Sorry no mechanic here, if these are not right how do I fix them? thanks

 

Stock suspension? is the rear really saggy?

Solution: fix the suspension or cut clearance.

 

no

 

Cut the back of the box so they clear and get longer shackles.

 

I picked this up as a weekend project, mostly replacing broken parts sway bar links, shocks, exhaust and engine leaks now I was moving on to the suspension, when I started looking at the leafs I didn't think that they looked that way when I bought it but I wasn't sure. the leafs are not curved as I would expect them to be,, more like straight across and I don't think the shackles were against the metal like they are. If anyone doesn't mind could you tell me what parts am I looking to replace and if there is a kit that includes the leafs bolts bushings or if you have a suggestion as to where to buy the parts that would be great. thanks for all your help I really appreciate it. As it comes back to life it is turning out to be a real nice Jeep runs great now and no oil or tranny fluid on the ground.....

 

I don't think cutting the back of the box is the best solution. Remove the shackle and take a look at the mounting point. Compare it to what undamaged XJ's look like and then decide how best to approach a repair. My guess is the sagging springs caused some damage to mounting point.

 

Funny you say that "waltermitty" I was at the store and was looking for a jeep to do just that.... hopin no one asked what the hell I was doin but the one I parked next to was newer and had springs not leafs so I need to find some one who can take a pic of theirs and post it if anyone has the time. the leafs are almost straight so I may as well replace them suggestions on where to purchase??

 

if that is stock you have MAJOR problems if those are different leafs in any way you have 1 of two things, extended shackles (i would go with boomerang shackles) or shackle relocation box

 

how about you post a few more pics showing the entire rear suspension

 

Are there lift blocks on it? If the springs are stock and the mounts are good then maybe the springs are shot and somone took care on the sag by putting blocks on it. Just firing that out there.

 

Dude! I checked out your album! That is some serious rust! It appears from the photos the floor is bowed in the shackle area. It may just be the effect of a wide angle lens though. Without seeing the Jeep up close and in person I couldn't begin to offer a realistic solution to what you have going on there.

Being a unibody construction the floor plays a major role in suspension support. With that much floor rotted away I imagine the frame boxes have suffered similar damage as well.

If you know anyone in the body shop frame business and can get them to take a look it will be worth your while. Anything can be repaired or rebuilt. It just a question of time and money.

 

I will put up some clearer pics of the shackles and leafs tomorrow 6/29 if anyone has the time to look at them, I appreciate all the input. As far as the rust I plan on buying the whole cargo area floor pan and replacing. what my thinking in cutting the pieces out was to stop the rust until I can get it done, what I cut was only what was completely rusted out. thanks again

 

Looks like boomerang shackles would be best bet on this one but id address the problem weatjer weak leafs or what def don't cutt box or any part of frame out

 

An entire pan would be an awesome resto! When you get the spot welds drilled and the floor out it will be much easier to address the unibody frame boxes. If you know someone that has a box or pan brake it will make life easier but they are not an absolute essential element. A piece of heavy angle iron will serve as a brake in a pinch...no pun intended.

 

I had to google Box or pan brake,,,, I am going to just replace the floor with a new cargo floor pan but first I am going to replace the leafs I found them on ebay for 106.00 each. let me know if you know anywhere cheaper otherwise I will order them tuesday. thanks for all your help