How to tell when coil springs are shot?
 

I'm replacing the shocks on my '96 ZJ Laredo (130k miles)for the first
time (with Pro Comp ES9000's). While I'm at it I guess I should replace
the springs if they are shot but replacing 'em looks like a bit of a
PITA so I don't want to bother if they're ok.

How can I tell if my coil springs have reached the end of their useful life?

Also, if I do need to replace them, which aftermarket maker would be
best for moderately priced no lift springs?

Best Regards,

Marcel

Re: How to tell when coil springs are shot?
 

"maleemi" <maleemi@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:EsxYg.1378$qv6.185@trnddc06...
> I'm replacing the shocks on my '96 ZJ Laredo (130k miles)for the first
> time (with Pro Comp ES9000's). While I'm at it I guess I should replace
> the springs if they are shot but replacing 'em looks like a bit of a PITA
> so I don't want to bother if they're ok.
>
> How can I tell if my coil springs have reached the end of their useful
> life?
>
> Also, if I do need to replace them, which aftermarket maker would be best
> for moderately priced no lift springs?
>
> Best Regards,
>
> Marcel

By measuring the ride height against the manufacturers specs.

Spdloader

Re: How to tell when coil springs are shot?
 

"maleemi" <maleemi@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:EsxYg.1378$qv6.185@trnddc06...
> I'm replacing the shocks on my '96 ZJ Laredo (130k miles)for the first
> time (with Pro Comp ES9000's). While I'm at it I guess I should replace
> the springs if they are shot but replacing 'em looks like a bit of a PITA
> so I don't want to bother if they're ok.
>
> How can I tell if my coil springs have reached the end of their useful
> life?
>
> Also, if I do need to replace them, which aftermarket maker would be best
> for moderately priced no lift springs?
>
> Best Regards,
>
> Marcel

By measuring the ride height against the manufacturers specs.

Spdloader

Re: How to tell when coil springs are shot?
 

"maleemi" <maleemi@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:EsxYg.1378$qv6.185@trnddc06...
> I'm replacing the shocks on my '96 ZJ Laredo (130k miles)for the first
> time (with Pro Comp ES9000's). While I'm at it I guess I should replace
> the springs if they are shot but replacing 'em looks like a bit of a PITA
> so I don't want to bother if they're ok.
>
> How can I tell if my coil springs have reached the end of their useful
> life?
>
> Also, if I do need to replace them, which aftermarket maker would be best
> for moderately priced no lift springs?
>
> Best Regards,
>
> Marcel

By measuring the ride height against the manufacturers specs.

Spdloader

Re: How to tell when coil springs are shot?
 

Where can I find the manufacturers specs?.....Or better yet could
someone let me know what the spec is for a '96 ZJ Laredo 6cyl 4wd with
the standard suspension.

Best Regards,

Marcel

Spdloader wrote:

> By measuring the ride height against the manufacturers specs.
>
> Spdloader


> "maleemi" <maleemi@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:EsxYg.1378$qv6.185@trnddc06...

>> How can I tell if my coil springs have reached the end of their useful
>> life?

Re: How to tell when coil springs are shot?
 

Where can I find the manufacturers specs?.....Or better yet could
someone let me know what the spec is for a '96 ZJ Laredo 6cyl 4wd with
the standard suspension.

Best Regards,

Marcel

Spdloader wrote:

> By measuring the ride height against the manufacturers specs.
>
> Spdloader


> "maleemi" <maleemi@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:EsxYg.1378$qv6.185@trnddc06...

>> How can I tell if my coil springs have reached the end of their useful
>> life?

Re: How to tell when coil springs are shot?
 

Where can I find the manufacturers specs?.....Or better yet could
someone let me know what the spec is for a '96 ZJ Laredo 6cyl 4wd with
the standard suspension.

Best Regards,

Marcel

Spdloader wrote:

> By measuring the ride height against the manufacturers specs.
>
> Spdloader


> "maleemi" <maleemi@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:EsxYg.1378$qv6.185@trnddc06...

>> How can I tell if my coil springs have reached the end of their useful
>> life?

Re: How to tell when coil springs are shot?
 

