99 XJ Leaf Springs

WJCO

Meme King
Replacing rear leaf springs and shackles.. Never done before. Any tips or tricks you can share?

Right up my alley. Lots of penetrating oil ahead of time. Impact gun. Impact Swivels if needed. If you're changing the entire assembly, bushings should be new. Add new plastic tip inserts between the leafs if they should be there. Use new ubolts and retorque after about 500 miles or so. Once you get both springs hung, the little center bolt head has to sit inside the bore of the spring perch on both sides when you jack up the axle.

Do both sides at one time and put an extra jack under the pinion yoke or the axle could flip.
Jack it up high because the axle will droop pretty good. Shocks and sway bar links first then springs. Keep an eye on the brake line(s) when lowering the axle.
 

Slimebones

Active Member
Yeah, brake line seems like a concern for sure. Extra jack at pinion is wise. And what do you mean plastic tips?. My research has not shown those.
 

Slimebones

Active Member
Here's a link with some pics. If they aren't there on the old or new springs, don't worry about it. They just provide a cushion between the leafs to eliminate noise:

https://www.google.com/search?q=lea...8afdAhUp1oMKHaW3AbUQ_AUIEigC&biw=800&bih=1280

I have been looking into that since you mentioned it. It appears they were on the stock springs, but do not know if they are on the Crown's that I ordered. Hope I did not make a bad purchase with that brand if they do not have them. Ordered from Quadratec. Should I maybe get another brand?
 

WJCO

Meme King
I have been looking into that since you mentioned it. It appears they were on the stock springs, but do not know if they are on the Crown's that I ordered. Hope I did not make a bad purchase with that brand if they do not have them. Ordered from Quadratec. Should I maybe get another brand?

You can add them with a pry bar if the holes are there. If not and there is noise, you can drill holes and add them. Look around the web and see if others have commented if this became an issue. You can find out quickly if this will be an issue. They are there strictly to eliminate noise, no other function.
 

Slimebones

Active Member
You can add them with a pry bar if the holes are there. If not and there is noise, you can drill holes and add them. Look around the web and see if others have commented if this became an issue. You can find out quickly if this will be an issue. They are there strictly to eliminate noise, no other function.

Much thanks for the helpful advise.
 

jdofmemi

Active Member
You can add them with a pry bar if the holes are there. If not and there is noise, you can drill holes and add them. Look around the web and see if others have commented if this became an issue. You can find out quickly if this will be an issue. They are there strictly to eliminate noise, no other function.

I agree that they help the noise level, but have also heard that since they reduced friction in the pack as the pack flexes, it helps improve the ride as well.
 
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