redrooster

Hi all - just had the rears leaf spring shackles replaced on my '88 XJ - no lift.
After a day of riding around, they make all kinds of noises in the back, especially on bumps and turns. The shackels are new Crown replacements.

What's wrong?
Will they break in?
Suggestions?

Thanks.

Bugout4x4

It'll go away after awhile. But if it is bugging you, a can of spray Silicon lubricant will quiet them down right away.

OldTires

Yeah, just did mine and they squeak. Lubricated the shackled where the bushing connects and that quieted down that squeak, but there are other squeaks down the leaf spring too. Though it is better now, after 8 weeks, or I just have gotten used to it.

Bugout4x4

Yep, spray the springs well with Silicon also. Silicon spray dries up but leaves the dry lubricant in place. This prevents dirt from sticking to it.

XJlimitedx99

X2 on the dry lubricant. Avoid using anything else because it attracts dirt which will make it squeak more after it dries.

Bugout4x4

I love that stuff for a lot of different applications But you don't want to get it on your body paint!

SteveMongr

Squeaks usually come from bushings.
In my opinion and experience, Crown uses inferior rubber compounds.

Be sure the shackle bolts are at correct torque, too tight and they will resist movement, possibly causing squeaks.
The leaf springs should have anti-friction pads at the end of each leaf. I use dry graphite spray on them when necessary, silicone works well also.

redrooster

Thanks - first thing I've done is to order OEM Mopar shackles. The Crown ones are coming out. Then I'm going to compare the new Mopars to the old shackles that I kept and make sure they match before switching them out. I have a caliper for measuring/ Then I'll coat the inside of the shackles with white lithium grease (NOT the bushings at all since the grease is petrolium based and can hurt the rubber) before the install.