Posted: Sat Nov 27, 2010 10:00 pm Post subject: M38 leaf springs
Looking for springs to make my jeep set a little more level. Over the years she has continued to sag to the left,to the point I need to do something. Are CJ2A springs the same as M38 springs? I see several suppliers list them together. Would it be possible to use all but the top spring from the new ones ,keeping the M38 eyes on the top. What have others of you done ? I'd rather not have them rearched,as I have heard it does not always last a long time.
The CJ springs are usually 2 or 3 leaves short. One way or another you must deal with the difference in pivot bolt diameter. I made up my mind years ago that either I install NOS M38 springs sets or I go with a brand new aftermarket set when the time came to fool with them. It's a job I only wish to do once and I want something that will last, have strength and give a decent ride. No trailer queen absolutely stock stuff in my jeeps.
Rearching actually when done properly last longer than we would probably operate these jeeps. Keep in mind these jeeps are extremely light when you compare the spring rates used by Willys for the Army (overkill) to a similar older leaf spring equipped car of the 50's that weighed 1000 to 2000 more pounds. _________________ Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100
Some spring companies will still make spring sets patterned after your originals. There are still some NOS springs around as I bought a set a few years ago that were not too expensive.
One thing if you have not removed springs before is to be really careful as it will alter the center of gravity of the vehicle once detached, expecially on jackstands. Also, it is recomended to use all new u-bolts and fasteners and check the shock plate for cracks around the welded on bolt. Also, if you have to cut the u-bolts off the spring/axle wear eye protection as the old metal will sometimes "POP" violently from the decompression in the metal bolt.
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