Suspension Plans...am I too saggy?

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Cruiser D

Cruiser D

10 Year 15 Year
Joined
Aug 10, 2006
Threads
16
Messages
55
Location
Toronto
Hey guys,

I am preparing for new suspension so this is a multi-point question.

Recipient will be my 87 BJ70, totally stock, daily driver, hwy and city use.

Right now I only have bout 1" clearance between the top of my axle and the rubber bump stop on the frame. I've attached the photo help inspire some conversation. Is this normal clearance or have my springs sagged beyond functional service? The ride is quite harsh and I beleive I'm bottoming out occasionally. I'm hoping new shocks will help this out a bit.

I do not want to lift the truck, I like the height he's at now. Is it acceptable practice to "soften" the rubber bump stop by drilling some holes through it so it'll compress easier when/if I do bottom bottom-out?

I am going to be replacing the shocks....but the local National 4WD shop said their OME shocks only fit trucks with a 2-3" lift....that doesn't seem right to me....even a lifted truck still needs the shocks to compress enough to cover a bottom-out right? Up to now I have only considered replacing w OME, perhaps I should look at other options?

I know the OME threads are plentiful and I've grabbed the required part numbers from them....I just want to be sure I get things right as this will be my first venture into the suspension world.

Thanks for any and all insights.....

Darryl
CIMG3656.webp
 
Those springs are most likely the originals. Normally they have about 75-100mm under the bump stop
You really need a full suspension kit. New shocks wont help worn out springs and the shocks will probably wear out quick.
 
Hi All:

Realize that most aftermarket replacement leaf springs (including OMEs) will lift the truck above what is the stock suspension height. If your rig has seriously sagged-out springs it might get even more lift from the new replacement springs than anticipated.

Where are you located? GWN, I'm assuming. I'd suggest contacting Wayne at Crushers Rule in Calgary and explaining your problem. He has a few tricks up his sleeve, and I bet he can help your truck.

Regards,

Alan
 
I'm in Ontario......as mentioned, I don't want to lift the truck anymore.....but I guess I'll need to go up at least 2 more inches if I replace with stock stuff. Is there any better aftermarket products that do not provide extra lift.

I'll read up on pinion seal replacement as well...thanks Z()LTAN. I should post more pics just for the diagnostics!

So nobody has fit OME shocks to a stock height rig?
 
go with ome light. Those springs are worn out. You could do an add a leaf but new springs will give you a much better ride in the long run IMHO.

You can run ome shocks on a stocker but you need to look at the compression and make sure they won't bottom out. You're probably under stock height. You don't need to limit yourself to OME shocks either.
 
My 70 on Emus has a much nicer ride than my 74 on stock springs.
If you really don't want to lift you should be able to find a set of stock JDM take-offs.
 
Cruiser D said:
Anyone have comments on stock springs vs aftermarket?
(Comparing new stock and new aftermarket)
Click to expand...

I can remember anyone buying springs from a dealer. Probably cost more for the springs than a complete aftermarket kit.
I also havent seen any aftermarket kits that give a stock height,they all give a 2 inch lift.
Others like you who dont want it higher than stock usually get someone who knows what they are doing to reset the springs to a lower height
 
I'm kinda in the same boat. My suspension is saggy too though more so in the back. I'd like to get new springs but any kind of lift and I can no longer fit in my underground parking and parking in the unsecured area or on the street doesn't appeal to me since my truck has already been broken into in the past.
 
Z()LTAN said:
mmm you must have a fair bit of blow by from worn rings...
Click to expand...


probably - but it runs good and no smoke out the exhaust at this point. I think the last compression test was 380. I dont think its uncommon for oil to drip off the breather on the older 3B. So long as there is no a lot of smoke or obvious pressure comming out of the tube its no big deal. The breather on the BJ70 just happens to be over the diff or slightly behind so it looks bad or like the pinion is leaking - changing the oil filter also leaks oil on the diff.

Im just saying - it may not be a bad pinion seal.

Newer 3B's and the HZ dont have a breather tube - so no oil on the diff.
 
I was in the same situation as Canuck - If the truck was lifted too much (as with all the kits) then I couldn't get into the parkade at work. I went to a spring shop with instructions on how high to go. They nailed the height by re-arcing the existing springs, and adding a new leaf at each corner. It is a bit too stiff for my taste though, so I think the solution would be to remove at least one of the old leaves. As it is, I can put a big load in it with almost no sag. Stock (old) shocks are a bit overwhelmed, but their length is OK - in fact longer than some of the aftermarket solutions. Maybe just new stock shocks...?

Try a search on the Jeep add-a-leaf. That might work for you.
 
Whistler74 said:
I was in the same situation as Canuck - If the truck was lifted too much (as with all the kits) then I couldn't get into the parkade at work. I went to a spring shop with instructions on how high to go. They nailed the height by re-arcing the existing springs, and adding a new leaf at each corner. It is a bit too stiff for my taste though, so I think the solution would be to remove at least one of the old leaves. As it is, I can put a big load in it with almost no sag. Stock (old) shocks are a bit overwhelmed, but their length is OK - in fact longer than some of the aftermarket solutions. Maybe just new stock shocks...?

Try a search on the Jeep add-a-leaf. That might work for you.
Click to expand...

How much did that end up costing you? Do you have a pic of your truck that shows the results?
 
i am moving to Ontario and will be up and running in Jan. i will have a complete kit with me OR if i stick it under my white BJ70 rag then i will have a complete orignal kit to part with...
for cheap
i.e. you help install the new one and the old one is yours...

cheers
 
for now you can take the rubber stops off and cut them in half lengthways and reinstall... this improves the ride greatly around the city...
 
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