Old School JD 2.5" lift questions

[matts70]

OK, so I've had this 2.5" lift kit from James Duff installed since about 1991--8 shocks and blue coils. It's always ridden like a rock and I'm going to make some changes--new parts and/or possibly returning to stock height.

Can anyone tell me how this setup worked in the rear--are the rear leaf springs stock and if so, is it all in the shocks to create the lift? Is that possible?

 

[StnePny]

From the picture it looks like a James Duff 2.5 Add-a-Leaf on/under a stock set of leaf springs with Duff Traction bars

 

[Rox Crusher]

same exact set-up I have but based on the part # on the shocks they told me it was actually a 2" lift.

my stock leafs are sagging something terrible so I am getting ready to go to a 3.5" lift from somebody.

 

[matts70]

same exact set-up I have but based on the part # on the shocks they told me it was actually a 2" lift.

my stock leafs are sagging something terrible so I am getting ready to go to a 3.5" lift from somebody.

2" does sound familiar. It was long ago and I was a teenager then, I just don't remember any details whatsoever.

Any idea if you can measure to discover saggy leaf springs for sure? I'm considering keeping the rear springs, but would like to double-check if they are good or not, if possible.

 

[Rox Crusher]

2" does sound familiar. It was long ago and I was a teenager then, I just don't remember any details whatsoever.

Any idea if you can measure to discover saggy leaf springs for sure? I'm considering keeping the rear springs, but would like to double-check if they are good or not, if possible.

I don't know how to measure stock height in the rear so no idea of how to determine how much they are sagging..........

If they have been on there since the EB was new (with the add a leaf installed in 91), I would say it is time for new springs regardless if you go back to stock or some amount of lift.

The old school JD coil springs are very harsh................mine is a bit of a rattle trap because of it

 

[matts70]

Here's another picture of the rear for what it's worth

 

[kaw550]

Mine looked similar but I had 5 leafs, the add-a-leaf and then the overload leaf.
I could be way off but wasnt stock 5 leaf or 6 leaf (5 regular and 1 overload). I had put up a similar post a while back but the search feature is currently down.

 

[dead road]

Not sure about the lift amount but I do believe those traction bars are the answer to the dreaded "Bronco clunk". I'd put them back on if you have an auto trans.

 

[Quick & Dirty]

The thick, 2nd from bottom looks like the add-a-leaf.

I put a Duff lift in mine about 17 years ago and had to get rid of the add-a-leaf as soon as I could. It rode hard as a rock, no droop anymore, the springs were pushed as high as they would go by that leaf.

 

[ManTruck]

I had the 2.5 JD lift shockes etc. with the add a leaf. Boy it it was stiff. I currently have the 3.5 WH set up and am very happy.

 

[phred]

Remove 2 rear shocks and 2 front shocks and it will be much softer.

 

[matts70]

Remove 2 rear shocks and 2 front shocks and it will be much softer.

That's going to be step 1. From there I need to decide if I'm going to replace the front coils and/or rear leaf springs. I'll take some measurements and see if I can determine if the rear leafs are sagging or not too.

If I replace the coils and springs, not sure what to do with the traction bar. I've got a 3 speed, not an auto.

 

[dead road]

That's going to be step 1. From there I need to decide if I'm going to replace the front coils and/or rear leaf springs. I'll take some measurements and see if I can determine if the rear leafs are sagging or not too.

If I replace the coils and springs, not sure what to do with the traction bar. I've got a 3 speed, not an auto.

I have no idea if they actually help with traction. With out an auto trans the clunk won't be a problem so do with them as you please.

 

[mavereq]

i'd just throw some new 2.5" springs (deaver?) in front and back and some decent shocks (bilsteins?) on it. while you're at it you might as well throw some new bushings in and then drive the piss out of it.

 

[KennyB]

Dreaded Traction Bars, K-Bar-S sold me a set, I snapped the plate at the Spring perch, so, they sent me 3/8" plates.... then I snapped the Perch...... I went with good 'ol 30" Lakewood traction bars, and NEVER Broke another U-Joint. Lakewoods also worked as SwayBars too. I see an Add-A-Leaf, and Overload..... in this Century, we have So many more choises fo a "Working Suspension". Order new Springs, and 4 Shocks. if you need a lil more dampening, order more shocks.