Elliptical suspensions

[SenorCole86]

RE: Re: RE: Re: RE: Unlimited Rubi, Hemi, 37

I have read all over the internet how one can easily fab and elliptical suspension out of old spring packs and seeing as how I'm getting new suspension soon, this caught my eye. The thing is, I have no idea what the pros and cons of this setup are. Can it be done on both the front and rear? If so, would it be a good idea to put it on front? Is it even a good idea to put it on the rear? This Jeep is still my daily driver, so it needs to be street worthy as well. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[yjdave]

If you drive it every day..DONT DO IT...way to squirrly

 

[88Wrangles]

RE: Run in with a mud pit

Ya, It's not really for the daily driven vehicle.

 

[SenorCole86]

Re: RE: Re: RE: Re: RE: New wrenching injury!

Ok, thats all I needed to know. Thanks a lot guys.

 

[Junkpile]

You talking about 1/4 or 3/4 elliptical?

Your factory springs are an elliptical design.......

 

[currupt4130]

RE: Re: RE: Re: RE: Rough Ride

you pretty much have to build a four link to locate the axle and then the cut down springs bolt to the frame and that axle. much more fab work involved that you think

 

[redrooster]

RE: Re: RE: Re: RE: Rough Ride

...Never on the front end whether it be 1/4 or 3/4 elliptic. It will flex and point the pinion toward the ground breaking the driveshaft and also mess up you steering geometry, not to mention being light in the front when rolling backwards down a hill.

 

[jps4jeep]

Revolver shackles would be a less ecnomic route, would allow for better spring life and flex!, Just pricey

 

[Junkpile]

Revolver shackles would be a less ecnomic route, would allow for better spring life and flex!, Just pricey

I don't care to get into the debate on whether or not revolvers are a good idea, but I will say that I would prefer a 3/4 setup over them anyday. The revolvers drop, the buggy has to be pulled from the frame. The opposite side maintains more contact pressure when it opens up. They just seem much more balanced in delivering that extra droop.

 

[TwistedCU]

Question:
If you were to go through all the hassle to convert to a 1/2 or 3/4 setup, why not just go to coilovers?

It is my understanding (maybe I'm wrong as I don't know much about them) that these setups require control arms anyhow.

It just seems to me that for 4" and under a SUA is the way to go, 5"+ SOA, and if you want a custom suspension with big lift and big flex for cralwing then coilovers are the next reasonable step.

Even a standard coil conversion like Pro Comp seems more reasonable.

 

[Junkpile]

RE: Re: RE: Elliptical suspensions

Doing the 1/4 elliptical is a big undertaking that requires a link setup, but the 3/4(or buggy spring) setup is pretty straight forward and easy. The buggy springs are like the revolvers in that they replace the standard fixed shackle and mount. No additional suspension links are really needed for axle location. You could even fasten the buggy to the frame when not needed and it would function like a standard shackle setup.

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

I'd consider a buggy spring (3/4 Elip) setup as it's relatively easy to build and doesn't require adding control arms to locate the axle. Like Junkpile said, a retaining pin to fasten the buggy spring to the frame for onroad use wouldn't be a bad idea. Don't run it on the front, it'll unload under acceleration and on hillclimbs.

I run Revolvers in the rear and don't have any problems. They help the SUA arched springs droop, I'll probably keep them for a while even after the SOA change.

 

[Junkpile]

I run Revolvers in the rear and don't have any problems.

Bounty, most people don't from what I understand. While I see their definite drawbacks, I can also see their benefits. It's the same principle as the buggy leaf. Whether or not they work as well is a question I can't answer. I have no experience with the revolvers, but since it has been the topic of so much discussion, I have been paying more attention to Jeeps that are running them and I have heard very few real complaints from the owners. They seem to have done the job in the situations I've observed.