Rear Springs

[uncletom]

I need new rear leaf springs. Mine are original and worn out. Are CJ Pony springs a good replacement? They seem to have the best price and I believe free shipping.

 

[Torkman66]

They are all the same and you will like the quality. They will be much stiffer than what you have and will likely raise the rear a bit until they settle in. Just go for the best price.

 

[SteveL]

All springs are not the same. You wanted the eb specific sprigs frm one of our
vendors. You want the 10or 11 pack. Some also offer the 5 or6 packs which are way stiff like the original.. to save a couple bucks look for the nearest vendor with the better springs. Also some offer free shipping for the holidays

 

[DirtDonk]

All CJ Pony springs might be the same, and you might say that all five or six leaf packs are the same. Although I don’t know that.
But there are stock height and minimal 1 1/2 inch lift upgrade springs available out there today. They have eight, nine, and maybe even ten individual leaves that are thinner and the pack has a flatter arc and are designed to offer a less harsh ride. More expensive, but better riding.
They may actually be heavier from a weight carrying standpoint, but I don’t know that. However, while they may ride firm, they are generally considered to be much less harsh than the factory original spring.
And way less harsh than some of the aftermarket springs!

Those are all just generalities for now though. It’ll be nice if somebody has used the actual CJ Pony springs and can chime in on their ride quality.
Is that you Torkman? Are you currently using a set?

 

[Torkman66]

I have used springs from CJ Pony on 3 mustangs. Springs from WH on a Bronco, and a set from Quadratec for a CJ-7. Some were for lifts, some standard ride, and some for lowering. My experience is that other than the lift differences (number of leaves and eye mount angles) the springs are all made just about the same in terms of quality with no difference between any of them. Some came looking nice and others looked a bit scratched. I have removed and added individual springs many times and what I’ve taken off all seem to be exactly same quality (just different applications).

Based on what OP said I assumed he is looking for replacement stock ride springs. Other than price, most reputable Bronco vendors will sale the same quality spring. As I mentioned, they will be stiffer until they break in a bit.
The WH 2.5” lift I installed make the rear too high relative to the front. They have been in almost a year. Still have top to install. Once done, I’ll remove a leaf or two to level.

Bottom line from my experience is that if OP is looking for stock ride springs, get some from any of the main Bronco vendors with the best price and he will be happy with them.

 

[Danadj]

I have used springs from CJ Pony on 3 mustangs. Springs from WH on a Bronco, and a set from Quadratec for a CJ-7. Some were for lifts, some standard ride, and some for lowering. My experience is that other than the lift differences (number of leaves and eye mount angles) the springs are all made just about the same in terms of quality with no difference between any of them. Some came looking nice and others looked a bit scratched. I have removed and added individual springs many times and what I’ve taken off all seem to be exactly same quality (just different applications).

Based on what OP said I assumed he is looking for replacement stock ride springs. Other than price, most reputable Bronco vendors will sale the same quality spring. As I mentioned, they will be stiffer until they break in a bit.
The WH 2.5” lift I installed make the rear too high relative to the front. They have been in almost a year. Still have top to install. Once done, I’ll remove a leaf or two to level.

Bottom line from my experience is that if OP is looking for stock ride springs, get some from any of the main Bronco vendors with the best price and he will be happy with them.

I installed WH 2-1/2" lift springs and removed 2 leafs and the back is still a little high but not so much that I wanted to tear it apart a third time.

 

[Torkman66]

@Danadj Because the lowering distance removing springs is based on less "spring pressure" it is a difficult to determine which leaves and how many to remove...pretty much just trail and error until you get it right. The small short lower leaves make almost no difference other than their thickness of about 1/4".

Which leaves did you remove and how much did the removal lower the rear?

 

[Soylent]

This is interesting. Does this only occur with rear leaf pack replacement? I installed the WH 2.5” kit wihh both the front coils and rear leafs and the front of the truck sits higher than the rear. It sat level with the stock 40 year old springs.

 

[Broncobowsher]

This is interesting. Does this only occur with rear leaf pack replacement? I installed the WH 2.5” kit wihh both the front coils and rear leafs and the front of the truck sits higher than the rear. It sat level with the stock 40 year old springs.

Do you have the engine installed? Amazing that people forget that the engine weight will lower the front.
Next measure axle to frame gaps and figure what lift you actually have at each end.

 

[73azbronco]

steel bumper, winch, etc front and back, spare tire?

 

[Danadj]

@Danadj Because the lowering distance removing springs is based on less "spring pressure" it is a difficult to determine which leaves and how many to remove...pretty much just trail and error until you get it right. The small short lower leaves make almost no difference other than their thickness of about 1/4".

Which leaves did you remove and how much did the removal lower the rear?

I don't want to say for sure on which ones I removed but I avoided removing any that had the clamps attached. I believe the second largest and midway down and it dropped the rear down between 2 and 3". If I knew how to attach photos, I would show you a before and after shot.

 

[Soylent]

Do you have the engine installed? Amazing that people forget that the engine weight will lower the front.
Next measure axle to frame gaps and figure what lift you actually have at each end.

Yes. Truck has been running for past year. It’s the compkete WH left with the 11 pack springs. Doesn’t bother me much and I have to confirm that oart of it isn’t driveway slope. Planning on Balie Bilt bumper so that may help.

 

[uncletom]

Many thanks to everyone for all the input. I'm a cheep Finlander. I think I will go with the lowest price ones. I appreciate the help!

 

[DirtDonk]

That works too!
Good luck and make sure to report back when you get them. Like to hear how the experience went.