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I've got my '65 J200 w/the 230 Tornado (currently in pieces), so naturally I'm thinking about the suspension 
I've gone down a whole bunch of rabbit trails, and here's what I've found:
The only "off the shelf" suspension option is Hell's Creek. Not a bad option, it's just expensive - $1400 or so.
Deaver won't return my emails.
Some suggest getting springs re-arched. The closest place to me that would do it (4 hours away) quoted me $750 an axle. Plus bushings.
Some say bastard pack/helper springs/add-a-leaf/blocks/air bags. All have some potential, but also each have their own drawbacks. And most of those are anectdotal or skeptical at best.
Okay, hold my beer and watch this..... Here's what I'm thinking.
Here's the dimensions of the springs, as found in this thread (here):
1962-69 trucks use:
22 x 22 x 2 inch front springs with 7/8 inch post mounts and 9/16 inch shackle bushings
26 x 26 x 2 1/2 inch rear springs with a 7/8 post mount and 9/16 shackle bushings.
Then, found in this chart (here) you can see that front springs from a 76-86 CJ match the dimensions of the fronts for early Gladiators:
22 1/16" x 22 1/16" x 2" @920lb rating (for 6 leaf pack)
And that the rear leaf springs from a 73-87 Cheby C10 2WD match the dimensions of the rears for early Gladiators:
26 x 26 x 2.5" @ 1290lb rating (other options also)
If, then, so......
You found a place that had the correct bushings (some require brass, some don't), assuming the bushings that come in the springs are wrong, that could be pressed into place, like this:
Couldn't you theoretically have a proper set of new leaf springs for a post mount suspension equipped truck for close to $500?????? ($100/ wheel, plus bushings & labor)
Now, I know there's still a few variables. Specifically spring rate. And what the height/arch of the springs are.
But I think this could work.
Help me out here, am I onto something? What says you?
I've gone down a whole bunch of rabbit trails, and here's what I've found:The only "off the shelf" suspension option is Hell's Creek. Not a bad option, it's just expensive - $1400 or so.
Deaver won't return my emails.
Some suggest getting springs re-arched. The closest place to me that would do it (4 hours away) quoted me $750 an axle. Plus bushings.
Some say bastard pack/helper springs/add-a-leaf/blocks/air bags. All have some potential, but also each have their own drawbacks. And most of those are anectdotal or skeptical at best.
Okay, hold my beer and watch this..... Here's what I'm thinking.
Here's the dimensions of the springs, as found in this thread (here):
1962-69 trucks use:
22 x 22 x 2 inch front springs with 7/8 inch post mounts and 9/16 inch shackle bushings
26 x 26 x 2 1/2 inch rear springs with a 7/8 post mount and 9/16 shackle bushings.
Then, found in this chart (here) you can see that front springs from a 76-86 CJ match the dimensions of the fronts for early Gladiators:
22 1/16" x 22 1/16" x 2" @920lb rating (for 6 leaf pack)
And that the rear leaf springs from a 73-87 Cheby C10 2WD match the dimensions of the rears for early Gladiators:
26 x 26 x 2.5" @ 1290lb rating (other options also)
If, then, so......
You found a place that had the correct bushings (some require brass, some don't), assuming the bushings that come in the springs are wrong, that could be pressed into place, like this:
Couldn't you theoretically have a proper set of new leaf springs for a post mount suspension equipped truck for close to $500?????? ($100/ wheel, plus bushings & labor)
Now, I know there's still a few variables. Specifically spring rate. And what the height/arch of the springs are.
But I think this could work.
Help me out here, am I onto something? What says you?
Jeep gauges are for amusement only. Any correlation between them and reality is purely coincidental.
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