Author Topic: Rear Leaf spring suspension (Read 1929 times)

jagular7 · « **on:** November 20, 2005, 07:51:26 PM »

Is anyone here running a leaf spring suspension for the rear axle?

I've spent only ~$350 in rebuilding the D35: bearings, seals, Yukon 4.88, & lockright. I've got a simple mix for rear lift: riser block for rear track bar, 2" poly spacer, Currie adj. upper arms, & Rubi Unltd rear springs all providing ~3.5" lift. If, and depending how many times I've got to rebuild the carrier, locker, or gears, I may end up with a 2wd Toyota rear axle or the 8.8. I'm just pondering the cost for precise welding the stock brackets or the RE brackets, or just use YJ hardware for bracketing a set of rear leafs.

If someone has experience with rear leafs on a TJ, why does it seem to always involve longer wheelbase? I've got to keep my rear seat for the kids and can't really relocate the gas tank. I may have an inch to spare between the rear diff and the gas tank, but nothing major.

jagular7 · « **Reply #1 on:** November 20, 2005, 07:56:06 PM »

Oops, the questions are for a TJ model Wrangler and not the YJ of course.

BlackYJ · « **Reply #2 on:** November 20, 2005, 09:04:24 PM »

So why would it be any different than a YJ rear? Almost the same vehicle.

I have heard of TJ owners putting front leafs in, but not in the rear.

Jeffy · « **Reply #3 on:** November 20, 2005, 09:23:29 PM »

Actually it's semi-common for TJ'ers to put leafs in the rear and leave the front coiled. This is to help reduce some handling problems that are seen with the stock control arms. I think Brad Kilby may have been one of the first to do this. (Donna and Sheldon of GOFERIT.com also run this setup.) There is no need to lengthen the wheelbase unless you really want to. I know a few who have lift leafs and haven't extended the wheelbase.

Bounty Hunter · « **Reply #4 on:** November 21, 2005, 07:30:54 PM »

I wouldn't count on much lift from the Rubi/LJ rear springs.

I've seen a few TJ rear leaf setups, many times for the same reason as you. Works well from what I've seen, and not all the quirks of 4" or 4"+ with short arms.

jagular7 · « **Reply #5 on:** November 21, 2005, 09:42:50 PM »

If you can remember, please take a few good chosen pics of the leaf spring setup running on stock wheelbase. If you can also get info on the leafs themselves. Thanks.

I'm searching for rear leafed TJs.

Jeffy · « **Reply #6 on:** November 22, 2005, 12:01:30 AM »

Po' Boy · « **Reply #7 on:** November 22, 2005, 06:52:24 AM »

That makes me feel better, Kilby never cut his coil buckets off either.
(I'm just too lazy) I love my rear leafs, really stable. Mine is not stock wheelbase, but if u want some pics or have any questions let me know.

Matt

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Author Topic: Rear Leaf spring suspension (Read 1929 times)

BlackYJ

Po' Boy