Just what is needed to hook the springs on a 800 up to a full sized axle? do the need to be moved in or out? bolt in and go?

Joe

The frame width on an 800 is 32" on center. This is roughy the same width as a chevy and I think even the RC Ford 44 with leaf springs. However, the springs are too narrow for the spring pads and If I remember correctly, they are not centered within the frame rails. Hope this helps...

Originally posted by Scout Dude:
<STRONG>The frame width on an 800 is 32" on center. This is roughy the same width as a chevy and I think even the RC Ford 44 with leaf springs. However, the springs are too narrow for the spring pads and If I remember correctly, they are not centered within the frame rails. Hope this helps...</STRONG>

Ben sent me an e-mail on this, when I asked him off list. From What he said, I think I can get "recessed u-bolt plates" made up, and just stick them on top, instead of underneath. think Hooper did this. just make the flanges wide enough and bolt in.

Also thinking of either stock wrangler springs or ford springs like Mark was looking at. if I had the money, i'd go custom

If you are willing to swap out the springs, then go with a 2.5" wide spring, make brackets that are even with the sides of your frame (which would make them able to hold a 3" spring at 32" on center) and then space them to the axle that you are going to use. This way you can make slight adjustments buy using washers next to the spings eyes and the springs don't bind on the mount.

Joe - If you have the means, I would definately swap the springs. Stock wranglers would be too soft with a V8, you'd need at least an add-a-leaf, or lift springs. Procomp YJ springs are about $55 each, and work good. If you want a little lift you can get the 2.5", or if you need a bit more, I run the 4" and they are great. The F150 springs should be good springs too, but I think they are too long for the front of an 80/800.

My stock springs lasted only 3 rides before both front springs were bent, this was with an SOA on Scout II axles and 33" tires.

Also, spring hangers are super easy to make for the 2.5" wide Wrangler springs. Use 3.5" x .250 wall box tubing, and cut of one side. Gives you a hanger with 3" ID. The wrangler spring eyes /w bushings are right at 3" wide, so it fits inside perfect.

Here's the picture of Hooper's ubolt plates. You could do something similar to this if you wanted to keep the stock springs. http://www.nwbinders.net/Tech/SOA/FrontShockMount.jpg

Here's the thread I got the picture from, there's a bit more info there also.
http://www.pirate4x4.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=15&t=000472

Actually a u-bolt plate like this might be even easier to make, and you could add gussets on each end to strengthen it.

<IMG width=350 height=200 SRC="http://www.pirate4x4.com/ubb/uploads/Springplate.gif">

Originally posted by BenW:
<STRONG>Actually a u-bolt plate like this might be even easier to make, and you could add gussets on each end to strengthen it.

<IMG width=350 height=200 SRC="http://www.pirate4x4.com/ubb/uploads/Springplate.gif"></STRONG>

I was thinking of something along those lines.

One thought was to make a typical top plate, then add (for a SII using 2" springs and 2.5" perches) a stick of 1/4" strap on either side, and weld it to the top plate.

U-bolts would sit in the stock location (axle wise), the "shims" would take up any slack between the springs and U-bolts, and it would all stay stuck together and not wiggle around.

Another option would be some C channel that sits over the leaf spring, then add the top-plate and weld.

Originally posted by 61Scout
Joe - If you have the means, I would definately swap the springs. Stock wranglers would be too soft with a V8, you'd need at least an add-a-leaf, or lift springs. Procomp YJ springs are about $55 each, and work good. If you want a little lift you can get the 2.5", or if you need a bit more, I run the 4" and they are great. The F150 springs should be good springs too, but I think they are too long for the front of an 80/800.

My stock springs lasted only 3 rides before both front springs were bent, this was with an SOA on Scout II axles and 33" tires.

Well, I'm goind with a diesel, not the 8, but it's still pretty close in weight. As to the springs, I was looking at the ford ones. If the front's are too long, perhaps moving them forward a bit will work. have to see