XJ Cherokee rear leaves up front in a K10?

[josh86k10]

As I weighed my options for modifying the front suspension on my truck to fit 39.5's with 6" of lift, I started looking at the rear of my cherokee and thinking. So I did some research:

Old XJ stock spring (year and mileage unknown):
Eye-to-eye = 49-1/2"
Front (eye to pin) = 23-1/4"
Rear (eye to pin) = 29"
Arch (eye centerline to top of leaf at pin) = 6"

New Up Country spring:
Eye-to-eye = 49"
Front (eye to pin) = 23-1/4"
Rear (eye to pin) = 29"
Arch (eye centerline to top of leaf at pin) = 6-3/4"

What are yall's opinions on using these cherokee rear leaves in the front of a fullsize Chevy. I figure you could just use the stock mounting locations with a longer shackle for a better shackle angle form the extra spring length. Also, due to the offset center pin you could move the axle forward some by putting the long side to the back. The spring rate would probably be too soft (like 220 for the up countries), but some add-a-leaves or cannibalized Dodge Dakota springs could probably solve that. Whatcha think, would it work?

 

[Kyburbn]

Hmmmmmmm

I would just be guessing but I would say that they won't handle the weight of a full size Chevy. Maybe ad a leaf in there to help, but then you'll lose some flex.

 

[josh86k10]

Well, the Tuff Country "EZ-Ride" springs are only rated at 295, so with some help from some 2wd Dakota leaves (cherokee guys use them all the time for a cheap 3" lift) or an add-a-leaf, they should be in the ballpark. Maybe.

 

[ryan22re]

i would say no considering that the xj guys are always bending the leaves from axle wrap.

ryan

 

[TLCOR]

Way too soft ! I thought you guys was having good results with 52" and 56" (?) leaves ? But hey, try some stiffer XJ leaves from a aftermarket supplier, or something..

 

[josh86k10]

Just trying to think of oddball ways to do things.