Lift Kit - 74 J-Truck

[FSJRomanGladiator]

Hey y’all- I have a 74 Jeep J10. As many of us - we are on a budget and venture into the Rough Country brand. I almost was bitten by the “made in China” crappy brand etc.

After talking to some who have them and love them - I would like to purchase. Plus they are made in TN.

The problem: Rough Country do not made a rear kit for the J, just front. I did some reading on forums and heard that the CJ-5 shocks and leafs are the same.

Any truth or experience?

Thanks!


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[Cecil14]

I cannot imagine they are the same. CJs use 2" springs, the trucks used 2.5" springs throughout as far as I can remember. CJ rear springs are only like 46" long as well, and I'm sure the truck springs are longer than that. The later truck rear springs are ~57" long. The TSM should list both spring dimensions.

http://oljeep.com/edge_parts_man.html

[FSJRomanGladiator]

I cannot imagine they are the same. CJs use 2" springs, the trucks used 2.5" springs throughout as far as I can remember. CJ rear springs are only like 46" long as well, and I'm sure the truck springs are longer than that. The later truck rear springs are ~57" long. The TSM should list both spring dimensions.

http://oljeep.com/edge_parts_man.html

Thank you. Great info and that would make sense.


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[Stuka]

'74 J-Trucks are a bit tough to get lifts for. I think the only company that makes rear springs for them is Hell Creek Suspension. For the front, any 74+ front springs will work. But the rear is post mount, and the springs are different for short bed vs long bed. As well as the actual size of the posts, which Hell Creek will need to know, as there are different bushings for them.

[tgreese]

Another approach is to buy the fronts off the shelf and have the rears made. Check Deaver in Santa Ana CA or Alcan in Grand Junction CO.

Pre-'76 CJs are 1.75" wide, '76 on are 2". No way they will fit a J-truck.

[1979bettywhite]

If you have a local driveline shop, a lot of times they provide leaf service as well. May be able to get them to make you a set.

[FSJRomanGladiator]

Thanks everyone. All good info.

When I search online i see many who say they provide for the J

Skyjacker
Rusty’s
RC

Why would I not trust those?

RC only sells front and have to use OEM rears.

Thoughts?


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[tgreese]

Make sure they have the application info right. lots of times the aftermarket sellers get the year-application info wrong. Refer to the post above about rear post-mount springs.

[FSJRomanGladiator]

Make sure they have the application info right. lots of times the aftermarket sellers get the year-application info wrong. Refer to the post above about rear post-mount springs.

Thank you!


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[Stuka]

All those makers that say 74+ are actually 76+.

Hell Creek (who actually makes the springs for several other companies) are the only company with a full kit for a 74 J-Truck.

[FSJRomanGladiator]

All those makers that say 74+ are actually 76+.

Hell Creek (who actually makes the springs for several other companies) are the only company with a full kit for a 74 J-Truck.

This is so accurate because I noticed it would say 74 but below the listing it would state 76.

What a mess. Looks like the rears are the tricky one. Correct?


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[Stuka]

All those makers that say 74+ are actually 76+.

Hell Creek (who actually makes the springs for several other companies) are the only company with a full kit for a 74 J-Truck.

This is so accurate because I noticed it would say 74 but below the listing it would state 76.

What a mess. Looks like the rears are the tricky one. Correct?


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Correct. 74 and 75 use the same front springs as 76+, but the rears are completely different.

[FSJRomanGladiator]

All those makers that say 74+ are actually 76+.

Hell Creek (who actually makes the springs for several other companies) are the only company with a full kit for a 74 J-Truck.

This is so accurate because I noticed it would say 74 but below the listing it would state 76.

What a mess. Looks like the rears are the tricky one. Correct?


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Correct. 74 and 75 use the same front springs as 76+, but the rears are completely different.

So I took the advice and call Tom over at Hellcreek Suspensions. Great guy and was patient with my questions.

In a nutshell, Jeep had so many renditions of sizes and approach with the J series. The ‘74 is the problem child - in regards to the rear springs. Front has no worries. Rear comes in a 52” or 57”. If you measure with them on it will appear to be 56” but that is bc they are mounted. GM has the 56”.

The spring will be 2.5” wide and as mentioned above, it has a post mount. According to Hellcreek, they are the only ones that make the rear. Other manufactures will sell you a ‘76 but it will be off. Now I have not purchased any rears so I can not attest if that is accurate, but when viewing online at the sites - it appears to be true. I search ‘74 and it shows the ‘76.

The set is quite expensive - Roughly $1900 shipped. Plus is that they are made to order and sitting on a shelf. Takes a week to receive. This is a no block rear.

If I could find a decent oem rears, I could shave a grand. Any help there would great

Hope that helps those who come across. Almost wish I could change thread titles. Thanks everyone for the help and info.



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[Stuka]

Changed the topic for you.

Unless Hell Creek has changed it, they offer a discount to FSJN members: viewtopic.php?f=34&t=2865

Finding good used springs is tough, finding used ones that have the bushings in a usable state is nearly impossible.

Gone are the days of cheap leaf springs, when everybody made them. Now coils are cheap, and leaves have gone up.

[FSJRomanGladiator]

Changed the topic for you.

Unless Hell Creek has changed it, they offer a discount to FSJN members: viewtopic.php?f=34&t=2865

Finding good used springs is tough, finding used ones that have the bushings in a usable state is nearly impossible.

Gone are the days of cheap leaf springs, when everybody made them. Now coils are cheap, and leaves have gone up.

Thank you! I’ll see if Tom will honor discount and thanks for the title change.

I am afraid you are right on used and price of leafs.


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