acmech13

As i was playing around under my jeep yesterday i noticed my leaf was broke. it broke in the back the part that has been holding it to the frame. is changing a leaf a bigt project. how dangerous is it to drive around on this broken leaf? i mean it is actually holding the rear in place its just not bolted on no more.

nick_n_ii

Driving around with it broke is not a good idea at all.

As to how hard, that all depends on what tools you have to do it and your level of experience in turning wrenches..

jd4x426

bad idea on driving on it ecspecially if its the main leaf as to how hard is it its not to bad but all the bolts will be rusty and hard to get out but other then that it isnt to bad if you have basic tools and some knowledge to mechanics

acmech13

http://s713.photobucket.com/albums/w...=DSCF1390.jpgg
So i guess fighting with the rusted bolts is my biggest challenge. heres what it looks like

mycherokee1989

Yeah that looks pretty rusty. I personally would get it fixed asap

acmech13

what could of caused that to break?

finneys98xj

Stress on the leafs, overloading the xj, or reallyworn spring.

acmech13

are most the rear leafs with most jeeps the same or do i have to stick with one off of an xj?

caged

i have had that happen to my rubicon express leafs that were only 2 years old.
they were not warranty, so i just found a piece of steel for a spacer and inserted that for the time being. then another broke and one on the other side. so i just bought a new set of re leafs.

you should use one from another xj, as they have to be 2.5 inches wide.
you can also try one from an s-10 or dakota as they're the same width, but may be the wrong length/spring rate.

for the time and hassle, i'd just replace the leaf packs with jy replacements, or it's time to upgrade....

good luck.

acmech13

so its not worth going to a junkyard for a new leaf? i should buy new leafs? im curious what my options are

cheapJeeper

x2 on junkyard replacements...or upgrade if you have extra $...
I think Quadratech has reasonably priced heavy-duty replacements.
(Maybe consider a lift. since you're going to be under there anyway?)

I strongly suggest you replace BOTH rear springs ASAP, however.

And please...WEAR EYE PROTECTION.. rust is a *****.

acmech13

why both springs do you think the other spring has taken a beating? x2 is yes or no im budgeted. i can get the whole rear piece for 50 bucks at the junkyard

cheapJeeper

x2 = "times 2"...means "I agree".

I recommend replacing BOTH leaf springs because whatever caused that one leaf to break might cause the other one to break soon.
Also because if you replace one leaf, the old one might have more sag or flex and it might not sit straight.
It's sorta like doing brakes...you wouldn't want to do just one side.

mycherokee1989

I'd go for junkyard if you don't have the $ for new leafs. Get both sides, from looking at the pics, It looked pretty rusty down there, and I think that was a major factor in this happening, thus your other leaf is prob just as bad.

acmech13

went to the junkyard they only had 3 xj's there. All there leaf springs were flat. turns out lowes was trying to by the land, but due to soil contamination that deal went down. they sold most of there stock they use to have thousands of cars now they have mabey 500 cars. looks like my search is gonna continue