Pivot eye bracket, advice

Speedy · Post by **Speedy** » Mon Sep 07, 2015 3:50 pm

I did a search and no real answer to my dilemma

my civvy cj2a jeep is getting some superlift 2.5'' springs.
I ran into a problem where the springs are slightly wider then the inside of the pivot eye bracket.

I took a chance and ground each pivot eye bracket inside on each side, alternating to get as even as I could. I can now slide the springs into the hanger, they move very freely and slightly rock side to side (maybe went slightly longer on the grinding then I should have)
they also are not straight any longer (in thickness, slight wave)

I suppose my question is, should I have any worries.
I would hate to damage the leaf springs because of this, although the pivot moves slightly in operation.

if I should worry, does anyone have a good source to removing and installing pivot eye brackets? to get an idea what I might be in for.
but, maybe new brackets are not the same thickness as the superlift springs again.

hopefully its all well and I dont have to loose sleep.

Post by **wesk** » Mon Sep 07, 2015 8:01 pm

I would suppose either your spring supplier made an error or you have a CJ2A with the wrong pivot brackets. At this point I would say what you intend to do with the jeep will determine weather the overly thin walled pivots will survive.

Speedy · Post by **Speedy** » Mon Sep 07, 2015 8:18 pm

Hi Wesk,
mainly road driving, light off road.
I will keep my eyes on them when the jeeps done.

I thought it was odd also. do you have a measurement for the inside of the pivot bracket?

I believe I still have a few CJ springs I can measure, will check!

Post by **wesk** » Mon Sep 07, 2015 8:55 pm

I am an M jeep guy with a MB, M38, M38A1 but I do have two CJ5's. Not a lot of 2A's here. Have you popped this question on the 2A board?

TomM · Post by **TomM** » Thu Sep 10, 2015 6:08 am

The inside edges of the CJ2a spring mounting brackets have an opening of 1.75" inside face to inside face. If the bracket dimensions are tighter at the spring it may be because the spring pivot bolt was over tightened and drew the sides of the bracket closer together.
Replacement of the bracket is possible. New repro brackets and used/removed brackets can be transplanted. The installation requires removal of rivets (can be replaced with grade 8 hardware) and very competent welding of the bracket to the frame.

Speedy · Post by **Speedy** » Thu Sep 10, 2015 7:03 am

how difficult to remove the rivets?

cut both sides of the hanger off, cut of wheel and cross the heads of the rivet and air chisel the four edges off. then punch out the remaining portion of the rivet?

these bigger rivets seem like they will fight you all the way.

I think I might let it be and see how it works out as is.
I thought of spreading the hanger but at the same time I was thinking the bolt hole location might not be able to slide the bolt and align with both hanger holes.

TomM · Post by **TomM** » Thu Sep 10, 2015 7:13 am

here is a tutorial

http://www.rensjeep.com/bumper/repair1.html

southpw · Post by **southpw** » Thu Sep 10, 2015 7:54 am

Sorry to say but I think you should have spread them. My 2.5" lift springs from Rancho fit perfectly. 1.75" wide.
If you decide to replace them, I found that center punching and drilling the rivets out was much easier than grinding them down and trying to pick them out. I drilled with a small drill bit and worked up to a size just smaller than hole diameter and then punched out the remaining material. I did this with many rivets during my frame repairs.

Speedy · Post by **Speedy** » Thu Sep 10, 2015 6:38 pm

I suppose the rivet diameter is that of the new hangers whole? to base drill sizes on. excellent suggestion! I have done this years ago and it was great cant believe I forgot about it. I often crossed the rivet head with a cut off disk and then hit it with an air chisel but that can be time consuming.

hindsight I would have given the spreading a shot, I have spoke to many people local and a few establishments I found online and all have come to the conclusion that its nothing to be overly concerned about in any way. yes what I did was not the best solution but everyone is saying I will be fine.

so I will roll with it for the time being, I will keep an eye on it to be safe. and if I feel the need I will tackle them in pairs or one at a time for replacing with new.
it should not be difficult with a car hoist. dropping either axle on these jeeps is a breeze.

Pivot eye bracket, advice

Pivot eye bracket, advice

Cj2a

shackle bracket