Lift Springs - Spring Pack Size?

[Big J]

I'm just beginning to consider which lift to put on my '74 Cherokee and noticed that Rusty's front spring pack is only 4 leafs thick, while BDS is 6 leafs thick (correct me if I'm wrong please)!

What is Skyjackers front spring pack size?

Personally I would prefer a 4 leaf pack to a 6, so that it doesn't hang down as much.

Also, is there any further news of Rusty rear lift springs for 74-75 FSJ's?

Is it just 74-75 FSJ's that have shorter rear springs? What do the even older FSJ's have in the rear?

Thanks,

[reddog]

For what it is worth, IMHO the additional thickness between the 4 and 6 leaf spring (if there is ANY) would be a good trade off if the 6 leaf spring has more articulation - and likely a softer ride.

I do believe that the older FSJs had shorter rears. Check in the archives and I'll bet that has been talked about.

Kerry

[Big J]

Thanks!

Since the spring is under the axle in the front, and the main leaf of both the 4 or 6 leaf pack is in the same location, wouldn't the articulation be the same? :confused:

I guess it depends on a lot of stuff like the thickness of the leafs, etc. Many skinny leafs, or fewer thicker ones... darn... I think I'll just leave that up to the spring makers.

[Stuka]

My 75 has 4 thick leafs up front...its flex's just fine. The rear is 7 leafs, annd is beyond stiff..it doesnt flex so good..but it was ordered to handle a load of stuff (government truck)

I am about 75% sure I will be getting a Rusty's 4" lift here very soon. Just gota figure some stuff out first.

Oh ya, the 4 thick leafs are stiffer then the 6 thin leafs..but also dont sag nearly as bad as the 6 thin leafs..my truck doesnt really have any sag....its 26 years old...I have 30's and could easily fit 31's...32's if i didnt mind a bit of rubbing.

[reddog]

MY last reply was over-simplified. Your correct that is all has to do with # of leafs, thickness etc. The bottom line is basically the spring rate, the load on the spring and the spring arch. I do not know who currently makes kits for earlier FSJs but the following info is generally agreed upon from what I have read here.

My 87 is still a "sag-wag" so I am only repeating what I have seen around here as far as lifts go. I had a chance by to a Rough Country 3.5 kit for a great price but don't want a stiff ride so I passed. Seems the most popular is the softride setup by skyjacker. Todd (RiverBeast) swears by it and as you can tell his is a SOA. It is costly but provides a good ride and articulation. The Rusty's kit seems well liked by some but there has been some issues with getting delivery in a timely manner and issues with customer support. Others like the BDS and it seems competitive $$ wise with Rusty's. Rumor has it that you can get a discount with the BDS kit ordering it through David Allen Racing (http://www.davidallenracing.com/) if you tell them you found them here at the IFSJA. Rough Country are generally noted for a lack of articulation and a stiff ride. Look the the suspension and steering tech archive - There is alot of good info and opinions and lifts.

Kerry

[scotty]

rancho is also very stiff.the rancho springs ive got have 5 thick leaves and they dont flex worth a crap.

for whatever its worth,my 6" tuff country springs only have 4 leaves,and it rides real nice,and articulates enuff to stuff a 38 all the way up into the fender and onto the bumpstop. pretty impressive for a lift spring.

the only prollem is that tuff country doesnt actually make a fsj spring. i dont have any experinece with skyjacker personally,but i do know RB,and lots of others that love their skyjacker softrides. RB loves his enuff that i almost went that way,but i was so impressed by the tuff countries on my frineds gmc that i had to have some. plus the added bonus of more room at the rear of the wheelwell. :cool:

let us know which one you pick,and how it works out...

[Big J]

Thanks for all the input. I'll definitely let ya know what happens.

If Rusty's did in fact begin making rear leaf springs for the 74-75 years I would have a hard time choosing something else. It would be nice to get rear springs as well.

My brother has the 4" Skyjacker in his '86 Wagoneer. It seemed to ride nice, but before I got my FSJ I didn't really pay much attention to it all smile.gif I just sold my '62 Scout so I can have money to fix up my Cherokee and have a more comfortable 4x4 that my wife and I will enjoy travelling in! I CAN'T WAIT!!!