Spring recommendations -- 83 BJ42 -- Stock height

[Diescipel]

Folks,

I would like to keep my new BJ42 close to stock, and also save some $$$. The front springs are good (but maybe I should measure axle to bump stop distance or something else to be sure??), but the rears are sagging and leaning. I don't plan on running tires bigger than 31s or doing any serious off roading, so I don't see the need for a lift. I also want to save money by only replacing the rear springs, all bushings, and maybe get some slightly extended greasable shackles. I also would go for new shocks all the way around.

1. Are OEM springs still made? If so, how much $$$?

2. Are there stock height aftermarket springs out there? If so, how much $$$ and who has them? I've looked at 4wheelAuto, SOR, MAN-it ain't-FREE, JTOutfitters, CoolCruisers, etc. All have lifted springs/kits.

3. Am I being silly? Won't a new kit be less than buying rears, etc. separately? A little lift is no big deal.

4. If I am being silly, what do you think of the SOR 2" kit ? Frankly it looks a lot like what people call the "Belton" kit.

I know some people have recommended the Terrain Tamer kit, but it's just too much bling and meat for little old me.

Thanks again,
B

PS Finally had the time to do some very minor wrenching this weekend, but as the first time on the '42 with no experience it was pretty cool. Just took up some slack in the throttle cable, straightened the steering wheel, etc. So much room to work with. It was a pleasure. Found out that the front "bib" (?) has also been replaced with alu, which the seller did not tell me, so bonus! Found some more rust though too.

[Radd Cruisers]

I gotta tell ya, factory parts are coming down in price, as of late I have price fatory parts cheaper than aftermarket.

The factory springs would be the best route, price????

Good luck

[crushers]

Norcal,
send me a private message to wayne@crushersrule.com and i will walk you through a cheap and very functional mod you can do.
cheers

[tlcruiserman]

Whatever you do stay away from Man-a-Free springs, they will sag in about a year, and out of the gate the truck will lean you will need shims, I have speaking from personal experience on my 84' BJ42. I have talk to a bunch of people that have had the same problem even on the older style with the gas tank under passenger seat. The excuse Man-a-fre gave was lame, and BS as far as I can tell.

The SOR springs are not Belton, and they are not ironman it is another company they deal with in OZ. I have had very good luck with some springs I bought for my BJ70' from them a year ago (at that time they were ironman).

I am running 4" lift on my BJ42 springs so I had to do a lot of shopping around to to find replacements for the crappy Man-a-Fre ones. This is not a problem you should have if you are running stock hight. I am against running the stock springs because you can get aftermarket ones for less money that will actually give you a better ride than stock with sacraficing functionality.

FYI, I am actually giving downey an another try, they have a new engineered spring that is better than before, but again I needed 4" of spring lift for my ride.

Good Luck,

Michael