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RE vs BDS

S

squirtdog

Basic User
City
Torrey
State
ut
I know people are running both but would like to know which is more trouble free. No sagging etc
 
Need more info... What is your Jeep like (stock weight/tire size?) How do you use it (mostly pavement, hard core offroad, or somewhere in between)? Are you looking for CJ replacement or a YJ suspension conversion? Stock height or lift (if so how much lift)?
 
What to run 35 inch tires. Has chevy 350 and SM 465 trans. Moderate to hard core off roading Would like to go to at least a 4 inch lift and would like 2.5 springs front and back
 
With very limited experience, but plenty of research, I'll offer the following:

I went with OME springs, and YJ-length shackles (+2.5"), Rocky Road shackle hangers (+0.5"), and a Daystar body lift (+1.0"), for a 4" total lift.

I'm running a 350/SM465 with 33" tires, and I think 35s would be do-able with this setup....

That said, my wheeling is mild to moderate at best, and I'm hoping to get ten years out of these springs.

If you don't mind replacing the springs every couple of years, it probably doesn't matter which brand you choose.

Several members here have had great experiences with Alcan (I think) custom springs. They're expensive, but if they last twice as long as the other options, they're well worth it.

Have fun! :cheers:
 
I have the RE 4.5” springs, rear springs at all 4 corners, and a 1” Daystar body lift. I run 33 BFGs that measure 32”, there’s no way I could run 35s without significant body interference.
 
Most of the people I know that had RE springs have reported significant sagging after a year or two of wheeling. BDS is supposed to be a little better in that regard (any soft/flexible spring is likely to sag over time... it's the price you pay for a better performing suspension). Extra weight (hard top, body armor, winch, roll cage, etc... will accelerate the process).

As John said, 35s are likely to rub when at full flex (particularly behind the rear wheels) unless you run a huge lift and/or much larger bump stops. I run 35s on my Jeep with 3.5" BDS (YJ) springs with 4" shackles (standard YJ length) and I just live with the rubbing (bent the rear lip of rear wheel well inward so it doesn't cut the tire when it does rub)
 
Big Walton’s running the 5” bds with 35s spring under on waggy ales.

Turn in is an issue with 35s on stock wide track axles. My new 34s (295/70/17) hit the springs at full lock.

I think 2.5 spring over would get you there. At that point OME should be considered too.

Love my alcans; but you pay for them...
 
Spieg said:
I run 35s on my Jeep with 3.5" BDS (YJ) springs with 4" shackles (standard YJ length) and I just live with the rubbing (bent the rear lip of rear wheel well inward so it doesn't cut the tire when it does rub)
Click to expand...
Spieg, could you post a pic or 2 of your setup?
 
I have the BDS 4 in lift with 1/2 in shackles ON 33in Duratracs. I think 35s would fit easy. I also did the rear add a leaf option. Going on 6 years now and I can't say enough good things about them. Ordering was simple, plenty of options, even have YJ width springs for your CJ. No sagging whatsoever.
 
Have 35’s currently re. 1444 & re1445 front soa shackle reversal Crabtree cj rear shackles all around no rubbing have wider axles though 2 years I’d say sagged 1/4” so far rides unbelievably smooth tracks straight as an arrow
 

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