Leaf Springs in rear of TJ
- Thread starter ox4mag
- Start date
Scott Brady
Founder
I read of that being done a few years ago in one of the Primedia pubs. Dont recall which one.
I can see the logic of the swap, especially after 3" of (non-long arm) lift, having owned a TJ.
I can see the logic of the swap, especially after 3" of (non-long arm) lift, having owned a TJ.
Fergie
Expedition Leader
it was/is faily prevelant in the offroading world. before the "ease" of attaining and installing a rear triangulated 4 link suspension. i'm not using ease lightly, as only meaning getting the parts to build the 4 link is fairly easy. truss, tabs, ends and links, etc. of course installing and moving everything, correctly, to get it installed is a whole other issue. not to mention if you, or you don't know someone, that can weld.
in short, IMO, i don't think it's worth the effort, time and materials to leaf the rear when you can put that effort into a 4 link.
in short, IMO, i don't think it's worth the effort, time and materials to leaf the rear when you can put that effort into a 4 link.
BigAl
Expedition Leader
I've seen 2. One was on Xj springs with about a 6" stretch to the stock wheelbase. It was a comp rig and did very well. Some TJs get kind of a slinky effect going, making the body lean way over. I think the leaves would help with that but there are probably better ways. By the time you build a tract bar, weld on perches, and mount the springs hangers, you're probably have close to the time spent building a 4 link. edit: minus the math
ox4mag
Explorer
Very interesting input fellas, thanks for the response. I'm curious how a SWB and LWB (i.e. TJ vs. LJ) compare with the use of leaf springs vs. coils.
One issue that I currently have which may/may not be corrected with a 4 link, or leaf springs for that matter, is the amount of weight currently on my rear wheels. With the bumper rack system I have, as well as a roof rack, there's a tremendous amount of load on the rear axle thus causing my coil springs to undoubtedly be under extreme stress. Anyone have any suggestions on balancing the load between the front and rear suspension other than removing the bumper rack system from my current setup? I'm looking for functional suspension mods in this instance unless any of you has a better suggestion. Thanks!
One issue that I currently have which may/may not be corrected with a 4 link, or leaf springs for that matter, is the amount of weight currently on my rear wheels. With the bumper rack system I have, as well as a roof rack, there's a tremendous amount of load on the rear axle thus causing my coil springs to undoubtedly be under extreme stress. Anyone have any suggestions on balancing the load between the front and rear suspension other than removing the bumper rack system from my current setup? I'm looking for functional suspension mods in this instance unless any of you has a better suggestion. Thanks!
dennisuello
Adventurer
JPFreek1 said:
To support extra weight the leaf springs would have to be stiffer, and stiff leaf springs are way worse than stiff coil springs, more friction, etc. Use airbags to control additional weight and do a triangulated 4 link, as the cost to properly set up leaf springs and a traction bar will be near the cost of 4 link.
4Rescue
Expedition Leader
Agreed, that's what makes leafs simple right? Or are we refering to an anti wrap bar? In which case, if you've got a big motor they're nice...ujointclothing said:
Look into Petersen's review a few issues ago for a new JK suspension that uses Leafs( I thought it was in the Suspension shoot out issue, but it's not)? I know they're different platforms, but I'd bet you could get some ideas eh...
I agree though, if you've already got coils, just add air bags for weight control cause they ride smoother. Leaves are easier to lift with, and IMO are more durable/last longer. But again, coils are smoother. If you do go leafs, I personaly have great things to say about OME. A friend ran OME's on his old CJ and that thing flexed great, rode great, and was great... great...
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toyrunner95
Explorer
the JK swap is for the ultimate adventure, its actually a dodge chassy under a jeep jk.
ox4mag
Explorer
Yeah, I saw the Ultimate Adventure rig at SEMA in October and it was sitting on leaf springs in the rear. That's what got me first thinking about this project. However, an air bag system (such as the one offered from Off Road Only) coupled with the coil springs could make for a quality ride and help with my sag issues.
So are y'all thinking I should go that route or consider the use of YJ leaves, etc? Sounds like a 4 link system with bags could be a very nice alternative here. Thanks again fellas!
So are y'all thinking I should go that route or consider the use of YJ leaves, etc? Sounds like a 4 link system with bags could be a very nice alternative here. Thanks again fellas!