Anybody done it? Looks like the springs are good 5" longer, thinkin if I move the front forward (extend the frame) 3" and use some longer shackles it should work. Just curious if anyone has done it and has suggestions. Thinkin I'll just cut the frame behind the bumper and plate it to extend it, I'll plate it with some 1"x3" tubing to space it out a bit for the spring pad width I am looking for too, probably put some 1"x2" tubing under the frame to drop it just a bit while I am at it

http://www.rivercityrockcrawlers.com/TechReports/BornAgain/Suspension/compare.JPG

The question should be: "Has anyone NOT done this?"

This is a common swap. YJ springs are much more flexy on the trail and ride nicer on the road. Typically if you can get 8 spring packs and build 4 good sets if you are going SOA (let's assume you are) then you can minimize spring rap by building the springs correctly. You'll need an oxy-fuel torch and BFH. It took me and a buddy a weekend to do all of the mods. Not too bad.

YJ springs are only about an inch longer. JKS sells bolt on spring hangers for this conversion.

http://www.jksmfg.com/jks_manufacturing_spring_hangers.htm

I would recommend only on the front. I bent a few YJ springs in the rear and went back to CJ and have not had a problem.

look at the pic and tell me one inch..

Just picked up some steel, can't decide on how far to move the front hanger forward :)

BTW my jeep is a 53

Originally posted by Bob/CA
I would recommend only on the front. I bent a few YJ springs in the rear and went back to CJ and have not had a problem.

That's why I recommended building 4 springs out of 8 packs !

I think Brandons rig is pre '76, which have a different spring length. The 1" difference is with 76 and newer rigs.

I have no clue why someone would spend $90 on those front shackle hangers.:rolleyes: All you have to do is buy rear CJ hangers for the front and they're about $25 (reinforced aftermarket).

The swap is very easy and works very well. I did mine last summer and there was a huge increase in flex with the springs ( and adding longer shocks ). I also took eight spring packs and made them into four and I don't have any complaints yet.

When I got a new frame it was ordered with shackle reverse and
the use of the YJ springs. The REE 4.5 YJ springs work great on the 79 CJ-7 handels great on and off road and it is my DD.

hey brandon they did this in jp magazine about 2 issues ago. after rienforcing the frame and putting 2x3 tubing on for bumpers they welded the shackle hangers to the bumper for the added length. they actually did and soa in front but did what i said for the rear. i have a 64 that i will do this to and i will just weld the shackle hangers to the front of the bumper

It would be in front of the bumper if I moved it 3" though..

I gotta chop n extend it :(

Just got back from wheelin in the snow but I will tinker tonight and post pics :)

Brandon when i did the SOA on mine I installed wrangler springs..

I outboarded my springs but when we did it we used the center of the fender/center of the spring to determin where the springs go..

I can post some pictures if you like

Steve

Originally posted by WheelingPiazza
Brandon when i did the SOA on mine I installed wrangler springs..

I outboarded my springs but when we did it we used the center of the fender/center of the spring to determin where the springs go..

I can post some pictures if you like

Steve

Actually we used the bumpstop ;)