1996 xj suspension

[Rust_Bucket]

Hey folks,
I'm running a 96 xj sport. The rear end is sagging real bad and I'm looking to throw on a fresher set of leaf springs. Was wondering what I have to look out for in terms of time and what the operation entails. Pretty rusted out underbody. Also, will laredo suspension match up? Thanks

 

[dustin g]

Laredo suspension will not work without an ass ton of work. Laredos (zj,wj) are all coil springs your xj is leaf in rear.

 

[Rust_Bucket]

Noted, thanks. Picked up a matching set of leaf springs that aren't inverted and splitting for $50

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

Buy a can of PB Blaster and start spraying all the bolts/nuts a few times a day for a week.

 

[lambo]

I agree with Bounty on PB Blaster. But I would buy all new hardware and have a grinder ready to cut. I found that cutting it all of is a lot easier then trying to wrestle the rusted bolts off. I got brand new leaf springs from Crown for $100 a pear.

 

[Rust_Bucket]

Thanks all. Been blasting it often because I know its gonna be a pain. It's a Minnesota vehicle =/ I do have a grinder on hand. Never really had to grind any bolts off, though. How do you go about doing that and getting the threaded end out?

 

[tjlboise]

A big old mallet

 

[00Pajeepcherokee]

long breaker bar, a gallon of pb blaster and patience. Remember your gas tank is right there. Sparks should be kept to a minimum

 

[extra-medium]

go for the head of the bolt instead of the threads/nut. and then smack the crap out of it was a bfh

 

[Rust_Bucket]

Going on about hour 6 of this project and I just got the left side leaf spring off... what a pain. taking a break

 

[lambo]

Ya its a tough job your first time, But you will know how to go about it if you do it again. Keep at it Bud its worth it in the SAGGY END!!

 

[Rust_Bucket]

Well it's been a while but here's the update...

Ended up walking away with my saggy end between my legs. I had to take my Jeep to an XJ guy who could weld some new shock mounts for me because 3/4 bolts got lodged in the underbody. Also, every single bolt snapped off in the unibody so I ended up grinding the bolt heads just to drop the springs.

Long story short, she's sitting pretty again with some fresher springs and shocks. Thanks for the advice.

RB

 

[W00GYB00GY]

I heard Dodge Dakotas will work...