1999 Jeep Cherokee sport xj. When sitting flat my vehicle has rear higher than front which is ok , I am told. However my rear leaf springs are now totally flat. Is that normal or should there be some curvature in the springs.

 

There's some curvature, but on a stock height XJ, it's hard to see it visibly when the vehicle weight is on it.

Measure from the center of the wheel to the fender flare, stock height is ~17" for a standard suspension, ~18" for an "Upcountry" stock suspension.

If the springs are original or really rusty, it's time for some new ones.

 

And if it's time for new ones, make sure you include a propane or (better) MAPP gas torch on your tool list. The bolts are factory treated with red Loctite. They WILL NOT come loose until you melt that Loctite. That's why it's there.

People have broken things trying to get those bolts out without a torch.


Also, when you buy springs, get some with the bushings pre-installed. Saves a ton of hassle. It also saves the cost of taking your new springs and bushings (that you bought separately to save money) to a shop to have them press in the bushings after you admit that you and your hammer are just not going to get the job done.

If you have a 20 ton or better press at home, go for it.

 

^ yep that was me.
The shop only charged $20, but that was after I spent HOURS of my own time trying without Luck to do it myself.
I do like the crowns that don’t come with bushings installed though.

 

Stick the bushings in the freezer overnight so the shells contract a bit. Not by much, but it helps. Press them in as soon as you take them out of the freezer. Doesnt work for everybody, but its an option.

 

Have a shop press them in for you. It takes 10 minutes and they usually do it for $10 cash or even free if you ask the right person.
Personally, I’d pay $50 to have it done before I tried to do it myself again. I had success with a LARGE vise and a socket but it’s just not worth the aggravation.

 

I replaced my rear springs over the weekend with the General Spring heavy duty set. measurement from wheel center to fender was 16" prior and 19.5" after install.
Photos on my rear spring post

 

My local grocer has a dry ice machine and sells bricks of the stuff for little money. A couple bricks with the bushings sandwiched between them for about 10 minutes, with some heat applied to the springs (not red hot - that will ruin the temper of the steel) and the bushings should knock right in. I install interference-fit stuff routinely so I keep a dry ice making box and liquid nitrogen tanks (with siphon tubes) on premises where I work. I also have a 20-ton press but prefer not to press anything together at ambient temperature. Minimally I'll shrink-fit with dry ice.

 

Here, let me show you how to refer to another post. It should look (and work), like this:


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