Jeep Cherokee Forum

Jeep Cherokee 1984-2001: How to Install Leaf Springs

New leaf springs are an easy and quick way to lift the rear suspension of your Jeep Cherokee. This article will show you how to install a new set of springs and increase your ground clearance for improved looks as well as off-road capability.

By Brett Foote - September 9, 2015

This article applies to the Jeep Cherokee XJ (1984-2001)

One of the most popular ways to raise the rear suspension in a Jeep Cherokee is by installing a new set of leaf springs, and for good reason. It's an inexpensive and relatively simple way to give yourself several inches of lift in the rear. Whether you want to improve your Cherokee's off-roading capability, install a bigger set of tires, or simply improve its looks, new rear leaf springs can accomplish your goals with little fuss and just a bit of elbow grease. Keep reading and we'll walk you through the process.

Materials Needed

  • Floor jack and jack stands
  • Air wrench (optional, but makes the job much easier)
  • Ratchet, assorted socket sizes, and deep sockets
  • Breaker bar or long pipe (optional)
  • Grinder or cutting wheel (optional)

Step 1 – Prepare for installation

Place a floor jack underneath the rear differential and lift it off the ground. Place two jack stands underneath the truck using the frame rails as suspension points. Remove both rear wheels. Don't let the jack down just yet, as it relieves pressure from the rear shocks and makes them easier to remove.

Figure 1. Lift the rear of the truck up and suspend it on two jack stands.

Step 2 – Remove rear leaf springs

Remove the lower bolts from the rear shock and pull the shock out, letting it hang in place from the upper bolts. Loosen all four nuts from the top of the U-bolts on the leaf spring. Remove the U-bolts and plate on the leaf spring. At this point, drop the axle by lowering the floor jack. Remove the leaf spring bolts. These can be very stubborn to remove and might require the use of a breaker bar or pipe for leverage. Pull the leaf spring out.

Figure 2. Removing one leaf spring at a time will prevent the rear axle from falling.

Step 3 – Install new leaf spring

If your kit requires the installation of new shackles, you will need to grind off the old shackle bolt and install them first. Use the floor jack to let the axle down a little further to clear the new hardware. Lift the new leaf spring into place and secure the bolt in each end. Leave the bolts a little loose until the truck is back on the ground, at which point you can finish tightening them. Line up the center bolt with the axle. Reinstall the U-bolt plate and U-bolts. Reinstall the shocks, or install the new shocks if you are replacing them. Repeat these steps on the other side to install the other leaf spring.

It is always recommended to have your wheel alignment checked after undoing and replacing suspension springs.

Figure 3. Install the new leaf springs and bolts.

Featured Video: How to Install New Leaf Springs

Related Discussions