I know there are many topics about leaf springs for lifting your vehicle.

I have a '98 xj and I just would like to replace the leaf springs with standard ones (no special lift, no off-road needs, ...). The springs have significantly dropped but the rest of the parts seem to be ok, rustwise.

1) Can someone suggest me which leaf springs I should get?
2) While I replace them, do you suggest also to replace other parts (U clamps, shackles, bolts?)?

Thanks

 

Many here have used , many have used . The Dormans come with the bushings installed, the Crowns do not. You buy them separately. I recently did the Crowns, and wound up paying a shop $50 to get the rear bushings in. I just could not get them into that spring.

That sounds like a no-brainer for the Crown, but wait, there's more! somewhere along in the process, I got to compare the Crown, Dorman, and original spring shackles side by side. The Crown were duplicates of the originals, the Dorman were clearly inferior. Thinner metal, and the weld was much shorter (less metal welded).

So.... does that quality difference hold true on the springs? I don't know. I do know that for me, I won't be buying anything Dorman. I'll pay a little more.

The Crowns lifted my rear about an inch and a half, which is okay, I guess. They may settle down.

That said, there is also . I just installed their front steering linkage parts, and I would say the quality is equal to the originals.

So there you go - 3 good choices. You'll find many recommendations for each of these on this forum and other Jeep forums.

I would suggest replacing the bolts and shackles. Maybe the U-bolts, too.

Be prepared for a fight. Getting those bolts out has caused many a swear word to be uttered. Lots of threads here on that. I suggest you read a few.

 

I was going to recommend the same mark but those give some lift. If the OP is ok with that, I have the Dormans with no complaints so either option is good. If you don't want that extra inch, I believe general spring has stock height.

 

I have the Dorman springs. They have been on a little over a year and about 20k miles. I have been happy with the quality, and got them shipped to my door in 2 days via amazon prime for $100/each (the price goes up and down on amazon). Having the bushings included and pre-installed was a nice bonus, as the leaf spring job is already plenty enough to keep someone busy. They lifted about 1.5" over stock originally, and have settled to about 1" over stock during the course of the last year. Which is what they advertised. I added 1" spacers to the front to even things out. Pretty happy with the ride quality as well.

 

Thanks folks!

Looks like the Crown + bushing seems the best way to go. Price is not too bad compared to Dorman.

I have seen several videos on this topic and I learned it is not a fun job, that is why I will have my good mechanic do it....

Thanks

 

I hope they know how to use a torch. Some shops do not like to use them, no matter what. The bolts have red loctite on them from the factory, IIRC. That stuff needs heat. Going at it right off the bat with an impact or breaker (which many like to do) can break the welds holding the nuts in place, which has happened. More labor, more money.

Buy new hardware. They may have to cut the old stuff off. I dont have the bolt sizes tho, as i keep forgetting to write that stuff down.

 

Not sure what portion of the country you're in, but if you're anywhere on the coast or in the midwest then you should plan on breaking some hardware trying to get it off. I have yet to take one apart without breaking at least one bolt.

I would highly recommend replacing with all new hardware when it's put back together.

 

click the link in my signature for some tips on leaf spring removal. May the Jeep gods be in your favor.

 

Are bolts made with special hardened steel or they are just regular bolts?

I work in a lab with large selection of bolts and nuts (metric and standard). I can just get some from my lab if they are not special material.

Thanks

 

I have just replaced mine with Dormans. Happy with the product but this is my DD and not used on any trails. Soaked everything with PB for a couple of weeks before hand and used a 6 point socket and a 24inch breaker bar. Took me 6 hours to get the originals off and 1 hour to get the new ones back on. When doing the install work front to back and do both sides at the same time.

 

I'm not sure, but I suspect they are grade 8. At least grade 5. NOT common hardware bolts.

 

Every forum ive checked says the leaf spring bolts are M14 x 2.0 pitch x 120mm long, grade 10.9, flange head, nipple tip. I have seen pics that clearly read 9.8 on the head, and not 10.9. Im not even sure what mine are atm. Some say they used grade 5 without issues. If it were mine, id stick with whatever the factory used. Just check whats on there now and match them up if you want the same.

Mopar bolts are part number 34202118. The nuts are part number 11502814.

 

Just to chime in, definitely buy fresh ubolts. Once they are tightened down they stretch so they are only meant to be used once.

 

Dormans off amazon or eBay depending on which is cheaper