4 Wheel Drive/SUVs/suspensions

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Expert: - 4/29/2004


Question
I am going to change out the stock axles on my 1978 CJ5 to Dana 44s front and rear. I'm trying to decide if there is an advantage to going with spring over vs the factory spring under. If so would it be wise to go with a wider spring like the 2 1/2" YJ spring?

I'm running 33" tires and have a 2 1/2" spring lift and a 1" body lift which gives me the height I need. If I go to a spring over application what if any spring lift would I need to get the clearance for the 33" tires?  

Thanks, Jim

Answer
Jim,

Jim,

As this is a controversial issue, since many drivers do not like the spring over, I am only expressing my personal opinion.  I have a spring over, and love it.  It is an easy way to get 5" or more of lift with stock springs (usually 5 1/2"), and increase your articulation.  The disadvantage of a spring over, is that you tend to get more axle wrap, which reduces the life of the springs.  You shouldn't need to add any more lift with the springs to fit the 33's.  As far as the Wrangler springs go, they are wider, but thinner, and seem to articulate more than the stock CJ springs.  You may experience additional bump steer with the spring over, but a shackle reversal in the front will help with that problem.  The Jeep will ride a little smoother with the shackle reversal also.  Spring overs are quite easy to install, and can be done fairly cheaply by buying the spring pads/purchases, and welding them in place yourself.  The major part of this, is to make sure that you have your driveline angles where you want them prior to any final welding.

  Carl

4 Wheel Drive/SUVs

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Carl Brandt

Expertise

Will discuss suspensions, lifts, lockers along with tire suggestions. Trail ratings and possible requirements needed for specific type of trails. Safety equipment and what you should carry with you. Certified off-road instructor. I am not a mechanic, and 4-Wheeling is a hobby, so if I can't answer a technical question it is due to my mechanical knowledge being related to vehicles that I have owned, or have worked on. I do not have manuals on all vehicles.

Experience

40 plus years of 4 wheeling in a variety of vehicles. At the present time, my major off-road rig is a 94 Jeep Wrangler with a spring over and a 1 1/2" suspension lift. This gives me a total lift of 7" or so. I have lockers front and rear. I have removed the track bars, and sway bar for maximum articulation. I am running a stock 2.5 ltr 4 cylinder with a Jacobs ignition along with a cold air high flow filter. It has 4.56:1 gears with a Dodge NV4500 transmission along with a 3.8:1 Atlas II transfer case. This gives me a final ratio of 105:1 in low gear/low range. Other vehicles I own, are a 96 Ford F-250 with a 6" lift, posi rear end, 36" Hummer tires, 5 speed with a fuel injected 460 ci engine, an 87 Samurai with an 8" lift, Ford 9" rear end with a spool, Chevy Dana 44 front end with an electric locker, 5.88 gears, 16% reduction in high range and a 6.5:1 low range with 35" Baja Claws, and a stock 2003 Grand Cherokee Overland. Trails I have run are the Rubicon (10 times), Dusey Ershim, Fordyce Creek trail, McGrew trail, several trails in Moab, Utah along with local monthly runs.

Organizations
Lost Coast 4x4's Cal 4-Wheel Corva UFWDA Blue Ribbon Coalition

Education/Credentials
Certified off-road instructor - Certificates in engineering/electronics

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