Leaf Spring Compatibility M38a1 and CJ5

Derstrom · Member Joined: May 23, 2016 Posts: 37

I have a opportunity to buy a complete master suspension kit compatible with "59 to 74 CJ5" from Rugged Ridge, Their part number 18290.03. It's actually the suspension kit that Omix Ada makes for CJ5. My money pit is a 1971 M38a1 CDN3. Given the shortage of NOS springs and the reality that I'm not building this jeep for show, I'm happy if the kit just solves my need for parts. As far as I can figure these shocks and springs will be 100% compatible with mine, right? I'm not building a show jeep it's going to be a driver. Can you guys please confirm I'm right on this before I buy em?

wesk · Posted: Sun Jul 17, 2016 10:16 am Post subject:

The aftermarket off road springs tend to have less leaves then the original M38A1 series but the leaves are usually wider and more resilient giving a better ride with about the same height and rebound.

Only issues may be the front spring pivot location. Most M38A1 series had the pivot at the front bumper as did the early 55/56 CJ5 but then the CJ5 switched to a rear pivot behind the front axle. Also there was a wee bit of variation on the pivot bolt and bushing size as well as the two left hand threaded shackles.

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Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100

Mjeeps photo album: http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?set_albumName=Wes-Knettle&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

Derstrom · Member Joined: May 23, 2016 Posts: 37

Thanks Wes. So it looks like there might be slight differences but nothing I can't work through. The kit is a huge bargain, about 1/3 of retail, and no shipping costs. And thanks for the reminder about the left hand shackles, I keep forgetting about it. If possible I will re-use the original hardware and just install the springs, bushings and shocks.

wesk · Posted: Sun Jul 17, 2016 1:24 pm Post subject:

As I recall the CJ5's only used the same front pivot arrangement on the front springs in 1955-56 then went to the front shackle arrangement. I don't recall which way the CDN 3's were built. The CDN's and CDN 2's were built like the M38A1 US with front pivot.
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Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100

Mjeeps photo album: http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?set_albumName=Wes-Knettle&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

ROBCDN3 · Posted: Sun Jul 17, 2016 5:01 pm Post subject:

The same as the rest shackle to the rear. Rob 71a1

Derstrom · Member Joined: May 23, 2016 Posts: 37

For me the main thing is that the leaf springs are the correct dimensions so I can work em to fit. So far my research tells me that exactly. So I think we are good to go. I have the capability to press out bushings etc and make em fit.

wesk · Posted: Sun Jul 17, 2016 8:30 pm Post subject:

I am not sure if the axle was layed out dead center in the arch of the spring or offset forward or aft. I would check that first. My research shows the front springs you are buying are pivot end aft and your jeep is pivot end forward. If the axle is offset then you will need to either fabricate aft pivot mounts and modify the front pivot to a shackle mount or reverse the springs and re-locate the axle. I hope you will continue this thread as you progress with the spring project so we can follow. If you like we could pin this to the top while you are progressing.
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Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100

Mjeeps photo album: http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?set_albumName=Wes-Knettle&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

Derstrom · Member Joined: May 23, 2016 Posts: 37

I checked Kaiser Willys site and their front spring is the same part for both vehicles, but they mention it is necessary to make a slight adjustment for mounting:

http://www.kaiserwillys.com/front-leaf-spring-assembly-10-leaf-fits-52-71-cj-5-m38a1

My research on the overall length is they are the same in that regard as well.

So logic tells me the Kaiser people can't make a universal spring for the two models if there's any major differences. If the offset was different it wouldn't be possible.[/url]

wesk · Posted: Sun Jul 17, 2016 9:10 pm Post subject:

We will be right here waiting for your fitting report! Wink

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Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100

Mjeeps photo album: http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?set_albumName=Wes-Knettle&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

Derstrom · Member Joined: May 23, 2016 Posts: 37

Same goes the for the Kaiser rear leaf spring. They offer the same item for both vehicles:

http://www.kaiserwillys.com/category/suspension/leaf-spring-assemblies/rear-leaf-spring-assembly-9-leaf-fits-52-71-cj-5-m38a1

So, logically they must have the same overall dimensions for length and centre location.

wesk · Posted: Sun Jul 17, 2016 11:39 pm Post subject:

I hope you are right. I can't forget the old saying "Measure twice / Cut once" Wink

Let us know how things measure up.
_________________
Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100

Mjeeps photo album: http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?set_albumName=Wes-Knettle&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

Derstrom · Member Joined: May 23, 2016 Posts: 37

I just got back from buying the parts. The springs measured up perfectly. I was able to bring home a master rebuild kit with all four springs, shocks, bushings and hardware for 400 bucks. Brand new still in the box.


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