Installing leaf springs

Had a few broken front leafs so found a donor set from another CJ. Any tips on making the install go easy. Like do you clamp the leaf spring on to the axle first then connect to the shackles or connect to the shackles first then the axle or front shackle then axle or rear shackle then axle. What works for you???

 

I always bolt them to the frame and shackle first, loosely to allow the springs to move for line up on the spring pads on the axle housing, then install and tighten u-bolts, then set the vehicle down and then tighten the nuts and bolts on the springs. This keeps the bushings from binding and also allows play to help get everything lined up. Just what works for me.

 

That pretty much the same way as I did mine as well
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Right now my spring pads are not lining up. But I've just done one side and will do the other tonight. Plan to keep everything loose. I had a few broken leafs and a mismatch pair to boot on the front. So found some pretty good used front leafs off a 1975 cj. They measured the same length or real close to the same but have more arch. The little bolt that hold the leafs together at the center is fitting up about 2 inches behind the spring pad. It looks to me like I'll have to reposition the axle back a little. Does this happen to you?

Nothing seems simple on these minor repair jobs.

 

Make sure you have the springs on the right direction. I can't remember for sure on the front but many springs have the centering pin offset towards one end. You shouldn't have to re-center the axle unless the axle has moved around.