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[Floyd]

Hi,
I have a Cherokee classic. 2000 on a v plate with the classic sagging rear leaf spring issue. So they need replacing. My questions are as follows:-

1. I could do with heavy duty replacements as I carry a lot if stuff but I don't really need to alter the ride height. Where is it best to get replacements?
2. How much should I be paying?
And
3. Can I change them myself?

Cheers in advance for your help.

[Mike Pavelin]

Mansfield 4x4

[Dave69]

you can change them yourself but spend some time soaking the front sping bolts with proper penetrating spray (not wd40) as these bolts either sieze into the threads or sieze in the eye bushes.  You can be lucky and they come out as intended.

the rear bolts are straight forward, on assembly fix the fronts first then the rear bolts, only full tighten when it's sitting on it's wheels to save on twisting the rubber bushes

[Floyd]

Thanks guys.
I've emailed Mansfield 4x4. I'll let you know what they come back with.

[Dave69]

ringing mansfield might give you a better option but dont forget to ask about the spring eye bushes, depending on who you buy from they are either included or not

[TomH]

it may be worth getting new bolts as well, i had to grind one of mine off as it had become one with the bush, check for suppliers before you start because as far as i can remember its a funny size M14 or something like that.

[eddscott]

I'm planning to do my rears in the summer but want to give my XJ a little lift. 

Is it just a case of undoing the bolts holding the springs to the chassis and the U bolts holding the spring to the axle? 

Whats the best way to support the vehicle?  I've got axle stands. 

Also, there are springs on ebay which I think are from Mansfield.  They have 4 and 5 leaf springs.  If I get the 5 leaf for a bit of lift, will they be much stiffer than the OE springs. 

Lastly, if I get adjustable shackles to raise it a bit more and I get those "pucks" that go in the front springs, can they affect on road feel/performance?

[isle of man]

I'm confused - what are you trying to achieve? And what is your budget?

[eddscott]

I'm confused - what are you trying to achieve? And what is your budget?

Sorry I'm hijacking floyds thread - just thought it would be easier to use an existing XJ suspension thread than start a new one.

I too would like to do the leaf springs myself but I would like to lift it a bit whereas  I think floyd is keeping his original.

[scrw]

piccies for an xj lift here  http://www.offroading.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=43&t=1359&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a

[Dave69]

axle stands can be used to support the jeep but make sure they are in sturdy locations as they will need to be at almost full height to give you adequate room.

depending on the amount of lift and the spring rate of the new leaves will affect the perfomrance of the jeep. the jeep will roll slightly more in corners etc but there again it's not a sports car

[Mike Pavelin]

The Mansfield 5 leaf springs will lift a knackered XJ 4-5 inches but, of course, this is because the rear end has sagged. It will sit 2-3 inches higher than a standard petrol engined XJ with good springs but woll settle about an inch after a year's use. They come complete with bushes and are a bit stiffer than the standard spring. They also do a 4 leaf spring, which gives similar height and ride to standard.

[brian reid]

when you take the old bolts out put new once in,if you have problems getting the to go into the holes and in the chassis,take them out and get an angle grinder,cut a shallow slot along the length of the bold threat,about 1cm or so,this will make butting new bolts back in a breeze as now the thread will cut through any muck left in the holes.

but replacing the spring worth while job,also think about poly bushed for the front and rear and new drag link and rubbers....this will improve handling 10 fold.

regards brian