Jeep XJ or Chevy S10 Leaf Springs

[kludge]

Here you go: (XJ spring dimensions)

http://forums.off-road.com/jeep-short-w ... sions.html

I kept the leaves off my 99 XJ for just this reason when I put a Rusty's 3" spring pack on it... just in case... I'm still hunting for free wheel(s).

XJ springs are set up for spring over the axle (SOA), which yields more ground clearance than the Chevy Blazer (SUA) design... of course you can always change the center pin. The XJ is a very light vehicle (<3500 lb curb weight), so I would think stock XJ springs would do much better than Blazer springs.

You probably don't want the Rusty's springs... you can bet the spring rate will be too high for a small trailer.

Backspacing on stock XJ wheels is ~5" to 5.5" which is fairly deep for most trailer axles. If you're welding the spring perches on the axle yourself you can make this work... but you probably want to match the backspacing and tire size of your TV so you only need to carry one spare.

[KCStudly]

Thanks Kludge. That gave me enough info to find this source including spec's:
84-01 Cherokee XJ
and these:
87-96 Wrangler YJ

Best pricing I have found so far, too.

I'm off to see which ones might fit my 3D model better.

I am assuming that the A dimension is to the front and the B dimension is to the rear.

[Mikeestep]

I have always been a fan of chevy 62s. They articulate nice and you can get them re arched to run spring under or spring over and also re arched to match ride height.

[KCStudly]

"Chevy 62's" ?

Is this a reference to length? Or application?

I think 62" long would have the shackle too far back along the frame for my taste.

The Wrangler springs are nearly twice as long as std 25-1/4 inch (24-3/4 eye to eye) trailer springs, which is fine by me (see Angibs post about the differences between trailer 3 point articulation and 4x4 articulation. I'm just looking to smooth out the ride.

But please, do tell more.

[kludge]

Thanks Kludge. That gave me enough info to find this source including spec's:
84-01 Cherokee XJ
and these:
87-96 Wrangler YJ

Best pricing I have found so far, too.

You know... you could sign up on a few jeep forums and post a WTB for stock XJ leaf springs. I bet you could get a pair for $50.

try here... http://www.jeepsunlimited.com/forums/sh ... p?t=546297

I am assuming that the A dimension is to the front and the B dimension is to the rear.

Looking at the numbers, yes, that sounds right.

[KCStudly]

I'd thought about used, but that can be such a crap shoot with condition (rust, sag, worn busings, etc.). By the time you ship them and rebuild them you aren't that far behind on money and they are still used.

I did sign up and will inquire, but like I said in my build thread, ultra thrifty isn't as important to me as the quality and reliability of the end product. My wife doesn't have much interest in camping, so resale value and being able to represent a certain level of quality in construction is in the back of my mind.

Thanks for the lead.

[KCStudly]

Decided to go with the YJ springs and some other Off Road suspension hardware.

Details in my build thread here: http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=55&t=48630&p=919167#p919167

[Mikeestep]

"Chevy 62's" ?

Is this a reference to length? Or application?

I think 62" long would have the shackle too far back along the frame for my taste.

The Wrangler springs are nearly twice as long as std 25-1/4 inch (24-3/4 eye to eye) trailer springs, which is fine by me (see Angibs post about the differences between trailer 3 point articulation and 4x4 articulation. I'm just looking to smooth out the ride.

But please, do tell more.

Off of a silverado, basically most gm trucks. They are anywhere from 62-64 inches eye to eye. they hold up a tremendous amount of abuse and will not warp much from negative arc. If you can find a good ride height and have them arced to where you want, they will cycle nicely. Once my teardrop gets started it will get a set of 62s, a set of king off road smooth body shocks and I might take the time to valve them so I can actually tow the trailer a little faster through the rough stuff.