We just bought my wife a stock 86 CJ.I'm thinking of putting my front 44 on her rig, along with my 4.5" rubicon lift. I would then put on a pair of G.M. 14 bolt axles on my 84 CJ. Full width. I am running 35" MTR's, that did some major rubbing with just a 4.5" lift. Here's the question, Should I go with a spring over? And if I do, should I use the springs off of her 86? Someone said that they are real flexy. Or should I buy a set of new springs for the spring over? Any and all advice is requested. I've also heard spring overs can open up a whole can of worms in regards to steering. I got to stop now, my hands are cramping up from typing.

If you are going full width axles, I would do a spring over using full size Jeep Wagoneer springs. The eye hole is offset 2" each way and would increase your wheelbase by 4" which would go better with your wider axles.

YJ spring are also a common swap, but WB remains the same.

By the way, the onlt 14 bolt front axle available is through Wagoner Machine Shop in OK.. Did you mean a front Dana 60?

I'm taking the axles off of a 1976 3/4 ton chevy 4x4. I do not know for sure what the front axle is. If you know, please let me know. I'm going to be putting lockers in them, and gearing them down. Would any year Wagoneer springs work? I'm guessing that a high steer system is in the works to. Are there any other gremlins that are going jump out at me with this swap? The longer wheelbase doesn't bother me, it's a good thing.

A 76 chevy 3/4 ton will lost likely have a Dana 44 front axle. Wagoneer springs will be from a 1975-1986 or so. There is also 2 different springs though, I think a 5 and 7 leaf spring pack. I think most go with the 7 leaf setup?
Its possible your 44 will have a flat top knuckle on the passenger side, if so take to machine shop to have it drilled and studs installed for high steer. If not, find a flat top knuckle. You need to use studs and tapered cone washers (or tapered lug nuts) to keep steering tight, NOT bolts and lock washers.

This all sounds doable. I'm going to the junkyards and start looking for those springs right away. I trade some labor time at a local machine shop, doing some metal work,etc. for the use of the equipment and shop on big jobs,like this. So, making the high steer bracketry should be pretty easy. I'll probably have more questions as the build goes on, so stay in touch. thanks

I did it with a narrowed chevy 44 front & a scout rear, I used HD CJ7 rear springs form JC whitney. They are cheap $75 each and military wrapped at both ends. If you do the SOA you WILL NEED a traction bar. Don't bother doing a SOA without one

having done both, SOA seems cheap when you start. after it's all said and done the cost is prety comprable using good SUA lift kits. Old man emu makes the best springs. if you want the best, go 3 link rear, 4 link front with coils, or coil over's.

how much lift will waggy springs give you

quote:

Originally posted by Ol'Gus:
how much lift will waggy springs give you

about 1.5" -2", they will extend your wheelbase 1.5" per axle.