I have a 2001 XJ Limited currently with RC 3" rear leaf springs/shocks (front lift is now Metal Cloak 3.5" dual rate springs, adjustable upper/lower control arms, and OME shocks) . I'm replacing the rear shocks with OME and, based on a recommendation from Metal Cloak, going to go with either OME or BDS rear leaf springs.

Per OME's website (ARBUSA.com) the specifications for the CS033RA and CS033RB are exactly the same (although the CS033RA's weight is incorrectly listed as 224kg vice 22.4kg). In other websites it lists one as a light spring and the other as a medium spring yet they have the same number of leaves and the same spring rates per ARB's website. Is there a difference in the springs and its just not listed by ARB? Note: I contacted ARB for an answer on the differences and am awaiting a response (will post it if/when I get it).

I'm also trying to correct a 5/8" rear height difference between the passenger (higher) and driver (lower) rear. I'm assuming its different based on the spare wheel/tire being on the driver side. I'm hoping that there's a height difference between the RA and RB so I can level out the rear.

 

DPG offroad lists the 33ra as HD 4.5 inch lift and the 33rb as HD 3.5 inch lift... i didnt think you could even measure a 5/8 inch difference. I think i run the A springs on my 01. Dont remember but I think it was the bigger springs because i hated level, wanted the back up a little

 

The difference is 5/8" side to side, not front to rear.

 

So your plan is to run different rear springs on each side to make up the 5/8 inch difference?

 

I purchased 033RBs for both sides of my XJ, and the drivers side does indeed sit a bit lower. The RAs were harder to find and I got a great deal on the RBs. I'm not sure which side is which, but the RA vs RB is definitely designed to make up for the weight difference from driver to passenger side.

 

Yes, that’s my intent. ARB’s website says they engineer their components to accommodate vehicle modifications that can be compensated with different springs. Unfortunately they don’t provide the information about the differences in the rear leaf springs.

 

So after chatting with ARB, they confirmed that the 33RA is the taller spring (didn’t say how much taller) for the driver side. The 33RB is for the passenger.

 

How do the MC dual rate springs ride?

Im also looking at OME CS033RB as it says 3" lift; I think metal cloak use to sell them together with their 3.5 dual rate coils as a kit. I don't understand why the CS033RA says 2.5"/4" of lift however.

 

The MC springs definitely ride differently than the RC springs. More forgiving. I think the most improvement came from replacing the control arms. The RC used to “crash” on uneven surfaces where the MC absorb the impacts better.

Both CS033 springs are 3” lift. They will sit a little higher at first and will relax a little over time. The RA is made slightly taller - listed as Primary Camber on their website. Primary Camber is measured to the top of the main leaf immediately below the center of the end eyes (ref magguru.com). The RA’s camber is 20mm or .787in more than the RB. Per ARB the RA is for the driver’s side and RB is for the passenger.

 

I have the RB leafs on both sides. From what I remember after installation, both sides were even. I got 3.5 inches of lift after removing one leaf from each pack.(added an extended 1/2" shackle to match the front coils) ... the RA leafs are supposed to be 1 inch higher than the RB. .....I used the ome 2934 coils up front, and the passenger side and driver side are a 1/4" difference in height, and they are labeled A and B if I recall. They are specific to driver side and passenger side.. Thats why they sell a short spacer. I think it's 10mm. The leaf packs should be even. Either buy the RA or buy the RB.

 

adjustable from 1/2" to 1"

 

I agree once I put angled lower control arms the ride was so much better. I hoping for more improvement on ride quality once I install my MC coils.

That just doesn't seem right to me about the leaf springs; what ARB says...

 

Im so glad this topic was brought up because it mentions both MC and OME parts Im going to install. My jeep is lifted but I think the guy I bought the kit from, over 10 years ago, sold me a cheap ebay etc. add a leaf lift. I had to buy spacers and shackles soon after to get it at the proper ride height. So it's time for a legit lift on my XJ.

I had my doubts about needing two different leaf springs for drive and passenger side. Im thinking ARB just heard the issue of 5/8 shorter on one side and got the idea in their head that since one leaf spring is taller that must be for the lower side. I could be wrong but it just doesn't seem right. Maybe asking OME directly would give a better definite answer.

Im looking at ordering the RB springs too. Did you remove the smallest leaf to get your 3.5 lift? Also did the leaf pack come with the flat overload spring at the bottom? Ive seen RB photos with and without the overload, so Im curious which is correct.

 

If I recall, it came with instructions on which leaf to remove. It wasn't the smallest, if I remember it was one of the middle ones.. it didn't come with the flat one. If I had my jeep I'd take a picture. It's been at the body shop since September.

 

Found an old email from ARB regarding which leaf to remove:

Thanks for reaching out. For the CS033RB you remove the 3rd leaf from the pack to reduce height by 1/2-1".

Please let me know if you have any questions,
David
ARB Tech Department

I know you were specifically asking about the leaf springs, just adding this additional info For the coil springs in case you or anyone else needs it. I used the 2934, technically for a V8 ZJ I believe. They are sold in pairs , and they have an "A" coil and a "B" coil. The A is for the driver side and the B for the passenger side. They sell a 10mm spacer which I used with the B coil. I got 4" out of the coils. as Previously stated, I got 3.5" out of the RB leafs , so I added an extended shackle (1/2") so it's even all around at 4". Email from ARB regarding the A and B coils:

The A spring is intended to be installed on the driver side of the vehicle to compensate for driver weight. No spacers are needed. Hope this clears things up.

Best Regards
Jacob Simmer
ARB Tech Department