I have been a member for a while now, my first true "build" is a 94 zj i picked up with a bad auto trans. I swapped a sm465/205 behind the 4.0L, and picked up 3/4 ton chevy axles (8 lug D44/SF 14 bolt). I am sticking with a leaf spring setup, and plan to brace/plate the frame with most likely angle iron. This IS a budget build and am deciding which spring to run. I am thinking 63" chevy springs front and rear for they are cheap and bountiful. Would it be better to run shorter leafs (scout II or cj front, etc...). If i chose to run 63" front, can i just redrill the centerpin forward and shim the axle so the front leaf mount is not 2 feet in front of the grill? thoughts/concerns?

Here are some progress pics for all

The beginning...
http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu30/crackerjap_photos/014.jpg

started hacking away
http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu30/crackerjap_photos/047.jpg

gotta have room
http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu30/crackerjap_photos/085.jpg

sm465/205/novak-cj bellhousing purchased from another pirate member
http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu30/crackerjap_photos/104.jpg

manual zj flywheel/80's cj clutch
http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu30/crackerjap_photos/121.jpg

custom cps bracket
http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu30/crackerjap_photos/IMG_0028.jpg

http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu30/crackerjap_photos/IMG_0034.jpg

I apologize for the shoddy pic quality....ill get a real camera one day

I think a 63" front leaf would suck pretty bad. I'd shoot for an XJ pack, or Dakota pack at the longest..

63s are reeeaaally long. Hurt approach/departure, and if you offset them funny things happen with driveshaft angles.

So if i use these jeep leaf springs that are just under 2.5 inches wide, will there be any play where the axle and leaf come together. Since the width of the ubolt plates are 2.5" and would not "hug" the spring as it does stock.

So if i use these jeep leaf springs that are just under 2.5 inches wide, will there be any play where the axle and leaf come together. Since the width of the ubolt plates are 2.5" and would not "hug" the spring as it does stock.

pins will hold them as will the bolts if you tighten them down. my xj springs are 2.5in :eek: