Why Leaf Springs Suck & How To Set Them Up The Right Way

Leaf springs are a pain to get right on a rock crawler but when you set them up the right way leaf springs will flex and perform brilliantly off road.
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Like this video? Here is the Whole Series:
onX JAG Build Part 1 - Offroad Meets Luxury: • Our Next Build is Offr...
onX JAG Build Part 2 - JAAAAAG: • JAAAAAAAAAAG
onX JAG Build Part 3 - Calling Out My HATERS: • Calling Out All 1st Ge...
onX JAG Build Part 4 - Cutting up the Truck: • There's No Turning Bac...
onX JAG Build Part 5 - Dodge Dominates Rock Crawling: • Old School Power: STOC...
onX JAG Build Part 6 - 1st Gen Dodge No More: • 1st Gen Dodge No More...
onX JAG Build Part 7 - I Cut Into the Gas Tank: • Things get SPICY with ...
onX JAG Build Part 8 - What Will $6500 Buy Ya: • What Will $6,500 Buy Ya?
onX JAG Build Part 9 - Ian Visits the BleepinJeep HQ for OnX: • @bleepinjeep's Wild Ja...
onX JAG Build Part 10 - Jag on Dodge: • Building Our Jaguar Mo...
*onX JAG Build Part 11 - How To Set Up Leaf Springs: • Why Leaf Springs Suck ...
onX JAG Build Part 12 - Make Your Own Engine and Transmission Mounts: • Make Your Own Engine a...
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*This product is meant for entertainment purposes only. Your mileage may vary. Do not try this at home. Void where prohibited. Some assembly required. For off-road use only. Slippery when wet. Batteries not included. Do not use while operating a motor vehicle, heavy equipment, cherokee XJ, wrangler TJ, wrangler JK, or any Jeep vehicle, especially the newer Fiat ones. How-to videos may be too intense for some viewers and children under 30 years of age. Please remain seated until the 4x4 ride has come to a complete stop. Studies have shown viewing these videos causes increased cancer risks in laboratory test people. I am not a professional, I have no training, I'm not even particularly good at horse whispering. Don't believe everything that you know. Please keep your hands in the vehicle at all times. Do not tap on glass. Do not eat anything that has been on the floor for more than 3 days. Keep your hands to yourself. Not to be taken internally. Reproduction strictly prohibited. Driver does not carry cash. Objects in Bleepinjeep mirrors may be farther than they appear.

[@MischiefMakerTV]

This is getting good 😀🙌🏻 Remember to vote daily people!!!

[@bleepinjeep]

Thanks Hollie! 💙

[@xfactor5876]

The technical how to parts are why I started watching BleepinJeep so many years ago and why I support as a Patreon member. Love that stuff!! LOL! Harbor Freight moving dolly's. I have moved so many axles that same way.

[@bleepinjeep]

Right on!

[@JonnyDIY]

Great video Matt and Josh. I enjoyed the teachings you did about the leaf springs etc 👏🙌👍

[@burgpath7777]

I appreciate taking time to let us understand your plan and thinking. This was a great video. Using the tractor as a weight was funny! Wonder if.the Jag would have been better on the Yota?

[@bleepinjeep]

It's way too big

[@MacsSpecialitiesMotorsports]

9:28 Keep the 5th wheel hitch and build a Overland Trailer for you and Joshy!!

[@muddyWW]

Why didn't you use the springs from the Dodge? The axle you replaced was a D60 so it should of bolted right in. They were longer which gives a little more suspension travel, the springs already was able to support the weight of the engine and you could always pull or add leaves (from the Toyota maybe) to adjust ride comfort/suspension travel/ ride height. The body looks high enough that you probably don't need a ton of lift and like you said you could always drop the front mount down a little and add longer shackles ( I think the sliders would be better and custom mount them like the Comanche). Those Toyota leafs look too short and too much arched for good suspension travel

[@Garth2011]

I'm sure they thought of that too. I did the same in wondering about that. We'll probably find out in the next few videos.

[@jordantrujillo293]

I was wondering the same thing, just swap the axle and leave the springs.

[@williamherring5441]

One guess is the Toyota springs might be shorter which gives up travel, but they are softer and might flex better with the diesel.

[@Gunpla-Slinger]

When it comes to King Pin 60s about 10% of the parts are interchangeable. Ford is an oddball, GM and Dodge use a hand full of the same parts and don't even bring up the international or Jeep 60s. The Yota has a GM 60, the hubs are the giveaway. He cant use the factory dodge spring setup because the axle out of the Yota has been narrowed. you can tell this by the length of the long tube on the axle. Its shorter than the the one the Dodge 60 (GM 60s are wider than the Dodge 60). As for the spring, Having a shorter length spring makes it easier to move the axle forward. The factory dodge springs were to long and put the tire into the body. You can compensate for soft springs by adding to the spring pack (which would be a good idea) or get a custom set made.

