Bolt-on Yj Spring Conversion

Hi all, new to the site, not new to jeeps.

I'm planning the yj leaf spring swap, staying SUA. I've looked at the rocky-road bolt-on kit and noticed that some on here have had good luck with it. My issue is that it seems a bit expensive...$550?!

Here's the question: if the Rocky-road kit is really 'bolt-on', couldn't you just cut the necessary sections out of a YJ frame and bolt them on to your CJ frame to accomplish the same goal? Seems to me that if you cut the spring hanger portion of the YJ frame away from everything else and then opened it up on the top and one side, you effectively have what Rocky-road have packaged up. Drill appropriate holes and you're in business. I can buy YJ frames with decent springs still on them for roughly half of the rocky road kit...

This is an evolving thought, anyone have suggestions on why this is is really stupid?

 

The front shackle hanger for the YJ conversion is essentially at the front end of the frame on the CJ because of the much longer springs. If you look at the Rocky-road kit (which I have installed), the hanger attaches to the frame behind the actual shackle bushing thus pushing the bushing mount forward. If you just cut off a YJ hanger I don't think you would have enough support on the frame to mount it, if you're looking for truly "bolt-on". I'm sure it can be done, especially if you welded the mount, but then again you could just buy the YJ conversion bolt-on mounts and junkyard everything else and still save money over the kit. I will say that the kit is very well made and is truly bolt on. I have no complaints thus far.

 

Hi Chosen,

Thanks for the reply, much appreciated. Glad to hear more feedback on Rock-Road kit, it's definitely still on my radar. My thought with the front mount was to leave a length of about 8-12 inches behind the YJ shackle mount so that the mount could be positioned as far forward as necessary to accommodate the longer YJ springs while still leaving a lot of contact with the frame for bolting up. This would also serve to strengthen the cj frame.

If you don't mind my asking, did you run into any stumbling points when you installed the RR kit?

 

I stopped into RR and took a tour. All the parts they make are super heavy duty and well made... I am going to purchase a kit to install this winter.. I need to call em and see if the parts are available yet. A few months ago they needed to make some more brackets etc for the kits.. They make a lot of other stuff and are super busy..

 

I also have the RR kit installed and it was completely bolt on. It is very well made. I didn't want to fabricate too much for this portion of my build so I took the easy route. You will not regret purchasing it.

 

i am in the process of installing the RR kit. the pieces are heavy duty and well made. no issues so far. i picked it up years ago for cheap, $400 for the kit and brand-new yj springs.

 

I'm very interested in the Rocky Road kit, can you guys post some pictures?

 

Wow, seems like not enough can be said about the RR kit. Thinking i'll follow your advice and save up for the kit, maybe find some decent used YJ springs on the CL

Colojeepguy, check out this thread for pics of the RR kit...YJ Spring Conversion.

 

I have there kit. It's been on my Jeep for years now. I really live them. If you do get their springs. (Old Man Emu) Go with the heavy duty springs. It will save you from buying a couple of add-a-leaf springs.

I see the post from Stephen. Those were my pictures.

This is the RR Kit with 3.5" OME YJ Springs on my 1964 M38A1.

 

Scott, what size tires are you running? Did you find the 3.5 TJ springs netted a true 3.5 of lift?

 

I didn't run in to any problems with the kit. All pieces arrived as they should. Everything bolted right on. The instructions are great with pictures. I welded my in, in addition to bolting them on. I had my jeep down to the frame so it was much easier. If you decide to go with the kit I promise you wont be disappointed.

 

3.5 " is about right. I have 33's and with the fender flares. It looks lower than it does. I also noticed that the driveline angles look really good.

Some say that with the height it could be top heavy off road. With this set up you really don't have to worry. Soft springs, but very stable. Think of it this way. Sit on the edge of a boat and you think it is going to tip over, but it doesn't. It's like that.

 

Hi Scott,

I'm watching Zilla's thread on this right now and planning to order soon. My last question: did you order the RR 3.5 inch kit which i believe comes with 2.5 inch OME springs with the additional inch of lift being gained by the bracket height or did you order the RR 4.5 inch kit with 3.5 inch OME springs with an additional inch of lift coming from the bracket.

sorry to be nit picky, appreciate your help.

 

Yes. 3.5" RR Kit with the heavy duty OME Springs.

 

Thanks Scott! Just ordered my kit, time to start prepping my frame...

 

Hello guys. I ordered this RR kit back in February for my 73 and now just showed up in the mail. Figured i would share it here when i start the install after my springs show up

 

It's not that big of deal to just weld the YJ hangers on, my preference!

 

In case you haven't read it, here is my RR install.. Well I Went & Did It.. Rocky Road Conversion On The Way. Page two is the actual starting point, with a list of stuff I wish I knew before I started.

 

Sorry to bring up and older post. I have a 1952 m38 with 2.5 inch rancho lift. I am really unhappy with it. I was thinking of going yj springs. How hard would it be to use the bolt on kit on a flatfender frame?