jon71203

Hey guys,
Anybody have a good shop recommendation in Central Indiana? I live in Westfield, just north of Indianapolis. Looking to put new leaf springs on my 97XJ, I have all the parts, just looking for someone to do the labor. Haven't come across any shops that would take it on, particularly since I'm supplying the parts. Any recommendations would be much appreciated. Thanks guys......

EZEARL

Don't want to try doing it yourself? You'll save ALOT of money.

jon71203

I'm all for trying it. I've done quite a bit of other work on the jeep myself, just worry that i'll get into it and not be able to get bolts out, break bolts, etc. I have a fair amount of rust underneath.

Martlor13

That's interesting. Any shop in my area would do it, even if you brought parts.

you got any tools? You can do leaf springs with a jack, some stands, and a socket set if your jeep isn't too rusty.

jon71203

i've got rust

EZEARL

The rust isn't bad enough that it's weakening where the springs bolt to up front or where the shackles bolt to in the back is it?

jon71203

no, i'll try to get pictures up once i'm off work

EZEARL

Plenty of moral support here if you want to give it a go. Air compressor with tools is nice if it gets too bad.

OldTires

Start soaking the bolts with PB blaster. If you get a long straw for the spray bottle, or make an extension with some electrical wire sheathing, you can reach the bolts thru the frame rail holes that are close to the bolts. Spray everything, every day if possible, for a few weeks before trying to remove the bolts.

I wimped out and took it to a 4 x 4 shop that had good reviews online. Google 4 x 4 shop near your area. I think I paid $600 to change the leaf springs, shackles, the shocks and the bump stops. I supplied all the parts.

Tbone289

^^^^ THIS. Most definitely, regardles of it you're going to do it or pay someone to do it.

I would recommend having a reciprocating saw and angle grinder with cutting wheels available as well. The possibility of bolts rust-welded into the bushings is high on this job from my experience. I'm not trying to scare you and talk you out of this at all. I think you should do it, but go into it prepared.

Martlor13

$600!!??? Holy smokes haha.

OldTires

I know, right.

But after rebuilding the front suspension and replacing the axle housing, I was tired of being on my back on the driveway injuring my fingers.

EZEARL

If he's got that much rust it'll take a lot of Blaster $$$. I know I've stocked up on the acetone/auto trans fluid combo I was turned on to here. I use Blaster like water around here.

Martlor13

I don't care how tired I was I wouldn't dare spend that on leaf springs and shocks haha. But then again I'm young and broke ha

EZEARL

I've maintained and repaired vehicles for so long I told my wife recently I've saved us enough money over the years that I deserve a break on some of this. So now her Blazer goes to a trusted friends shop for anything I don't want to mess with. The XJ I'll do only if like right now it's something out of my league.