"maleemi" <maleemi@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:LdyYg.1388$qv6.303@trnddc06...
> Where can I find the manufacturers specs?.....Or better yet could someone
> let me know what the spec is for a '96 ZJ Laredo 6cyl 4wd with the
> standard suspension.
>
> Best Regards,
>
> Marcel
>
> Spdloader wrote:
>
> > By measuring the ride height against the manufacturers specs.
> >
> > Spdloader
>
>
>> "maleemi" <maleemi@yahoo.com> wrote in message
>> news:EsxYg.1378$qv6.185@trnddc06...
>
>>> How can I tell if my coil springs have reached the end of their useful
>>> life?
>
>
The best place I can think would be contact a NAPA, get them to retrieve the
specs from their Monroe or Moog spring book.

Hope that helps. That's where I got it when I was in the business.

Spdloader

Re: How to tell when coil springs are shot?
 

"maleemi" <maleemi@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:LdyYg.1388$qv6.303@trnddc06...
> Where can I find the manufacturers specs?.....Or better yet could someone
> let me know what the spec is for a '96 ZJ Laredo 6cyl 4wd with the
> standard suspension.
>
> Best Regards,
>
> Marcel
>
> Spdloader wrote:
>
> > By measuring the ride height against the manufacturers specs.
> >
> > Spdloader
>
>
>> "maleemi" <maleemi@yahoo.com> wrote in message
>> news:EsxYg.1378$qv6.185@trnddc06...
>
>>> How can I tell if my coil springs have reached the end of their useful
>>> life?
>
>
The best place I can think would be contact a NAPA, get them to retrieve the
specs from their Monroe or Moog spring book.

Hope that helps. That's where I got it when I was in the business.

Spdloader

Re: How to tell when coil springs are shot?
 

"maleemi" <maleemi@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:LdyYg.1388$qv6.303@trnddc06...
> Where can I find the manufacturers specs?.....Or better yet could someone
> let me know what the spec is for a '96 ZJ Laredo 6cyl 4wd with the
> standard suspension.
>
> Best Regards,
>
> Marcel
>
> Spdloader wrote:
>
> > By measuring the ride height against the manufacturers specs.
> >
> > Spdloader
>
>
>> "maleemi" <maleemi@yahoo.com> wrote in message
>> news:EsxYg.1378$qv6.185@trnddc06...
>
>>> How can I tell if my coil springs have reached the end of their useful
>>> life?
>
>
The best place I can think would be contact a NAPA, get them to retrieve the
specs from their Monroe or Moog spring book.

Hope that helps. That's where I got it when I was in the business.

Spdloader

Re: How to tell when coil springs are shot?
 

Marcel,

Unless you tow a LOT, the springs are probably fine. They are not bad to
replace at all. One bolt while the shocks are off. Does the rear end sag?

Carl

"maleemi" <maleemi@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:LdyYg.1388$qv6.303@trnddc06...
> Where can I find the manufacturers specs?.....Or better yet could someone
> let me know what the spec is for a '96 ZJ Laredo 6cyl 4wd with the
> standard suspension.
>
> Best Regards,
>
> Marcel
>
> Spdloader wrote:
>
> > By measuring the ride height against the manufacturers specs.
> >
> > Spdloader
>
>
>> "maleemi" <maleemi@yahoo.com> wrote in message
>> news:EsxYg.1378$qv6.185@trnddc06...
>
>>> How can I tell if my coil springs have reached the end of their useful
>>> life?
>
>

Re: How to tell when coil springs are shot?
 

Marcel,

Unless you tow a LOT, the springs are probably fine. They are not bad to
replace at all. One bolt while the shocks are off. Does the rear end sag?

Carl

"maleemi" <maleemi@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:LdyYg.1388$qv6.303@trnddc06...
> Where can I find the manufacturers specs?.....Or better yet could someone
> let me know what the spec is for a '96 ZJ Laredo 6cyl 4wd with the
> standard suspension.
>
> Best Regards,
>
> Marcel
>
> Spdloader wrote:
>
> > By measuring the ride height against the manufacturers specs.
> >
> > Spdloader
>
>
>> "maleemi" <maleemi@yahoo.com> wrote in message
>> news:EsxYg.1378$qv6.185@trnddc06...
>
>>> How can I tell if my coil springs have reached the end of their useful
>>> life?
>
>

Re: How to tell when coil springs are shot?
 

Marcel,

Unless you tow a LOT, the springs are probably fine. They are not bad to
replace at all. One bolt while the shocks are off. Does the rear end sag?

