Anyone using rear springs in front?

[Etcetera]

I am going SOA in the front of my 75 waggy, swapping in a GM 3/4 ton axle. I understand the stock front springs don't like running spring over. Anyone using the rear springs in front? I'm upgrading front and rear hangers, so it wouldn't be a big deal to move them a bit to accommodate the longer length. I have it mocked up with the stock front springs and they already look unhappy, lol.

[Stuka]

Where did you hear the front springs don't like to be in an SOA config? If they are in very bad shape, maybe. But if in good shape they should be fine. You will get more axle wrap in an SOA config, but longer springs would actually make that worse.

As for rear springs up front, it depends on what year springs. 76+ used 57 inch springs, and you could not easily use these up front, it would push your axle back. Your '75 uses shorter 52" springs, which could be made to work. Although the spring rates are different.

[Etcetera]

Almost every SOA thread on this site says the stock front springs are no good SOA. I guess I can run them and see, won't really be any extra work to try them.

Both front and rear are in good shape I guess. The rears are really good because it had an add a leaf helper since new so they didn't sag. I am putting 63's in the rear with a 14 bolt. Going to run 35's.

As soon as I get some u bolts for the front I can set it down and figure out where the rear needs to be.

[Etcetera]

Just to clarify, I'm stretching the wheel base in front and rear. If I use the stock fronts they will be reversed giving me about 2" or so. If I run the stock rears I will move the rear mount back about an inch and mount the front shackle hangers just past the end of the frame on the bumper.

[Tad]

Originally Posted by Etcetera

Almost every SOA thread on this site says the stock front springs are no good SOA...

Actually the posts say they were not designed for an SOA application, which is true. If they are in poor condition to start with when doing an SOA, they do no last long (how long depends on wheelin' style/choice).

Inserting a secondary main spring helps, as do aftermarket spring applications. Be careful and take good measurements, you can only move the front axle forward so far before creating steering issues.

[rocklaurence]

Another option is to buy a set of Chevy front springs--same length but with a centered pin. Im using a set (spring under) on my J20 with a shackle reversal. The Chevy springs are made for spring over and are cheaper than FSJ springs.

[blazer3664]

Another option is to buy a set of Chevy front springs

What years?? I am guessing third Gen ('73-'87) correct?

Jim

[rocklaurence]

Originally Posted by blazer3664

What years?? I am guessing third Gen ('73-'87) correct?

Jim

Yep--the center pin moves the axle back 1" on the FSR where it needs to be.