I've seen a few jeeps around using leaf springs with off center mounts to lengthen the wheel base. The rear spring mounts are moved back a couple of inches and the front are moved forward a couple. The springs were specially made to be mounted this way. Just wondering if anyone has ever used these before and if any mods have to be done to the steering in the front. The rear is easy, just need a longer driveshaft. Also wondering if this reduces your articulation much.
Anyone ever used leaf springs with off center mounts?
- Thread starter Craig
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redrooster
New member
They are not specially made springs. People get them from XJ's, Land Cruisers and Fords. Many springs out there have off center pins. They are common swaps into CJ's and YJ's. Ford F-150's have a long rear spring that works well and flexes great. The problem is that you have to cut the fender out and move the shackle hanger waaay back for the rear application.
In front, it will definitely change your steering geometry. The more offset, the more it will change. If you are not shackle reversed then your shackle mounts will have to go forward. Most people move the steering box forward the same amount.
There is definilty some fab work involved.
In front, it will definitely change your steering geometry. The more offset, the more it will change. If you are not shackle reversed then your shackle mounts will have to go forward. Most people move the steering box forward the same amount.
There is definilty some fab work involved.
Bounty__Hunter
Super Moderator
Manual, definitely
There are also spring perches out there that have 3 holes in them, so you can mount your axle to the spring normally or offset to increase or decrease the wheelbase. Guess you could drill out your stock perches as well.
There are also spring perches out there that have 3 holes in them, so you can mount your axle to the spring normally or offset to increase or decrease the wheelbase. Guess you could drill out your stock perches as well.
redrooster
New member
That doesn't make any sense to me. How do you get the u-bolts back in if it's offset? Make an offset spring plate? That would put some major stress on the spring centering pin.
Bounty__Hunter
Super Moderator
Help me pick a front bumper...
Just drill the spring plate offset for the centering pin as well, couldn't be that much more stress on the centering pin. Seems like the same to me.
Just drill the spring plate offset for the centering pin as well, couldn't be that much more stress on the centering pin. Seems like the same to me.
redrooster
New member
Yeah I suppose that would work. You are really only talking about getting an inch or two though. The Ford springs are a 5" offset as best I can remember. That's why people run them.Bounty__Hunter said:
RE: New shocks or shock extensions??
When you use offset springs, will it hamper your articulation? You'd think that you would get more "droop" if the axle is in the center of the spring as opposed to being offset although this shouldn't make much of a difference if I can still use my revolver shackles once relocated further back on the frame.
When you use offset springs, will it hamper your articulation? You'd think that you would get more "droop" if the axle is in the center of the spring as opposed to being offset although this shouldn't make much of a difference if I can still use my revolver shackles once relocated further back on the frame.
