't get the stability I'm looking for. I'm not really worried about losing flex right now, as the flex lost won't be that bad if I do it right.

[Hitechredneck]

As far as the front goes. Clayton offroad makes a front half only long arm kit. can be found at northridge4x4 and 4x4rockshop. dave (northridge) and mike (rockshop) are great guys to get parts from. The clayton kit is pure beef and pretty bad ass IMHO. The mix of the clayton front and leaf back should be really strong set up. Thought you might wanna look into that. hope that helps

[USMCHarleyJeepGuy]

As far as the front goes. Clayton offroad makes a front half only long arm kit. can be found at northridge4x4 and 4x4rockshop. dave (northridge) and mike (rockshop) are great guys to get parts from. The clayton kit is pure beef and pretty bad ass IMHO. The mix of the clayton front and leaf back should be really strong set up. Thought you might wanna look into that. hope that helps


This is true, BUT you can also call RE and they will sell you individual components and get you a better price as a "package" deal. (ie. you can get the front arms and the center mounting points/skid, etc.) If memory serves correct, you are already running theis SA lift...might be something to think about. :rolleyes::D:beer:

[miljeep]

As far as the front goes. Clayton offroad makes a front half only long arm kit. can be found at northridge4x4 and 4x4rockshop. dave (northridge) and mike (rockshop) are great guys to get parts from. The clayton kit is pure beef and pretty bad ass IMHO. The mix of the clayton front and leaf back should be really strong set up. Thought you might wanna look into that. hope that helps

Clayton gives a mil discount (http://www.militaryjeepers.com/content/military_discounts/clayton-off-road-manufacturing-llc.shtml).

[10th Mountain Jeeper]

Check out this site http://www.4x4xplor.com/tj.html the guy used air bags inside the rear coils with great success, you can seriously change the load and ride height for stability and still have good sag when you want. much cheaper than some other ideas
Just a thought

[korisu56]

I do have the RE SF lift now, so I'd save money buy just going to RE for the LA lift.

10th Mountain, I'm gonna look into that airbag idea.

[USMCGunner]

You might not need a track bar. There's a lot of YJ'ers that don't run track bars front or rear. I still have mine in the front because of my continued steering issues. But I don't have one in the rear.

BTW, you on the outs? When are you leaving and where are you going?

[korisu56]

USMCgunner, hopefully I'm leaving this summer for Delaware.

I won't be putting a trackbar in the rear of the jeep once the leafs are in. I do have to get a traction bar because they said the axle will roll. M.O.R.E makes a pretty serious one, but it also cost a serious penny.

[USMCHarleyJeepGuy]

USMCgunner, hopefully I'm leaving this summer for Delaware.

I won't be putting a trackbar in the rear of the jeep once the leafs are in. I do have to get a traction bar because they said the axle will roll. M.O.R.E makes a pretty serious one, but it also cost a serious penny.

Fab your own.

[korisu56]

<--- no skills. May be my first run.

[USMCHarleyJeepGuy]

<--- no skills. May be my first run.

Dude the worst that can happen is that you screw up some metal and learn a few things before you get it right. There are a ton of us here that could/would help. They are actually pretty straightforward in their design.

[korisu56]

I'm gonna give it a shot when the time comes. I'll make sure to ask a LOT of questions before burning and melting metal. My only concern is that since I won't be doing this down here, I may be on my own (ie need to secure a welder). I know there's a couple of guys on here from Delaware that might be able to steer me in the right direction.

[USMCHarleyJeepGuy]

I'm gonna give it a shot when the time comes. I'll make sure to ask a LOT of questions before burning and melting metal. My only concern is that since I won't be doing this down here, I may be on my own (ie need to secure a welder). I know there's a couple of guys on here from Delaware that might be able to steer me in the right direction.

I am sure we can collectively figure something out Bro...maybe even fab the bulk of it up at your current ride height (which should be staying the same I think) and leave you some adjustment at the mounting point to the frame. There are plenty of ways to skin a cat...some are just more fun and entertaining than others...the good part is that they all result in the same dead cat!:D
Cheers!:beer:

[enil01]

There must be something to your idea Black Diamond's new coil conversion kit for YJs keeps the leafs in the rear, and they also do a similar setup for the TJ. Their old YJ kit had coils on all four corners, but they put the leafs in the rear on both YJ and TJ kits for added stability like you said. Maybe looking at how they set it up can give you some ideas. They have a pretty detailed picture on the site.

http://www.superlift.com/suspension/jeep/BD-X2.asp

[korisu56]

Thanks a lot. I will definitely be checking their setup out.

[enil01]

Any time. I can't wait to see how it turns out.

[dirTJeep]

If you build your own traction bar you might be able to use the factory upper control arm brackets. This is just a thought, but in my head I'm seeing a control arm modified to resemble one of RE long arm front CA, or something like what is is used in the set up above, and add a bracket to the underside of the axle.

[enil01]

Any news?

[korisu56]

Post-poned for move and such.