Carl

"maleemi" <maleemi@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:LdyYg.1388$qv6.303@trnddc06...
> Where can I find the manufacturers specs?.....Or better yet could someone
> let me know what the spec is for a '96 ZJ Laredo 6cyl 4wd with the
> standard suspension.
>
> Best Regards,
>
> Marcel
>
> Spdloader wrote:
>
> > By measuring the ride height against the manufacturers specs.
> >
> > Spdloader
>
>
>> "maleemi" <maleemi@yahoo.com> wrote in message
>> news:EsxYg.1378$qv6.185@trnddc06...
>
>>> How can I tell if my coil springs have reached the end of their useful
>>> life?
>
>

Re: How to tell when coil springs are shot?
 

Carl wrote:
> Marcel,
>
> Unless you tow a LOT, the springs are probably fine. They are not bad to
> replace at all. One bolt while the shocks are off. Does the rear end sag?

Yeah the rear does sag a bit, ever since I towed a 4,500lb trailer 1200
miles several years ago.

The Haynes manual makes it look a lot harder than removing one bolt.
They have me disconnecting the rear drive shaft from the rear
differential shaft yoke. Unbolt the lower suspension arms from the axle.
Unbolt the stabilizer bar links and shock absorber. Disconnect the track
bar from the axle bracket.

Are the folks at Haynes making it sound more difficult than it really
is?.....I sure hope so.

Re: How to tell when coil springs are shot?
 

Carl wrote:
> Marcel,
>
> Unless you tow a LOT, the springs are probably fine. They are not bad to
> replace at all. One bolt while the shocks are off. Does the rear end sag?

Yeah the rear does sag a bit, ever since I towed a 4,500lb trailer 1200
miles several years ago.

The Haynes manual makes it look a lot harder than removing one bolt.
They have me disconnecting the rear drive shaft from the rear
differential shaft yoke. Unbolt the lower suspension arms from the axle.
Unbolt the stabilizer bar links and shock absorber. Disconnect the track
bar from the axle bracket.

Are the folks at Haynes making it sound more difficult than it really
is?.....I sure hope so.

Re: How to tell when coil springs are shot?
 

Carl wrote:
> Marcel,
>
> Unless you tow a LOT, the springs are probably fine. They are not bad to
> replace at all. One bolt while the shocks are off. Does the rear end sag?

Yeah the rear does sag a bit, ever since I towed a 4,500lb trailer 1200
miles several years ago.

The Haynes manual makes it look a lot harder than removing one bolt.
They have me disconnecting the rear drive shaft from the rear
differential shaft yoke. Unbolt the lower suspension arms from the axle.
Unbolt the stabilizer bar links and shock absorber. Disconnect the track
bar from the axle bracket.

Are the folks at Haynes making it sound more difficult than it really
is?.....I sure hope so.

Re: How to tell when coil springs are shot?
 

maleemi proclaimed:

> Carl wrote:
>
>> Marcel,
>>
>> Unless you tow a LOT, the springs are probably fine. They are not
>> bad to replace at all. One bolt while the shocks are off. Does the
>> rear end sag?
>
>
> Yeah the rear does sag a bit, ever since I towed a 4,500lb trailer 1200
> miles several years ago.
>
> The Haynes manual makes it look a lot harder than removing one bolt.
> They have me disconnecting the rear drive shaft from the rear
> differential shaft yoke. Unbolt the lower suspension arms from the axle.
> Unbolt the stabilizer bar links and shock absorber. Disconnect the track
> bar from the axle bracket.
>
> Are the folks at Haynes making it sound more difficult than it really
> is?.....I sure hope so.

For the '95 which should be pretty similar, the factory manual has only
a few steps.

1. Lift the vehicle, then put a hydraulic jack under the axle

2. Disconnect the stabilizer bar link and shock absorber from the axle
bracket

3. Disconnect the track bar from the frame rail bracket

4. Lower the axle until the spring is free of the upper mount seat,
then remove the coil spring retainer bolt and then remove the spring.

Probably a good idea to pick up a new isolator and bushings, grommets,
etc. for the track bar and stabilizer bar, possibly even shock bushings
while doing this.

Re: How to tell when coil springs are shot?
 

maleemi proclaimed:

> Carl wrote:
>
>> Marcel,
>>
>> Unless you tow a LOT, the springs are probably fine. They are not
>> bad to replace at all. One bolt while the shocks are off. Does the
>> rear end sag?
>
>
> Yeah the rear does sag a bit, ever since I towed a 4,500lb trailer 1200
> miles several years ago.
>
> The Haynes manual makes it look a lot harder than removing one bolt.
> They have me disconnecting the rear drive shaft from the rear
> differential shaft yoke. Unbolt the lower suspension arms from the axle.
> Unbolt the stabilizer bar links and shock absorber. Disconnect the track
> bar from the axle bracket.
>
> Are the folks at Haynes making it sound more difficult than it really
> is?.....I sure hope so.

