centuryhouse

Hi all. I have a stock 2000 XJ 4x4. The rear leaf springs are sagging and the back of the car is several inches lower than the front.

While I'd like a little lift, I don't want to go with 3"+ and have to deal with new brake lines, SYE, etc.

My thought is that I'd like to replace the rear leaf springs with new Heavy Duty leaf spring packs, or a leaf pack that adds around 2" (if I can find such). I do plan on occasionally towing a small trailer, but not often.

If I do that and the front looks lower, I may just add the appropriate spacers as needed to level it out.

Thoughts? With only an inch or two of gain over stock from the new springs, would there be any need to replace brake lines, or expect any drive line vibrations? Besides the leaf packs, what items are also needed as far as bushings, u-bolts, etc.?

If anyone recommends a certain place to buy springs or spacers, please let me know.

XJlimitedx99

If money is no object: http://www.jeepinoutfitters.com/prod...erokee-1984-01

If money is an object: http://www.jcwhitney.com/crown-autom.../p2005969.jcwx

Obviously there's some between ground there. Those are about the max/min you'll pay to do this.

Also, depending on where you live you may have a hard time removing your leaf spring bolts. I had to cut all of mine and replace the bolts, which I ordered from teamcherokee.com.

centuryhouse

Thanks XJlimitedx99 - I enjoyed your build thread, btw!

It looks like I may need to order 4 bushings to go with the leaf pack. Do I also need U-bolts, and if so, what size?

XJmike0122

I'd replace the u bolts. Just buy bolts for what ever rear axle you have. They should all be long enough.

centuryhouse

OK. I think I'll go with these, for my Chrysler 8.25:

XJmike0122

I'd get these
http://www.ironrockoffroad.com/Merch...egory_Code=PFX

Also check out the Dorman leaf springs. They have a lot of good reviews and there 92 bucks each on RockAuto and come with the bushings installed which is nice.

XJlimitedx99

Hey thanks! I wasn't aware people actually read my build thread, usually I just ramble to myself on there haha.

Yes I would definitely get new u-bolts. Not sure on the size.

Do a bunch of shopping around and research on which springs to buy, there's a lot of options out there. I replaced my oem bushings and made a bastard pack, but that option isn't for everyone.

centuryhouse

Looks like I'll be getting the Heavy Duty leaf springs, 4 new bushings, and 4 new u-bolts. Thanks for the advice!

thebe001

It sounds like your on the right track, if you live in a state that uses salt in the winter I would also add new 4 new leaf spring bolts (the ones that go thought the bushings) to streamline the install. I would also recommend OME leaf packs, I have used them on my last 2 xj builds and they are a top tear product.

My old xj with 2" lift

XJmike0122

You still have one of the best round eye conversions I have ever seen.

ksrummel

X2! I actually really like that conversion!

centuryhouse

Thanks for the info. It's getting done today. I couldn't find any of the 4 leaf spring bolts locally, so unless they break I guess those are being reused

I've never seen one of those round light conversions before - what's the reason for doing it, to make it look more like the old-school Jeeps?

cbs_24

$17 is the cheapest shipping

cleenrob

im the same way with my build thread. lol

any who, check out old man emu, ive heard great things about them. they come in lower sized lift.

you could also grab a set of worn out stock XJ leafs of of CL or the JY and cut the eyes off the mainleaf and stick it under your stock mainleaf, good for about 1" of lift or so, thats about how much it gave me

centuryhouse

So I bought the HD springs, new bushings, new u-bolts, etc. I found a small shop that said they'd do the work for $160*, and could do it in one day. They offered to change the shocks too for another $78 (parts and labor).

Once they got into it, they called back to say it'd be another $300 to do it; that is, a total of $538. That's with my having bought all parts but the shocks.

He said that after he got into it, the rear shocks' top bolts were rusted through and almost certain to break. And that the main leaf spring bolts were rusted as well and wouldn't budge, and would possibly break if he continued, and that it would probably result in his having to make cuts to get to the nut welded inside the frame, etc.

Does anyone have an opinion on whether that amount seems common / reasonable for a shop?

Parts I bought: $180 + 40 + 40 = $260
Labor + shocks & misc bolts: $538



* I farmed the work out because 1) I am prohibited on working on cars where I live, 2) I'm dealing with some health issues including two messed up wrists, which make heavy auto work a problem right now.