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Got a bunch of stuff done on the truck. Passed inspection with no problems and I've been driving it a little here and there. The biggest improvement was adding a 7" dual diaphragm brake booster. I have a lot of pedal travel, so I need to keep working on it, but it stops great now.
Put a Flowmasters 40 Series Delta Flow on it too. Sounds great!
The front of the truck sits about 2" lower than the rear. I assume the front springs are are stock and they're sagging. I'd like to get it sitting level.
Been searching the forums and looking at add a leafs.
Will an add a leaf in the front get what I want? Are they available in 2" width? Can't seem to find anything.
Looking for suggestions!
Ben
Thanks Stuka. Rusty's carries add a leaf's for full size jeeps, but I assume they're 2 1/2" wide. Found an old post where someone notched the AAL so the U bolts would clear and used them on an early truck. Don't like the idea of notching a spring, but I might try it.
Speaking of U bolts, the front passenger side bolts have been hit and bent. They will have to be cut off, so I'll replace them all and get some plates to flip them. Anything to watch out for there? Rusty's has bolts and plates for a Dana 44 axle. I assume they will bolt right up?
So I've been to the local spring shop. They could order stock springs, but they would have to be made with a 10 week lead time and they would be way more than I want to spend. The more I read about add a leaf springs, the more I'm leaning away from them.
Started researching the Scout II springs. I can get new stock front Scout II springs for $400. I understand I need to swap the main springs. I'm considering cutting the eyes off of the Scout mainspring and leaving it in the pack.
The stock Scout II springs are 6 leaves with 5 5/8" arch. Cutting the eyes off the main spring, or removing it altogether will decrease the arch distance some. All I'm trying to do is raise the front of my truck by 2". The springs on it now are almost flat.
Anybody have any experience with this? Do you think the Scout springs will flatten out to get me the 2" I'm looking for?
I wouldn't mind if it went a little higher, but then I would have to figure out how to raise the rear by the same amount to get it leveled. Flipping the rear shackle would get me too much.
Thanks. There's one other place in town I want to check on tomorrow to see if they make springs. if not, I'll call Hell Creek and get the info on the stock springs.
I emailed Tom at Hell Creek and then talked to him on the phone. He's great to work with and knowledgeable about these trucks. There are three different stock front spring packs for my truck. He gave me information on the springs and I confirmed what was on my truck currently and placed an order with him. Tom said it takes about a week to have them made. I'll update when I get them.
He also confirmed they no longer sell a u bolt flip kit for the early trucks, but gave me some information. I ordered spring plates and u bolts from Barnes4wd.com.
You won’t be disappointed with the plates from Barnes4wd. I have the same one on my 68 and they’re beefy. You’ll probably have to cut the inner rear corner off to clear the shock if yours are still in the stock location.
44bz - Thanks for the heads up.
Stuka - Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. It's a little more than I wanted to spend, but I shouldn't have to touch the front springs again and that's worth it to me.
Hopefully I remember to get before and after pictures and post them!
Hellcreek for sure! wish I had the $$. keep in mind, these were the low riders of the day compared to other 4wd pickups. selling point was ease of entry.
the rear rides a pinch higher {nose looks low} to accomodate the increased GVW. if the front is really shot it may have been a plow truck at some time. {that's my issue} that's another can of worms...
also my studies say don't use nylon spring bushings. they can squeek. very jealous!
1966 J-3600 Gladiator. 304, T-18-D20 [twin stick] ,D44-D53, magniflow exhaust
Your 50 year old FSJ IS your hobby!!