1971 Cj5 Leaf Spring Question

Hello all I have a 1971 cj5 and am in need of new leaf springs so my question is what year cj5 have the same exact leaf springs and also I would like to get possibly a 2.5 inch lift any suggestions on a good set

 

Thank you

 

Do a search. This topic has been covered many times.

 

spend the money on a 2.5" bds lift. I bough the 500 dollar rough country lift for one jeep and the one side sagged down 2" in less than a year.

 

I installed a Rancho 2.5" soft ride a bizzilion years ago and have been happy with it. IMHO, find the cheapest, ginkest set of auto shocks to go with the lift. Big, fancy shocks seem to be a bit over valved for elliptical springs and have a tendency to turn your Jeep into a buckboard.

 

I've used BDS springs in the past and have been very happy with the ride.

 

What James said is spot on. You will be very happy with BDS 2.5

 

I've got BDS 2.5" springs on my '71 (with 32" tires):


And Pro-Comp 2.5" springs on my '69 (with 31" tires):


NOTES:

• I don't notice a huge difference in ride quality between the two.
• The BDS springs seem to flex a little better when crossed up off road.
• Both have a military wrap which is nice.
• The BDS springs don't sit level out of the box. The front sits about an inch lower than the back. I needed to use 1 inch longer shackles in the front to get the Jeep to sit level. I'm not super happy about that because it has handling implications. The Pro-Comps sit the Jeep level out of the box.

 

BDS 2.5" kit good. Another happy owner here. Has always ridden level - maybe I'm lucky and happy.

Suggest you use the Jeep warranty method for leveling (block between the spring and axle on the high side) before the longer shackle.

If you buy the BDS shocks too, they will be too short without spacers on the frame.

A search will give you dozens of threads to read about this topic: https://www.bing.com/search?q=site:earlycj5.com+BDS+springs - vary your search terms to cover other brands.

 

I used the Pro comp 2.5 on mine with 33" tires, ride was nice.

 

Thank you all. I think iam gonna go with th pro comp 2.5 inch lift I don't want to much lift top heavy a concern

 

then I would certainly not think about a 4" lift.

 

BDS shocks...it looks your saying spec out the shocks for the correct length before installing. They offer an option for Fox shocks. Good to know that the front springs may give less lift. I was curious as I have an old 2 1/2 Rancho set from the late 70's and the front sits lower and it doesn't care how much weight is on front. There is just no give to them. Not really interested in long shackles. Just want good flex with an even ride height. Have a 1" body lift, tires are a full 33" and I would like to stay at a 2 1/2 lift. Thanks, I will check your link and investigate the Pro Comp.

 

Nice looking jeep! I added it to my collection. Haven't seen that stye fender flare in years, no cut out for the marker lights.

 

Here’s my CJ with 2.5 inch BDS lift and 31x10.50x15 BFGs. Rides great. Very satisfied.

 

From that angle it appears level. No weight from a winch. Easily simulated by standing on it and see if it deflects.

 

It actually does sit level But you’re right, I don’t have a winch installed yet.

 

Does it flex well and are the ubolts 1/2" diameter.