[@muddyWW]

@@Gunpla-Slinger In the video at first the shackle doesn't line up with the driver side frame rail, after a cutaway and the next clip the shackles are mounted to both frame rails, the front mounts also look to line up with frame rails. So either that means the spring perch (other side is cast in the diff) has not been moved on the Toyota axle or they did some "magical stuff" that wasn't filmed or shown. The factory Dodge 60 and a factory GM 60 spring perches only are a 1/2" different from each other. Moving the axle forward with the shorter springs does make sense, but they are using the Dodge factory location for the spring shackles and you can see in the video that the front hangers are away from the factory location on the Dodge. So their plan to move the axle forward using the shorter springs doesn't pan out. You can take the Dodge springs and re-drill the center pin location letting you move the axle forward. But that might not be needed as you can re-drill the holes in the spring perches (if they aren't all ready there) and move the axle forward that way. Or even make some offset plates that move the axle forward and back. And before anyone says that the spring will crack at a new drilled center hole has either never done it or did it wrong. I've re-drilled 2 sets so far and never had them crack at the hole, I've had them crack at the spring eye.

[@Nickwillfixit]

Building a frame from scratch would have been a far easier, safer and quicker, and not to mention the cost, chopping up three vehicles to bodge one together not a brite move in my books, so far I cant see you winning the challenge at the moment. So I am not sure whether to vote for you yet.

[@bleepinjeep]

I'm gonna say negative on all 3 of those. Building a frame from scratch would be cool, but its not cheaper, not faster, and definitely not easier. The rear will however be a custom ladder bar frame out back. Stay tuned for that.

[@shanevonharten3100]

​@@bleepinjeep. Definitely a simple frame lol. If you couldn't build that in 1 day you should give up

[@ElbowEyE]

Love how you explain the workings of all involved. Especially how the shackle works with the leaf spring. You and Colt proved leaf springs still work on last onX challenge

[@maddogjodie1891]

I own a 1st gen dodge myself, 1983 D350, to tow my 1998 jeep XJ around, and well…. Im loving this build. Thanks Matt @bleepinjeep for the entertainment and the knowledge you share !

[@redbeastadventures]

I keep voting for you guys. Hopefully some other folks will vote as well, so we can get you closer to the top. 😎

[@darrenbauer4985]

A cummins engine weight about 1700lbs, just FYI-

[@bleepinjeep]

Wow thats a lot

[@ryanreaves1203]

I had really good luck running 7" long shackles on my k5 blazer because it allows it to flex really well but also allows the leaf spring to be closer to the frame giving it a lower ride height because the shackle ends up sitting flatter.

[@kevinjohnston1957]

In 1978 Scooby and the gang found a beast in the Amazon that was half Jaguar and half Gorilla. It was called Jaguaro. It would have been scarier if it has half Dodge. Hope you see this it might help if you name your new creation. Speaking of Hope...say Hi for me. I always look forward to seeing what's for lunch as I eat my air sandwich. I have no hope of someone to bring me lunch. Hi to Josh as well. You three are great entertainment. Thank you from Canada.

[@GadgetBiker]

I'd cut the front fenders, make them longer by 6 inches and move the axle forward. Won't rub in the footwell and gives clearance up front.

[@xTinBenderX]

All our viewers are wrong about their opinions on this build. PLEASE VOTE FOR US!!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@mh-qq2hj]

I think it’s going to be pretty sick when it’s all done! Look at the morrvair! Who would have thought a corvair wagon rock crawler could be a good idea? I love that thing. Why not a jag?

[@sarahstephens5966]

Leafs rule. They're cheap, readily available, never fail, and can carry insane weight. There's no better way to locate a live rear axle, even if it's a steerable D60 with D70 gears in it.

[@deshb22]

So did you have a falling out with Colt? It seems like he's doing all sorts of collaborations on his new channel but I'm sort of surprised to see that you guys haven't done anything

[@stevefontaine9017]

Interested in the slider box.. in an ideal setup, should it be in the center of the travel at ride height? I have extended shackles and was thinking of converting to slider boxes as my leaf springs need replacing anyways.

[@BlackAndBlueGarage]

Thoroughly enjoying this 😌

[@foygill711]

You make using leaf springs different from coil springs but you still have to determine the correct spring rate . A spring is a spring

[@stevencraig6576]

Wouldn’t it have been easier to reuse the Toyota frame and just motor swap it? Then drop the other body on it…

[@rjm7168]

I'd vote fir you but I don't want an Onyx Off-road subscription

[@JasonRutan-rv3dj]

You don't have to have a subscription he tells you that in the beginning of the video but you didn't listen to him tell you how to do it

[@Gunpla-Slinger]

you don't need to subscribe, they are the sponsor. If you like to hike or enjoy the outdoors its a good app to check out.

