Hello XJ'ers, ive got a stock 98 Sport 2wd 4dr im looking to get back to stock height. The oem suspension is sagging and due for replacement. Looking a Dorman or Crown HD springs. So my question. Do I need to replace the stock rear shackles when replacing the leafs, if there ok? Do the HD springs require beefier shackles?

thanks!

 

The Crown HD springs will leave you at 1" over stock height with stock shackles, and they work fine with them. You don't have to replace the shackles unless they are getting weak (rust), but you might want to replace the bushings in them, depending on condition. Stock replacement shackles come with the bushing pressed in.

 

The Dormans give an inch over stock as well

 

Don't forget new u-bolts which are axle specific. Here's ones for the C8.25:

If you go with Crown's you'll need bushing:

Used this on the bushings:
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Super-Tec...14-oz/16928008

 

I went with the HD Crown's which were supposed to give 1" more lift.
Actually got about a 1-1/2" lift out of them initially.
After a few thousand miles they settled down some, maybe a 1/2" or so.

 

Thanks y'all for the advice. Ive got Fat Bobs Ubolts for the 8.25 in my amazon cart, and starting the PB Blaster fun this weekend for the next two weeks. Im hoping with this XJ having spent its life in 2WD and well as Georgia, I won't get too much hell getting the leafs off.