Overview
The Crown Automotive J0805602 is a front lower brake spring, a drum brake shoe return spring, for early Jeep CJ models. It fits the 1959–1968 CJ5 and CJ6, the 1959–1960 and 1966 CJ3, and the 1954–1958 Willys CJ-3, CJ-5 and CJ-6.
A brake shoe return spring pulls the brake shoes back from the drum when the pedal is released. This spring is a direct-fit replacement for the front position.
The two naming styles for early models are Jeep CJ3, CJ5 and CJ6 for 1959–1968, and Willys CJ-3, CJ-5 and CJ-6 for 1954–1958. Match the part number J0805602 and check the spring’s dimensions and tension against the old spring before installing.
Key features
- Lower brake spring for drum brake shoes
- Front position
- Direct-fit replacement part
- For 1959–1968 CJ5 and CJ6 models
- For 1959–1960 and 1966 CJ3 models
- For 1954–1958 Willys CJ-3, CJ-5 and CJ-6 models
Drum brake shoe springs
On a drum brake, the upper and lower shoe springs hold the shoes against the backing plate and return them after each stop. The lower spring sits near the anchor and is under steady tension, so it can fatigue or lose its set over years. When a spring weakens, one shoe may ride closer to the drum, causing faster lining wear on one side.
Springs are usually replaced in pairs on the same axle so that the shoes move the same way on both sides. Before removing the old spring, note its position and hook orientation, or photograph the assembly. Inspect the hold-down springs and the adjuster at the same time, since they work together with the return spring.
- Check for stretched or cracked coils
- Compare the new spring with the old one before installing
- Clean the backing plate contact points
Specifications
| Brand | Crown Automotive |
|---|---|
| Part number | J0805602 |
| UPC | 848399053784 |
| Product type | Drum brake shoe return spring (lower brake spring) |
| Position | Front |
| Fitment | Direct fit |
Vehicle fitment
It fits the following vehicles:
- 1959–1960, 1966 Jeep CJ3 (Base)
- 1959–1968 Jeep CJ5 (Base)
- 1959–1968 Jeep CJ6 (Base)
- 1954–1958 Jeep Willys CJ-3
- 1955–1958 Jeep Willys CJ-5
- 1956–1958 Jeep Willys CJ-6
Each line gives the model years, make and model, and the trim in parentheses.
The list covers the CJ3, CJ5 and CJ6 for the years shown only. It does not include the CJ5 after 1968 or the CJ7. Confirm your vehicle’s year, model and trim before ordering.
Installation notes
Brake components are safety-critical, so professional installation is recommended. Tighten fasteners to the correct torque, bleed or adjust the brake system as needed, and test the brakes at low speed in a safe area before returning to normal driving.
What’s included
One lower brake spring. Check the package contents against your installation before starting.