[@BlackAndBlueGarage]

I might install a mini winch at the back of my shop to pull vehicles in. Might be worth doing something like this at your place; one in each corner probably. The small ones are about $100 a piece and can be bolted to the floor with anchor bolts. (Red Head) Is a good anchor.

[@bleepinjeep]

That would be a good idea, I've gotta be careful as there's water pipes in the floor 🙄

[@BlackAndBlueGarage]

@@bleepinjeep oh! I forgot you got the Fancy stuff. I'll let you know how it works out, should be getting it together tomorrow 👍🏻

[@larryalexander4833]

Hay good Sunday Afternoon everyone. Appreciate the video and the wrenching 🛠️🪛🔨🇺🇸🏁 And just want say let Jesus Christ come into your life and heart he is the answer through it all ✝️🙏👍

[@Ken19700]

Is there a reason why you didn't install the engine and driveline before the front axle?

[@pmrparts]

Did you consider using a solid mount in the back and shackles on the front?

[@steven.h0629]

Crazy ride 👍😎✊

[@BroncoPatriot]

This thing is going to be awesome!

[@murryhowell6711]

Those leaf spring measurements will change due to the difference in weight from the toyota engine to diesel

[@bleepinjeep]

Yes. Like I said, it's just for reference of how it was previously setup

[@shanewright6958]

Looking good 👍👍

[@Omax427]

Little tips next time you try to put weight on the front (for settling down the leaf) Take a jack under your axle, pass a chain underneath it then go wrap around a crossmember or frame... Pump the jack and it will collapse your suspension!👍

[@bleepinjeep]

Thanks for the tips! I'll have to try that

[@Garth2011]

Or a flat strap

[@Omax427]

But with the jack its easy... I bet using the ratchet strap after a couple of click, you gonna have a hard time collapsing those leaf!

[@antiricergt]

On my 94 YJ I plan on doing a 4 link in the rear and keeping leaf springs in the front. Motobilt has a nice 4 link kit. I’ll be doing a lot of googling I’ve never done anything like this before. What’s your opinion on this? I got a Chinese locker on Amazon for a Dana 35. Do you think I should risk installing it? I’m going to be swapping the Dana 35 for a 8.8 but haven’t bought the 8.8 yet. I understand it’s best to do a front locker 1st? The brand of the locker is Koomaha.

[@Trixiconjeep]

Making plans to meet you guys at Leatherwood Kentucky Off-road Park July 19-20!!!

[@bleepinjeep]

Nice, see you there!

[@technical19d34]

My XJ needs leaf springs and I am not looking forward to replacing rusted in 24 year old springs. The centerline studs are gone now so the axle shifts just a little bit when taking off from a light....easy does it!

[@thephilosopher13]

The springs were tight cause the bracket couldn’t move much lol. And it looks like your badlands jack was against a brace… lol

[@MrSnowlver]

Ideally you want your shackle to be vertical when fully loaded and at ride height. Ff you remove weight it will look like it did on the toyota. If it leans too much with the top toward front, the spring will bind. Springs get longer when they compress

[@Gunpla-Slinger]

If you want to run 15s and no spacer you need to Grind about 1/4 inch off the top of the caliper of do a 3/4 ton brake conversion.

[@jameskendrick573]

Alcan leaf spring rorery Irish trail matter

[@SOLDADITO76]

If you don't have the cash to buy steel braided brake hoses on a Toyota, get a rear rubber hose to extend the brake line. This will work on the rear as well as the front. Works well if you have some extra laying around.

[@baldhead7705]

As tall as it is and as long as that front end is you're not going to be able to see anything in front of you maybe 15 20 ft out in front

[@bleepinjeep]

Ya like I said... monster truck!

[@kr812]

why not just section the hood and fender out/ forward to maintain look between your pink tape

[@bleepinjeep]

Because in rock crawling you want the front tire in front of the front bumper if at all possible for approach angle reasons. Need that nose as short as possible.

[@freeidaho-videos]

Definitely interesting, like watching a high-speed train derailment in super slow motion.

[@kenbrewer2322]

Why are you tearing the Toyota apart? It looks like it’s a pretty good unit.

[@bleepinjeep]

You'd have to watch the $6500 video for that answer

[@jud5280]

push spacer i might br drunk

[@BlackAndBlueGarage]

Ill have to watch the rest late but its looking awesome guys 👍🏻🤌🏻👌🏻

[@Garth2011]

With big tires like those, will the stock brakes be able to stop as well? Huge tires make a ton of geometry changes from initial designs as do lifting suspension and bodies. I changed tire diameters by only a couple of inches (30") from stock on a 1/2 ton suburban one time and found the brakes didn't work so good when trying to stop from 65 MPH to zero.

