Leaf spring question

[FSJ-Earl]

I have an 83 J10 that I am swapping J20 axles (HD D44 and D60) into. I destroyed my front leaf springs last time I was out, I bent the main leafs at a 90 degree angle where they attach to the frame. I am rebuilding a set of leafs and I have a a few questions. I an running 34 x 10.5 x 16 tires with NO BED and CUT front fenders, I am thinking that I do not ned lift springs for clearence. I took the leaf pack apart, I am painting them with the graphite impregnated paint from Tractor Supply, I am / was thinking about cutting the eyes off of an old rear spring and adding it to the TOP of the main leaf spring to give it some added support so I don't bend the main leaf again and then just running what was in the stock leaf pack for the front. For the rear I am taking off the add a leaf that I added as well as the overload spring and maybe taking another leaf out to soften the ride a bit. What are everybodies thoughts? It is REALLY right now since I have NO weight in the rear since I removed the bed.

[jeeping1974]

Since you removed the bed, you can run whatever size tire you want. i was able to clear 38s with 3" of lift and cut fender flare off with my j10 so you should be fine with 34s for the front.

[FSJ-Earl]

I am more worried about how to soften the ride a bit since this thing rides like a stinking buckboard.

[Stuka]

Add a spring on top should keep you from bending the main leaf spring again, and unless you are using spring clamps to keep is squeezed up to the main leaf, it should not effect your ride much. If it is stiffer, remove one of the lower springs in the pack.

As for clearance, you will be fine since you don't have the rear fenders to worry about.

[FSJ-Earl]

Do you have to run the spring clamps? How do you keep the leafs from shifting?

[JeepinPete]

Without spring clamps, I was always beating the leafs back into position. I also believe that the rear most clamp helps transfer some of the load on the main leaf to the ones below.

[FSJ-Earl]

How much can the leaves really move with the center pin in place and the U-bolts on there? I am sure that they can move a bit, but do they move a lot?

[pineymike]

Adding a leaf on top is not going to help,you need to search around and find one longer than your main leaf cut the ends off and put it under the main leaf,In effect creating a "military wrap"thats what a spring shop would do.Removing as many leaves as you can is the way to go I did that with my comanche and it works great I even removed the shocks and it dosen't bounce too bad but boy does it flex!Old jeeps{my '55 willys} have spring clamps that are riveted to the bottom leaf & extend up the sides of the other leaves and have a bolt that crosses over the top{there 1/4 thick} to keep the leaves in line,even with everything tight leaves can"walk" enough to rip a tire! good luck hope to see you at roush creek 4-18-09 weekend.:fsj:

[jtr]

Clamps are a must, I have broken the flimsy sheet metal ones. The stock one ton rear type clamps (3/8" steel strap) have been the only type that have survived so far.

[JeepinPete]

The longer leaves can turn enough for the ends to be completely exposed to the side of the main leaf. They are a real bear to get back in place when they go that far.