When do I need new springs?

Having never driven any other Jeep, or 4x4 for that matter, how do I tell if I need new springs? The old girl is 46 and was ridden hard when younger.

No sag in them but some rust between the leaves. I can't tell if rusted together as they got a coat of paint at one time.

Ride is very stiff, no real give at all unless I stand on the bumper and give her a good 200lb rock.

Tim

 

Usually you'd replace the springs because they have sagged so much they are flat, or because the spring pack has rusted together, or you have bent leaves, or because you want more ride height (lift).

How much distance between the axles and the stops?

 

If the stock shackles set at 45% angle or less then consider that the leaf springs are not in serviceable condition.
Age has virtually no bearing on condition.

 

If the Jeep rides like a buckboard wagon you may opt to replace them even if not worn out. There are standard height springs and mild lift springs with very decent ride characterists (for a Jeep).

 

There really wasn't a question with mine. Springs were flat and everything was rusted together. I didn't realize how badly rusted everything was until I tried removing the old stuff. Even with air tools not much came apart and pretty much everything had to be cut off. I did the 2 inch Skyjacker Softride with new shackles and love it. Even with bias ply tires the difference is night and day. It raised it a little higher than I wanted at first but it's settling down a little and now I really like the looks of it.

 

I don't want more lift, I like the original look. The stops I must assume are those rubber thingies that are no longer there? Yes, I have replacements (front already replaced) but have not yet been able to get the rear ones off. Anyway, the measurement is about 4.5" rail to axle; if the stop were on it would be about 3”.

Based on my Mk I eyeball, it’s less than 45 degrees.

Having never ridden in a buckboard, I would not know, but she does right really rough. Seems like I feel every bump.

Question: Would I be correct in thinking I now need to find new springs?

Regards and thanks for all the help,
Tim

More photos here: Linky

 

Those look completely done to me. Flat. Replace them.

And you need the rubber bumper on the frame.

 

Thanks Tim. Rubber bumpers on hand already. Just haven't been able to get the old bolts off to install the rear ones. Front are done.

Now I'll go back to that other thread and start reading up on good springs for an original look as well as good ride.

Regards,
Tim

Edit: added that other thread in case anyone is looking here first.

 

Definitely rusty. Lots of paint over rust, which is why there is so much rust underneath. When I brought her home she was all black, but after a good power wash to knock some obvious grime and mud, most of the paint came off with it. The "restorer" who did the job for the PO just painted over everything. I'm only a couple of years from retirement and then she'll get a full frame off restoration. Until then I'll do what I can without taking the body of the frame, or the engine/trans/transfer case in.

Regards,
Tim

 

Suspect that the springs have some reverse arch due to sag that's pushing the leaves apart - rather than rust.