Soft lift spring options (somewhat abnormal application)

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

I have this '86 CJ-10a aircraft tug (http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthread.php?t=56806), which essentially uses a shortened FSJ frame. A standard FSJ lift will bolt right on, and several people with tugs have done this. Mine will differ somewhat because I'm flipping the rear springs around to extend the wheelbase ~5-6", and I'll be going with an Isuzu Dana 44 rear (6-lug w/discs). I have also removed the heavy bobtail bed, and will also be removing the ~2000-lb weight that resides over the rear axle. I'll build either a custom flatbed or a CJ-esque bed using the back end of a YJ tub.

I want to run 33" x 9.5" tires on it, so I'll need a few inches of lift. Because this vehicle will be noticeably lighter than a typical Grand Wagoneer, I want to find a compliant lift that'll flex well offroad, and ride decent on-road. I will say that the '10a has a Nissan SD33 diesel up front, so the front end is heavier than what you might initially think.

I have done several searches here, and BJs Offroad seems to pop up the most for lifts. I have also seen references to Skyjacker & BDS.

In the 2-3" lift range, what would you guys suggest? BTW, the existing frame/tub design already builds in a couple inches of body lift, so I want to avoid a BL.

Hit me with suggestions, please. :thumbsup:

Thanks,
Craig



http://www.altelco.net/~emenaker/jeep/cj10a/cj10a_6.jpg

[orangecherokee]

i have 4" Skyjacker springs up front. when i bought mine they were stiffer than i would have liked them to be. i bought those springs 5 years ago. the newer ones, i've heard, are much softer. i think you'll need a stiffer spring up front to deal with the extra weight. i like my springs but my point is this... when i bought mine they were stiff (which i think you need) but people say the newer ones are soft. i think you need to double check but i'd say go with Skyjacker.

[Ghinmi]

Will stock FSJ springs add any lift to the 10a? If so, the '79 and '80 FSJs came factory with 1 to 1.5" of lift so they'll get you even higher and probably ride decent.

Greg

[orangecherokee]

yeah but trying to run 33s with 1.5" lift is tough.

[Bob Barry]

yeah but trying to run 33s with 1.5" lift is tough.

You don't need any lift to run 33"x9.5" tires up front.

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

You don't need any lift to run 33"x9.5" tires up front.

Thanks for the feedback, guys...keep it coming.

Bob - This statement isn't true, given the application. 31" is the largest tire size will fit on a CJ-10a without any lift. The rear isn't a big deal in my case, since I'll be custom-building a bed. However, the front fenders limit tire size due to the wrap-around design in front.

Ghinmi - Do you know if you can order a '79-'80-specific spring aftermarket, though? I hold zero faith that I'd find good used springs that haven't sagged significantly.

Craig

[UKJeeper]

Can i point you to one of my Buds over here in the UK who bought a Flightline and turned it from this:

http://www.j33p.org/_club/_images/_rides/16-1-20060927131556.jpg

into this:


http://www.j33p.org/_club/_images/_rides/16-2-20060927131556.jpg


http://www.j33p.org/_club/rides_view.cfm?ride_id=16&start=1&order=1&filter_by_make_id=0&filter_by_model_id=0&filter_by_last_name_chr=ALL

Email him and he can help you out. philipjohnwalker @ tiscali.co.uk. Tell him Tim Cooper sent you.

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

Can i point you to one of my Buds over here in the UK who bought a Flightline and turned it from this:


http://www.j33p.org/_club/rides_view.cfm?ride_id=16&start=1&order=1&filter_by_make_id=0&filter_by_model_id=0&filter_by_last_name_chr=ALL

Email him and he can help you out. philipjohnwalker @ tiscali.co.uk. Tell him Tim Cooper sent you.

Very cool. I have seen that one before, IIRC, and I think Phil is on the CJ-10 list. Was it previously red? I'll try to connect with him soon.

Thanks,
Craig

[UKJeeper]

Very cool. I have seen that one before, IIRC, and I think Phil is on the CJ-10 list. Was it previously red? I'll try to connect with him soon.

Thanks,
Craig

If you mean the Yahoo group, yes, he mentioned that. It was red.

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

Wow, I thought more people would have opinions on the most compliant leaf springs. Anyone else care to offer suggestions?

Thanks,
Craig