For the '95 which should be pretty similar, the factory manual has only
a few steps.

1. Lift the vehicle, then put a hydraulic jack under the axle

2. Disconnect the stabilizer bar link and shock absorber from the axle
bracket

3. Disconnect the track bar from the frame rail bracket

4. Lower the axle until the spring is free of the upper mount seat,
then remove the coil spring retainer bolt and then remove the spring.

Probably a good idea to pick up a new isolator and bushings, grommets,
etc. for the track bar and stabilizer bar, possibly even shock bushings
while doing this.

Re: How to tell when coil springs are shot?
 

maleemi proclaimed:

> Carl wrote:
>
>> Marcel,
>>
>> Unless you tow a LOT, the springs are probably fine. They are not
>> bad to replace at all. One bolt while the shocks are off. Does the
>> rear end sag?
>
>
> Yeah the rear does sag a bit, ever since I towed a 4,500lb trailer 1200
> miles several years ago.
>
> The Haynes manual makes it look a lot harder than removing one bolt.
> They have me disconnecting the rear drive shaft from the rear
> differential shaft yoke. Unbolt the lower suspension arms from the axle.
> Unbolt the stabilizer bar links and shock absorber. Disconnect the track
> bar from the axle bracket.
>
> Are the folks at Haynes making it sound more difficult than it really
> is?.....I sure hope so.

For the '95 which should be pretty similar, the factory manual has only
a few steps.

1. Lift the vehicle, then put a hydraulic jack under the axle

2. Disconnect the stabilizer bar link and shock absorber from the axle
bracket

3. Disconnect the track bar from the frame rail bracket

4. Lower the axle until the spring is free of the upper mount seat,
then remove the coil spring retainer bolt and then remove the spring.

Probably a good idea to pick up a new isolator and bushings, grommets,
etc. for the track bar and stabilizer bar, possibly even shock bushings
while doing this.

Re: How to tell when coil springs are shot?
 

Marcel,

This is the procedure from the '96 ZJ factory manual Section 2 page 14:

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...Suspension.jpg

COIL SPRING

REMOVAL

(1) Raise and support the vehicle. Position a

hydraulic jack under the axle to support it.

(2) Disconnect the stabilizer bar link and shock

absorber from the axle bracket.

(3) Disconnect the track bar from the frame rail

bracket.

(4) Lower the axle until the spring is free from the

upper mount seat. Remove the coil spring retainer

bolt (Fig. 2) and remove the spring.

INSTALLATION

Inspect isolator the for damage or wear. Replace

the isolator if necessary before installing spring.

(1) Position the coil spring on the axle pad. Install

the spring retainer and bolt. Tighten the bolt to 22

N·m (16 ft. lbs.).

(2) Raise the axle into position until the spring

seats in the upper mount.

(3) Connect the stabilizer bar links and shock

absorbers to the axle bracket. Connect the track bar

to the frame rail bracket.

(4) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.

(5) Tighten the brack bar and shock absorber to

specified torque.



For more detailed instructions with step by step pictures Google"'ZJ Budget
Boost" The only difference is instead of adding a spacer you are replacing
the whole spring.




"maleemi" <maleemi@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:5azYg.9758$gx6.1579@trnddc05...
> Carl wrote:
>> Marcel,
>>
>> Unless you tow a LOT, the springs are probably fine. They are not bad
>> to replace at all. One bolt while the shocks are off. Does the rear end
>> sag?
>
> Yeah the rear does sag a bit, ever since I towed a 4,500lb trailer 1200
> miles several years ago.
>
> The Haynes manual makes it look a lot harder than removing one bolt. They
> have me disconnecting the rear drive shaft from the rear differential
> shaft yoke. Unbolt the lower suspension arms from the axle. Unbolt the
> stabilizer bar links and shock absorber. Disconnect the track bar from the
> axle bracket.
>
> Are the folks at Haynes making it sound more difficult than it really
> is?.....I sure hope so.

Re: How to tell when coil springs are shot?
 