[@bleepinjeep]

There's things you can do with the booster and such but it's usually fine. These are 1 ton brakes on a one ton axle and this thing will never see 65 mph.

[@sh-df1bb]

I still look forward to your new videos even after all these years Great content as always

[@KyleC2OO7]

Great build/video!

[@4HIGHGARAGE]

Probably mentioned already but you could do a front shackle so the axle moves away from the foot well when the spring compresses.

[@bleepinjeep]

Yes for sure, there are many pros to that setup but some cons as well. Lots of one ton CJ and YJ swaps were setup like that back in the day.

[@Mickale-Moranis]

Cut the hood/fender well in 1/2 or so and extend it forward to maintain the Jaguar front look. Maybe look at a split opening sort of thing for engine access...front forward tilts, rear upward lifts.

[@bleepinjeep]

That would require about 13" of stretch and wouldn't be a great approach angle in the end.

[@kaboom4679]

Torsion bars swallow ...

[@irvineyoung4545]

Well, apparently the problem with your dad's truck tires was the operator's error. All you had to do was debead the odd-weight tires and then rotate them 180 degrees.

[@bleepinjeep]

What are we talking about here, you said the same thing a couple videos back. I'm lost.

[@lukesworkout2232]

19:18 you're welcome

[@Jamisons_World]

10:20 - The sand gets everywhere lol I took my dad’s Meyers Manx drag buggy to the dunes one time long ago and more than a decade later I STILL find sand in various nooks and crannies 😂😂😂

[@bleepinjeep]

Omg it's insane

[@edwardsimmons3721]

Enjoying the fabrication on this build.

[@RedRabbit4230]

Hit them like you HATE THEM Josh!!!!! 😂😂😂😂😂

[@bluerhino_jk]

Good video on many reasons why to never to use leaf springs. 😂 should just convert it to coil and be done with it.

[@bleepinjeep]

They work great and are a cheap option, plus add stability. Just suck getting set up.

[@adamsonofdon2766]

That handheld light with stand you have the whole video, where could one find one of them? Great stuff man

[@bleepinjeep]

Mine are older apparently they don't make them anymore but this will give you a start. Something like this: amzn.to/45PDOPS

[@lynnvinzant9955]

Why not put the Jag on the Toyota frame?

[@bleepinjeep]

Jag is big behemoth, yota is ity bity toy

[@IsmailNuzaifKokky]

.

[@aaronb7990]

🤘😎👍

[@TwistedOff]

👍

[@ecurb2]

Tubers love Hope the beautiful "lunch lady". :)

[@bleepinjeep]

Me too!

[@jeremylivengood515]

You better re Grove those those tires

[@bleepinjeep]

Ohh we will for sure

[@Garth2011]

Lots is involved in this kind of work. I'd like to know how the measurements are made when the two frame halves were mated to keep left and right rails exactly the same position to prevent crab tracking or thrust angle, wheelbase etc. Same with the changes in the leaf spring mounts...those also have to be front to back in the exact place for wheelbase dimensions and side to side for "thrust angle" for lack of a better term. I guess in the next few videos that will be explained and shown. Would love to see this all finished and placed on a 4 wheel alignment machine !!

[@bleepinjeep]

You're overthinking how a machine made for crawling over boulders at 1 mph needs to be laser straight. We are getting things really straight for sure but it could be off by inches and you'd probably never notice. This is a rock crawler trailer queen with non dot full hydro steering and non dot beadlocks. Not a highway driver.

[@Garth2011]

@@bleepinjeep Okay, I was leaning that way but figured any accuracy gained would be a better result. I know filming is a job and was only wondering how the frame rails and spring mounts were being "squared up" since that wasn't shown or discussed. No complaints.

[@bleepinjeep]

It's cool, we are actually using a laser level. You'll see a little bit of that when we show the rear suspension going in. As for the front leafs we are re using the factory holes on the rear and enlarging then so those are square then we just line up the fronts.

[@dennisgriffin5323]

Do u want to sell the dodge axle

[@bleepinjeep]

Sure, make an offer

[@jelly7310]

Josh looks like Max Sherzer

[@bradfisher9523]

aww hell no i love this build

[@trappedinkalifornee]

I am amazed that the jag monocoque is rust free enough to beat on with a hammer!🤔😃😋

[@bleepinjeep]

Monocoque, gonna have to look that up 🫣

[@GodforsakenCustoms]

Unibody ​@@bleepinjeep

[@henray76]

streach the dog house

[@719Mitch]

Sweet