Uhg, need springs

[Chumley360]

OK I'm probably beating a dead horse with this but here goes. My 32yo stock springs are just shot. I've gotten by for a while with those overload shocks that Monroe makes, but I just have to face the fact that it's time for a real fix. Unfortunately it's not a good time financially(is it ever?) so I'm kinda lost as to what I want to do. My original plan was to get BJ's 2" kit, but the price is steep. So I've been doing some checking and searching and it looks like my options are either a re-arch of the stock springs or an add-a-leaf set. The truck is my DD so I'd like to not get stuck with a super harsh ride. In past experience AAL and re-arching leaves all ride quality at the door. The other option is to just go big with a 4" kit, if you've got to spend a ton spend it all. But I know where this snowball will lead( tires, gears, other swaps) and that's not really the direction that I want this truck to go. My ideal end goal of the truck was a little lift to clear 30s with a mostly stock appearance and functionality. Are there any other brands or options out there for ~2" lift and not a harsh ride? Thanks

[capdaddy222]

i really wish you had posted up earlier. i just junked my stock springs about 2 weeks ago. they werent in terrible shape.

i think i got $5 from the scrap price.

i was just tired of tripping over them in the garage.

try posting up to the southeast regional forum to see if any other members have stockers to get you through the $$ pinch.

[joe]

Sorry but shot springs are shot springs. They are wear items and need replacing every 20-30 years putting $$ shocks, AAL's...support stockings or ace bandages on tired legs is a cheap option for making ya feel better but won't make a broken leg usable. Yup springs whether stock/2+/4+ are expensive. No getting around that... Your decision is stock or lift. I've used my J-trucks as DD's with general fun banging around the woods use hauling firewood etc. With stock springs I've run 33 x9.5's with no ground or fender clearance issues at all but I'm not a hard core wheeler climbing or bouncing over major appliance size boulders so stock springs work well for me.
Save up your money till you can get what you need, don't waste what you have on band aide cures.

[1983 j10]

Shame about two months ago I scrapped a full set of two in lift springs I had them posted up hear and I couldnt give them away

[serehill]

Originally Posted by joe

Sorry but shot springs are shot springs. They are wear items and need replacing every 20-30 years putting $$ shocks, AAL's...support stockings or ace bandages on tired legs is a cheap option for making ya feel better but won't make a broken leg usable. Yup springs whether stock/2+/4+ are expensive. No getting around that... Your decision is stock or lift. I've used my J-trucks as DD's with general fun banging around the woods use hauling firewood etc. With stock springs I've run 33 x9.5's with no ground or fender clearance issues at all but I'm not a hard core wheeler climbing or bouncing over major appliance size boulders so stock springs work well for me.
Save up your money till you can get what you need, don't waste what you have on band aide cures.

This is by far the cheapest thing you can do. EIther 2" OR 4" both have more arch & will ride rougher. Contemplate the fact these vehicles have straight front axles a good ride is a little out of the question. Replacing old springs with old springs isn't ever a wise decision. Re-arching 30 year old springs? The reason they are sagging is they are wore out. Take a piece of steel sheetmetal & bend it back & fourth for a while it does not get stiffer it gets softer just like the springs. Re-arching them will last a short time. Not good news but fact.

[svining]

Stock replacement springs on-line for $129/pr, Crown and others. Brings you back to stock height, which will seem like a 2" lift.

Originally Posted by serehill

This is by far the cheapest thing you can do. EIther 2" OR 4" both have more arch & will ride rougher. Contemplate the fact these vehicles have straight front axles a good ride is a little out of the question. Replacing old springs with old springs isn't ever a wise decision. Re-arching 30 year old springs? The reason they are sagging is they are wore out. Take a piece of steel sheetmetal & bend it back & fourth for a while it does not get stiffer it gets softer just like the springs. Re-arching them will last a short time. Not good news but fact.

[Rich88]

Originally Posted by svining

Stock replacement springs on-line for $129/pr, Crown and others. Brings you back to stock height, which will seem like a 2" lift.

X2. Anything else you do will give you a harsher ride. Other thing you ought to consider is that worn springs are subject to breakage if you hit the right bump or pothole at the wrong speed.

[Carnuck]

Originally Posted by Rich88

X2. Anything else you do will give you a harsher ride. Other thing you ought to consider is that worn springs are subject to breakage if you hit the right bump or pothole at the wrong speed.

What these guys said, OR if your springs aren't badly rusted (not usually a problem on the left coast unless used in the salt chuck) adding a new main leaf and cutting the eyes off the original main to put it in #2 position. I'm doing that with my Eagle wagon in the next couple weeks and I did it with Black jack before I swapped in the J20 rear axle and SOA'd the front. (I bought new 6" lift springs and teh ride has been like a buckboard ever since)

[serehill]

Originally Posted by svining

Stock replacement springs on-line for $129/pr, Crown and others. Brings you back to stock height, which will seem like a 2" lift.

Staying stock & using these crowns worked on a J 10 project I'm familair with that was 2 years ago. The shipping will bite into this though.
I don't believe the Myths that all crowne stuff is inferior. I've had good experience with what I've bought of theirs. That is my opinion.

[billyrb]

cheap out on things that don't matter, like speakers / console / etc., but don't cheap out on springs. They support the ENTIRE weight of your truck, and are one of the most important parts of any vehicle. Save up and do it right.

[nc wagoneer]

Pm'd ya