Topic: Need some front springs

[Complete Loser]

I dont know exactly what i need here. But heres a pic to help. The front drop shackles are a super pain in the scrotum. I cant even go through the slightest ditch without plantin a damn garden.



What im looking for is some front springs that actually arch their way up to each mounting point. Rather than flat springs that must have a shackle dropped to them (which seems very dumb imo).

Is there a vehicle that such springs could be taken from?  Is it possible to add leafs to these turds to make them work?

[neale_rs]

You can add a leaf from another YJ spring pack to get about 1" of lift.  Add a leafs are also available from vendors that provide a bit more lift.  Also, your winch is really far forward.  This is levering the suspension down even more. Placing it farther back near the grill would probably raise the front a bit too.

[Complete Loser]

Im not looking for lift so much as 'arch'. If that makes any sense.    If i have to have both, then no problem. I still need to do SOA in the rear anyways.

The winch will be moved. I just left it there the last time i messed with it. But the problem remains even with the winch off.
The bottom of the spring shackle is basically as low as the hub centerline. I only lose 1/2" with the winch on.

[sharpxmen]

if you get a lift with more "arch" the shackles won't be as low, and depending what you get you might end up replacing those with smaller ones. I run 1'' shackle lift (2'' over stock length shackles) but since my springs have lift the shackles are not that low to the ground. SOA will result in some increased axle wrap so you might need a anti-wrap bar if you go that route, i would stay SUA if you have that option (just my opinion though).

[neale_rs]

Im not looking for lift so much as 'arch'. If that makes any sense.    If i have to have both, then no problem. I still need to do SOA in the rear anyways.

The winch will be moved. I just left it there the last time i messed with it. But the problem remains even with the winch off.
The bottom of the spring shackle is basically as low as the hub centerline. I only lose 1/2" with the winch on.

Ah ok, I just noticed it is a receiver mounted winch.  Like sharpxmen said, to get the same ride height with shorter shackles you will need leaf springs with a bit of arch (which is lift).  You will be trading shackle lift for spring lift so you get the same (or a bit more) ride height but with the shackles ends a bit higher off the ground.

[Jeffy]

What im looking for is some front springs that actually arch their way up to each mounting point. Rather than flat springs that must have a shackle dropped to them (which seems very dumb imo).

Is there a vehicle that such springs could be taken from?  Is it possible to add leafs to these turds to make them work?

What you're asking for is called Military wrap.  It's not common to find on a OEM application.

You might consider getting a suspension lift.  It looks like you have at least 1" in the shackles and 2-3" in a body lift.  The weight from the bumper, hitch and the winch isn't helping any.  That's probably around 125-150lbs hanging off the front.

On the cheap you could look for YJ rear leaf springs and use those up front.  Most likely, you have 4 pack leaf springs.  Rears are usually 5.  HD's are 6.

[Torch_Ind]

why is your winch so far out

[Complete Loser]

Heres the item im looking at. http://www.quadratec.com/products/16203_024.htm

Im thinking this will let me shorten my shackles up to what ever length i want (lowering the jeep to compensate for the 3.5" arch (lift)).
 I will just adjust ride height accordingly (with in reason) and make some new shackles out of stainless to fit.

[Jeffy]

Keep in mind you will need to get new U-bolts and probably T-case shims if you don't' have a SYE.  You'll also probably need new shocks as well.

[Complete Loser]

But im only changing the front springs. ?

[sharpxmen]

But im only changing the front springs. ?

why not get a complete kit, i bought a rough country lift kit with everything included (shocks, t-case lowering kit, u-bolts, poly bushings, pitman arm) for something like $450. Is not top line though but good price for the whole set. it is also a 4'' lift so that should cut off another inch from your shackles compared to the 3.5'' springs.

[Complete Loser]

why not get a complete kit, i bought a rough country lift kit with everything included (shocks, t-case lowering kit, u-bolts, poly bushings, pitman arm) for something like $450. Is not top line though but good price for the whole set. it is also a 4'' lift so that should cut off another inch from your shackles compared to the 3.5'' springs.

That is a great deal.
But heres why.
Lift kit. roughly $480
or
Just 2 front springs, less than $180      lol

Aside from that. I dont want a lift. Im happy where im at........... for now. Plus that $480 would immediately give birth to a $450 SYE kit.

[neale_rs]

Heres the item im looking at. http://www.quadratec.com/products/16203_024.htm

Im thinking this will let me shorten my shackles up to what ever length i want (lowering the jeep to compensate for the 3.5" arch (lift)).
 I will just adjust ride height accordingly (with in reason) and make some new shackles out of stainless to fit.

For every inch you cut off the shackles, you will lower the Jeep only 1/2 inch.  To compensate for a 3.5 inch spring lift you would need to cut the shackles 7 inches, it's just not possible.  Also, the shackles need to be long enough to allow the spring to lengthen when it gets flattened. 

I think a good plan would be to buy some stock YJ rear springs and go back to stock length shackles.  If that turns out not to be enough you can use the main leaves from your current springs to add an extra leaf to the new spring packs.  This will stiffen them up some more and get a bit more ride height.

[sharpxmen]

That is a great deal.
But heres why.
Lift kit. roughly $480
or
Just 2 front springs, less than $180      lol

Aside from that. I dont want a lift. Im happy where im at........... for now. Plus that $480 would immediately give birth to a $450 SYE kit.

you will need also rear leaf springs and like Jeffy said shocks, u-bolts and t-case lowering kit. you add it all up and will come to over that amount. you can get away with the t-case lowering kit for a while w/o the sye if you're on a budget.

[Bounty Hunter]

If you guys look closely, you'll see a receiver mounted across the front framerails where a winch plate would normally be mounted.  That's why the winch is where it's at.  Moving it back close to the grill on a standard winch plate would not change the height of the jeep or improve the approach angle.

If it were my jeep, I'd install 2.5" springs on the front with stock shackles.

You can get a Rusty's Offroad or Rough Country 4" spring kit for under $500 and you do not need a SYE, just use the included transfer case lowering kit. 

Long shackles are booty-fab and greatly decrease your approach and departure angles.  I'd get rid of them in the rear too if you have them.