While lookin around under under my xj (89) yesterday before getting ready to put my new lift under I noticed my leaf springs are completely flat. Kinda sounds like a stupid question but are they supposed to be?? One person said no and showed me some on a ford and another person pointed out that my front and rear are the same distance off the ground so they are fine. If I need to replace I'd rather just do it the same time as my lift.

 

Wait til u lift it then get a full leaf pack. Not a AAL. And yes it should be a little bowed up like a U.

 

The factory springs weren't known for being the best part of the XJ, lol. They flatten over time, eventually they'll begin to reverse arch and bow near the bushings. Still OK to use provided you don't dump a heavy trailer on the back.. agreed they can wait until you do your lift.

 

Guess I mashed mine on my 90. The stop blocks, whatever they are called where gone when I overloaded a trailer. No more bow, just flat, even a little worse. Bent.

 

Yeah you'll see this as a common issue. Like mine. I don't think AAL lifts will work either. Best just to hold off on a lift until you can afford one with full leaf packs. Probably cheaper getting them bundled like that as well.

 

That's how mine looked a few weeks ago. Totally shot. I since then replaced them with 2" ome hd full lead packs. I'll never look back and I'll never do anything but full leaf packs. Really worth the extra money over an aaf.

 

Some places will re-arch them. I looked into it and honestly... It's not much cheaper than buying new springs. Now mine aren't bowed in reverse like the above poster... The PO slapped some "helper" springs on it. However mine will be getting a replacement.

 

wow those are pretty shot ^^

 

I didn't have time or money to do much. Napa had some air shocks for $70. Stuck'm in that day, sheez, five years ago? Not the best solution but I do sometimes like being able to adjust it. Highway/work trip, I'll go up to 60Lbs for carrying 800lbs of tools, but I run it at more like 30 knocking around here.

Had I thought of air bags I might have gone that way. Overload when needed, but still proper road action with normal shocks.

My, .02, good springs is the right answer. Plus you will never hear a loud hiss, and have the rear of your Jeep come down while your soldering your trailer wires.