I am sorry but with any leafspring (on any vehicle) the "short side" will always be opposite of the shackle. Otherwise it would not flex properly.

 

First off, pinion angle is determined by the angle of the tcase. That is something you set before you are finished. If you need help, I will give you a link for that. Take it loose and measure. Then let us know

 

I didnt mean pinion, I meant the diff. It is supposed to be level, not upwards, and if it did slip upwards, that would cause the drive shaft to be more "straight" wouldnt it, causing the axle to sit further back? Im just trying to think of anything at this point because, like Ive said, I re-checked everything over and over before I started this, re-checked it while doing it, and now that this has happened Ive re-checked it again (leaf measurements, etc.) I just cant come up with what might have happened here, especially since I did one side at a side and didnt drop the whole axle.

 

its one of two things... leafs are on backwords, or they are the wrong ones.

the rear"diff" angle is commonly referred to as pinion angle. This is ONLY changed by the axle spring mounts (and spring/shackle if ride hieght is changed). the driveline will not change the pinion angle unless it is so long that it will not colapse anymore putting tention on the pinion pushing it back. This would damage things and not allow it to work properly (also very obviouse on installation) if it was to short it could/would fall out of the slip.

looks like the leafs are on backwords. I know you don't like hearing this and desregard it as true but thats what it looks/sounds like.

the springs should be roughly 52" inches long. 29" eye to centering pin is the (back) shackle side of the axle, the 23" side should be on the front of the axle tube mounting below the rear doors. the long side of the spring should be behind the axle.

example-

 

Does it sit at the same height as before? If it is lower the new springs may be a lighter sprung rate letting the spring compress more witch would move the axle to the rear of the vehicle.

 

Gorilla: They definitely ARENT on backwards. No two ways around it. And again, they were measured a few times before I pulled out my old ones, then measured side by side, center pin to bushings was measured, etc. This is why Im so stumped.

Dirt: It sits a bit higher (the body that is, the axle sits lower) as my old leafs were flat (beyond flat actually) so its lifted it back to the height it should be at.

I really appreciate all the posts, I honestly do. Just "talking" it through with others is helpful. I think a call to Quadratec is in order on this one.

 

Take some pics with the tire off so we can possibly spot the issue

 

take one of the tires off, and then remove the leaf pack. then take your pack apart and inspect the center bolt. when i broke my center bolt (can happen under normal driving conditions) then it looked exactly like yours did. look at the center bolt, it it has a bunch of notches in it, or is broken, then replace it with grade 8 hardware. also, this looks like a case of slipage of the leafspring of its perch. make sure the bottom of the center pin was in the hole on the leaf spring perch, and not sheered off.

here check this one out, it is my build page, and what i did when i pushed my axle back. post #53 and down. this should help with diagnosis. good luck. link posted below:

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/88-...-51034/index4/

 

Ive seen the center pins get sheared off before.. ?

 

I don't think you can bolt up XJ leaves backwards without major fender trimming, so they are definitley no backwards.

But I have to agree, either the center is sheared off or not in the right hole on the spring pad. There are multiple holes and spaces in the stock XJ spring pad that a center pin could be missed aligned with when bolting up.

When you look at the leaf spring pad, mount u-bolt, spring plate assembly right now, is your center pin located directly over the axle?

And I don't need anybody jumping in a showing us their offset spring pads and such, LOL!!!! Hell mine aren't even directly over the axle tube, but then again we are talking about a stock XJ here in this thread.

 

In just looking at my rear end set up and wondering what would happen if the u bolts were not torqued down all the way? Would it allow axle to shift around? Is it both sides that are off center, or just one? This is a thinker...

 

Appreciate the thoughts, keep em coming.

Thing is, these were brand new from Quadratec. When I put them on they actually sat back a hair, but when I drove it around town a bit they migrated towards the back even more.

I cant imagine both sides pins broke or shifted but maybe they did. They arent on backwards unless the main eye is supposed to go in the shackle. They are perched correctly and the center bolt is in the center hole, right where the stock ones came out.

Ive got company coming in a bit so I wont be able to take them apart until this weekend, but Ill post pics for sure and re-measure everything again.

I appreciate the help, its hard being by myself without another brain just to go over things with so posting here and hearing what others have to say (even if it is "theyre on backwards") does help so thanks.

 

I was mainly just trying to give more info as far as measurments I found online. from what i've read thats what it sounds like would've happend if they measure the same to yours...

After looking at mine in person, I don't think you could have them on backwards without noticinglol. I moved my axle back with offset perches. even one hole back mine is not this far to the rear. its just odd.

 

I noticed from your leaf spring replacement tutorial that you used new spring plates (http://www.quadratec.com/products/16311_5257.htm) . Could something be wrong there?

Cheers!