Why? - A longer spring should give a softer ride and flex better. Rear springs are almost 3" longer than the front springs.
How? - There are several ways to do this. If you just bolt up the rear spring to the stock spring mount then your axle will be moved 1.5 inches forward and you'll need to use very long shackles(which looks a little funny). Several aftermarket suppliers sell kits that relocate the spring mount back about an inch or so. Use 2" longer shackles and your all set. Sense I'm on a budget(no money) I decided to just drill a new hole in the spring hanger. Careful measurement is very important. I drilled my new holes 1.125 " back from the stock location. I used Calmini Boomerang shackles with Poly bushings.(thanks Todd!) Front spring pack now consists of; rear main leaf, rear leaf, CJ leaf, CJ leaf.
Pros - better ride on the road and more flex off-road.
Cons - more body lean on tight turns.
UPDATE: November 2003:
The other way to put rear springs in front is to use a double shackle or "missing link" type shackle. The frame mount end of the spring is placed in the stock frame mount position. A second shackle is added to the existing one. This new shackle rests on a pad. During full suspension drop, this second shackle hinges down allowing the suspension to drop even further. My friend Todd designed these missing links from rear jeep cherokee shackles. Check out the pictures....
Just remember that you'll need to check the length of your brake lines, front driveshaft, and shocks with the added drop. My wheelbase is now 1.5" longer and I have more tire clearance at the rear of the front fender.