Marcel,

This is the procedure from the '96 ZJ factory manual Section 2 page 14:

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...Suspension.jpg

COIL SPRING

REMOVAL

(1) Raise and support the vehicle. Position a

hydraulic jack under the axle to support it.

(2) Disconnect the stabilizer bar link and shock

absorber from the axle bracket.

(3) Disconnect the track bar from the frame rail

bracket.

(4) Lower the axle until the spring is free from the

upper mount seat. Remove the coil spring retainer

bolt (Fig. 2) and remove the spring.

INSTALLATION

Inspect isolator the for damage or wear. Replace

the isolator if necessary before installing spring.

(1) Position the coil spring on the axle pad. Install

the spring retainer and bolt. Tighten the bolt to 22

N·m (16 ft. lbs.).

(2) Raise the axle into position until the spring

seats in the upper mount.

(3) Connect the stabilizer bar links and shock

absorbers to the axle bracket. Connect the track bar

to the frame rail bracket.

(4) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.

(5) Tighten the brack bar and shock absorber to

specified torque.



For more detailed instructions with step by step pictures Google"'ZJ Budget
Boost" The only difference is instead of adding a spacer you are replacing
the whole spring.




"maleemi" <maleemi@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:5azYg.9758$gx6.1579@trnddc05...
> Carl wrote:
>> Marcel,
>>
>> Unless you tow a LOT, the springs are probably fine. They are not bad
>> to replace at all. One bolt while the shocks are off. Does the rear end
>> sag?
>
> Yeah the rear does sag a bit, ever since I towed a 4,500lb trailer 1200
> miles several years ago.
>
> The Haynes manual makes it look a lot harder than removing one bolt. They
> have me disconnecting the rear drive shaft from the rear differential
> shaft yoke. Unbolt the lower suspension arms from the axle. Unbolt the
> stabilizer bar links and shock absorber. Disconnect the track bar from the
> axle bracket.
>
> Are the folks at Haynes making it sound more difficult than it really
> is?.....I sure hope so.

Re: How to tell when coil springs are shot?
 

Marcel,

This is the procedure from the '96 ZJ factory manual Section 2 page 14:

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...Suspension.jpg

COIL SPRING

REMOVAL

(1) Raise and support the vehicle. Position a

hydraulic jack under the axle to support it.

(2) Disconnect the stabilizer bar link and shock

absorber from the axle bracket.

(3) Disconnect the track bar from the frame rail

bracket.

(4) Lower the axle until the spring is free from the

upper mount seat. Remove the coil spring retainer

bolt (Fig. 2) and remove the spring.

INSTALLATION

Inspect isolator the for damage or wear. Replace

the isolator if necessary before installing spring.

(1) Position the coil spring on the axle pad. Install

the spring retainer and bolt. Tighten the bolt to 22

N·m (16 ft. lbs.).

(2) Raise the axle into position until the spring

seats in the upper mount.

(3) Connect the stabilizer bar links and shock

absorbers to the axle bracket. Connect the track bar

to the frame rail bracket.

(4) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.

(5) Tighten the brack bar and shock absorber to

specified torque.



For more detailed instructions with step by step pictures Google"'ZJ Budget
Boost" The only difference is instead of adding a spacer you are replacing
the whole spring.




"maleemi" <maleemi@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:5azYg.9758$gx6.1579@trnddc05...
> Carl wrote:
>> Marcel,
>>
>> Unless you tow a LOT, the springs are probably fine. They are not bad
>> to replace at all. One bolt while the shocks are off. Does the rear end
>> sag?
>
> Yeah the rear does sag a bit, ever since I towed a 4,500lb trailer 1200
> miles several years ago.
>
> The Haynes manual makes it look a lot harder than removing one bolt. They
> have me disconnecting the rear drive shaft from the rear differential
> shaft yoke. Unbolt the lower suspension arms from the axle. Unbolt the
> stabilizer bar links and shock absorber. Disconnect the track bar from the
> axle bracket.
>
> Are the folks at Haynes making it sound more difficult than it really
> is?.....I sure hope so.

Re: How to tell when coil springs are shot?
 

Yes, they are making it far too difficult. Jack up the rear end. Support the
Jeep by the frame on jack stands. Put a jack on the axle, under one spring.
Jack up the jack untill the Jeep creeps less than 1mm off the jack stand on
that part of the axle. Lower it back down onto that jack stand. Go to the
other side of the axle, push up on the spring and it will pop off the mount
on the axle tube. Pull it off the bumpstop. Install the new one the same way
as the old one.

