nitrousjunky

I bought a 2001 XJ last Sept that has 130,000 miles on it. The rear is sagging about an 1-1.5" lower than where I think it should have been when new (they are basically straight). I also have a hitch mounted bike rack that I use hauling 4 mountain bikes at times (probably 160lbs with the rack at max load, 50lbs without bikes). Currently with 4 people, the back full of camping gear, and 4 bikes, it will sometimes bottom out enough to barely buzz the outside lugs of the tire with the stock fender flare bolt.

I plan to add 2" OME Heavy Duty leaf springs at some point, however it may be this coming winter before I can afford to do that. Can I go with a RE 2" add a leaf kit for a temp fix to get me through this year? Or am I better off to just trim that fender flare bolt and save more money for the OME Heavy Duty spring packs?

Sorry if this question gets asked all the time, I did search and read through several threads where everyone was advised to go full pack if possible. I just want to know if this can be a temp fix or if it's just wasted money.

Thanks in advance

ta2tony

Yes it can be a temporary fix...but also a waste of money.

EvstaG

I would just trim the bolt and wait till you have the funds to go for the full leaf pack.

phsycho

do a junk yard add a leaf. sorry i don't have a link but you can search it.

phsycho

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/bud...+yard+add+leaf
that should help

offroadordnance

AAL requires you to changes the U-bolts which you will have to replace again when you go to the RE springs. It is alot easier to install extended shackles which can be found cheap. The ride wont be harsh and pinion angle maintained.

Jeepxj1234

The only way an add a leaf will work for more than half a year is if the leaf pack is not sagging..

travis123321

got to a junkyard and get s10 mains. cut the eyes off and use then for an AAL.. if your ubolts are bad you need to replace them, but if they dont show any signs of wear just reuse em.. thatll get you around for a few months. make sure the main leafs are from one s10 or youll get an uneaven lift

C H E R O K E E 98XJ

If you want to go the junk yard add a leaf route go ahead but personally I would trim and wait just a bit longer for that new pack!

xjzaped

Have a similar issue with my 99. I was thinking about getting the leafs off and having them rebuilt (and stiffened) by a local spring guy…

EvstaG

You could probably buy brand new ones for the price your local spring guy wants to rebuilt and stiffen yours. There are many online places you can buy them from such as JC Whitney or Quadratec.

xjzaped

The ones I have AAL's in the pack somewhere so we aren't talking about a factory pack. He's built trailer springs for me in the past for like $80 in the past. Also trying to eliminate the 2" block that someone put under there…supposed to be a 3.5" lift but with the AAL and 2" block its sitting right around 2.25" in the rear.

Michael952

You don't need new ubolts for an AAL. Just get rid of the rear sway bar and it should give you enough room

JerrytheJeep

You should technically never re-use u bolts. They're designed to stretch as they're torqued down.

nitrousjunky

As far as the shackle recommendation, since I'm already having some axle wrap, wouldn't shackles and the weak springs exaggerate that to an extent?