My 98 Cherokee with 187K, needs rear suspension work. It has a broken shackle and I'm debating about replacing the leaf springs. It appears both front and shackle bolts have hidden nuts inside the frame. Anyone that may have done this in the past, I would appreciate any suggestions. The Jeep is in good condition for it's age and has minimal rust. I have new shackles, suggestions for the leaf springs? I don't offroad but do pull a small trailer from time to time.
Thanks, in advance for your input.

 

Those bolts are treated with Loctite from the factory. You need heat on the nuts to get them off. If you poke around a bit, you can find places in the frame where you can get the nozzle of a propane torch in to heat the nut. Blast it for a minute then turn your wrench. They usually come out okay then. Works best with helper.

However, sometimes the bolt is rusted to the sleeve that goes through the rubber mounting. In that case, get a good angle grinder and cut your way into the spring to release the bolt.

Stock leaf springs are easy. Crown or Omix-Ida. Get ones with the bushings already installed. They can be a real bear to get in.

 

With a little luck they can be installed with a little soap and a ball joint press.

 

I think I read putting them in the freezer before you press them in helps too.

 

Crown HD755 from quadratec
Good price good quality imho