If you have a hard time, disconnect the sway bar to axle mounts. This works
best with the shocks off. You can also look at intalling 1" coil spring
spacers instead of new coil springs to save a few dollars. It will ride the
same either way, and probably look the same. Check out www.rocky-road.com
for the spacers. Stock legnth shocks will be fine.

HTH

Carl



"maleemi" <maleemi@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:5azYg.9758$gx6.1579@trnddc05...
> Carl wrote:
>> Marcel,
>>
>> Unless you tow a LOT, the springs are probably fine. They are not bad
>> to replace at all. One bolt while the shocks are off. Does the rear end
>> sag?
>
> Yeah the rear does sag a bit, ever since I towed a 4,500lb trailer 1200
> miles several years ago.
>
> The Haynes manual makes it look a lot harder than removing one bolt. They
> have me disconnecting the rear drive shaft from the rear differential
> shaft yoke. Unbolt the lower suspension arms from the axle. Unbolt the
> stabilizer bar links and shock absorber. Disconnect the track bar from the
> axle bracket.
>
> Are the folks at Haynes making it sound more difficult than it really
> is?.....I sure hope so.

Re: How to tell when coil springs are shot?
 

Yes, they are making it far too difficult. Jack up the rear end. Support the
Jeep by the frame on jack stands. Put a jack on the axle, under one spring.
Jack up the jack untill the Jeep creeps less than 1mm off the jack stand on
that part of the axle. Lower it back down onto that jack stand. Go to the
other side of the axle, push up on the spring and it will pop off the mount
on the axle tube. Pull it off the bumpstop. Install the new one the same way
as the old one.

If you have a hard time, disconnect the sway bar to axle mounts. This works
best with the shocks off. You can also look at intalling 1" coil spring
spacers instead of new coil springs to save a few dollars. It will ride the
same either way, and probably look the same. Check out www.rocky-road.com
for the spacers. Stock legnth shocks will be fine.

HTH

Carl



"maleemi" <maleemi@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:5azYg.9758$gx6.1579@trnddc05...
> Carl wrote:
>> Marcel,
>>
>> Unless you tow a LOT, the springs are probably fine. They are not bad
>> to replace at all. One bolt while the shocks are off. Does the rear end
>> sag?
>
> Yeah the rear does sag a bit, ever since I towed a 4,500lb trailer 1200
> miles several years ago.
>
> The Haynes manual makes it look a lot harder than removing one bolt. They
> have me disconnecting the rear drive shaft from the rear differential
> shaft yoke. Unbolt the lower suspension arms from the axle. Unbolt the
> stabilizer bar links and shock absorber. Disconnect the track bar from the
> axle bracket.
>
> Are the folks at Haynes making it sound more difficult than it really
> is?.....I sure hope so.

Re: How to tell when coil springs are shot?
 

Yes, they are making it far too difficult. Jack up the rear end. Support the
Jeep by the frame on jack stands. Put a jack on the axle, under one spring.
Jack up the jack untill the Jeep creeps less than 1mm off the jack stand on
that part of the axle. Lower it back down onto that jack stand. Go to the
other side of the axle, push up on the spring and it will pop off the mount
on the axle tube. Pull it off the bumpstop. Install the new one the same way
as the old one.

If you have a hard time, disconnect the sway bar to axle mounts. This works
best with the shocks off. You can also look at intalling 1" coil spring
spacers instead of new coil springs to save a few dollars. It will ride the
same either way, and probably look the same. Check out www.rocky-road.com
for the spacers. Stock legnth shocks will be fine.

HTH

Carl



"maleemi" <maleemi@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:5azYg.9758$gx6.1579@trnddc05...
> Carl wrote:
>> Marcel,
>>
>> Unless you tow a LOT, the springs are probably fine. They are not bad
>> to replace at all. One bolt while the shocks are off. Does the rear end
>> sag?
>
> Yeah the rear does sag a bit, ever since I towed a 4,500lb trailer 1200
> miles several years ago.
>
> The Haynes manual makes it look a lot harder than removing one bolt. They
> have me disconnecting the rear drive shaft from the rear differential
> shaft yoke. Unbolt the lower suspension arms from the axle. Unbolt the
> stabilizer bar links and shock absorber. Disconnect the track bar from the
> axle bracket.
>
> Are the folks at Haynes making it sound more difficult than it really
> is?.....I sure hope so.