vodka

Hi all, about a week ago I heard a loud noise going over an indoor lot speed bump. A few days noticed less clearance at the back, between the tire and the wheel hub. I looked under and noticed that the leaf spring that is usually curved down, is now curving up. How bad is this? What's caused this, is it because the shocks are trashed? Should I worry driving like this until I can replace them? I would appreciate any feedback on this, please and thank you!

oldfart

It sounds like you broke one or more of the leafs in the pack, I would recommend replacing them as soon as possible. If you're looking to get it done, the places that repair big truck springs are where you usually get the best deal. If you're going to do the job yourself you can often find good spring packs at your local scrap yard, some places will even change them for you for a reasonable price.

JeepCACares

vodka,

I agree with oldfart, sounds like all the leafs have broken.
Is your Jeep riding really rough now? I'd imagine the leafs rusted up over time and finally snapped when you drove over the speed bump.
You can have these made pretty cheap, might be worth beefing up both sides.

vodka

Hi guys, sorry for the long time to reply on this. Many thanks for your feedback, I really appreciate that!

I did some further investigation under and it looks like on the passenger side, one of the leafs has snapped; the shock is also toast on that side. Both sides are pretty rusted. I'm just driving slower and more careful now, until I get this fixed.

I found a truck garage near by, took it there. They checked it out, and recommended I replace the springs, bushings, bushings on the sway bar, and all 4 shocks. Yeah....

14 year old car, no way I'm spending this much in Canada. I have a friend stateside, so I've ordered all that stuff (leaf springs, shackles, ubolts, all bushings, all 4 shocks) which all came to just under $400 - BRAND NEW. (Junk yards are asking between $50-$75 per side for just the leaf springs, and they are super rusted - brand new they are super expensive - on Amazon they are $93 brand new and come with the bushings on both sides). My friend will bring it all over in the next few weeks.

I also bought some PB Blaster. I plan on tackling this repair with a friend, after reading many "how-to's", instructions, etc. It is very straight forward, the only trouble will likely be the bolts. If I can't get bolts to move I shall bring it to a shop.

I got lucky and picked up this baby up today, $40. Mastercraft 3KO Corded Impact Wrench | Canadian Tire

I'm pretty excited about this fix actually, likely won't happen for about 2 weeks or so.

oldfart

If you're going to be doing the job in a couple of weeks, start spraying the bolts every day now. I guarantee they will be an absolute pig to remove.

salad

^^^

The leaf spring bolts are awful. I strongly suggest buying replacement hardware if you haven't already. Don't be surprised if you break something or have to cut things out. I wound up completely cutting out around the leaf spring bolts because the metal sleeve inside the bushings had totally seized to the bolt.

vodka

I have all replacement hardware, new bolts, u-bolts, bushings, nuts, etc. From what I've read, I am expecting trouble.

On Friday I replaced the front shocks myself, it was an experience; PB Blaster is definitely worthwhile getting; I have been spraying it everywhere! :)

I also bought a 4.5" angle grinder with metal cutting discs (they are very thin discs). I'm apprehensive starting this job myself, so I've posted in the local Jeep club forum to see if I can find a amateur Jeep mechanic that I can assist on this project.

I will do the rear shocks myself :)