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Leaf Spring Cantered?

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by Jack Coffelt, Sep 3, 2018.

  1. Sep 3, 2018
    Jack Coffelt

    Jack Coffelt New Member

    Justin, TX
    Joined:
    Aug 23, 2018
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    So first item I am tackling is replacing what appears to be the original leaf springs with a Pro Comp 2 1/2” lift to clear the 32’s a bit better and give it a better ride. When I did the rear replacement, the drivers side leaf spring is cantered to the left for some odd reason. Is that ok? Will it settle out over time? How would I “fix” it?
     
  2. Sep 3, 2018
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
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    could you explain what you mean - or post a pic?
     
  3. Sep 3, 2018
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Canted, as in tilted.

    Pic would be good.
     
  4. Sep 3, 2018
    Jack Coffelt

    Jack Coffelt New Member

    Justin, TX
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  5. Sep 3, 2018
    Jack Coffelt

    Jack Coffelt New Member

    Justin, TX
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    This is the passenger side
    upload_2018-9-3_17-44-28.jpeg
     
  6. Sep 3, 2018
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
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    Bent shackle and/or shackle hangers? Sure it is in the spring and not the mounting points?
     
  7. Sep 3, 2018
    Norcal69

    Norcal69 Out of the box thinker 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Northern California
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    There is no way that your drivers side spring is attached solidly to the axle.....
     
  8. Sep 3, 2018
    Oldriginal86

    Oldriginal86 Member

    Pasadena, Md.
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    Nov 5, 2014
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    Looks like the outside u-bolt was fully tightened before the inside. Support the vehicle by the frame and let the springs and axle hang. Loosen the u-bolts and then tighten them evenly a little at a time. If that’s not it, the spring pad on the axle is damaged as mentioned above.
     
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  9. Sep 3, 2018
    Framer Mike P

    Framer Mike P Member

    Hopkinton, NH
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    It looks to me like something is not right where the spring comes together with the spring pad on the axle. Is the spring center bolt engaged with the hole in the spring pad? I have seen aftermarket springs where the diameter of the spring bolt is larger than stock - you would need to change the center bolt to something smaller or open up the hole in the axle spring pad to allow them to engage.
     
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  10. Sep 3, 2018
    Muzikp

    Muzikp Active Member

    Sacramento Ca.
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    That's exactly what I was thinking. (y)
     
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  11. Sep 4, 2018
    47v6

    47v6 junk wrecker! 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    USA
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    Nothing to add.
     
  12. Sep 4, 2018
    OzFin

    OzFin Vintage Jeep Guy

    Michigan
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    We need a close up picture of the area where the spring is bolted to the axle spring pad.
     
  13. Sep 4, 2018
    70cj5134f

    70cj5134f Member

    East Tn
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    Set the frame on Jack stands.
    Loosen all attachment bolts.
    Align up, then tighten up.
    And be sure the center bolt fits inside of hole.
     
  14. Sep 4, 2018
    Jack Coffelt

    Jack Coffelt New Member

    Justin, TX
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    Thanks, I will try that this evening. And grab a few more close up pix of shackles and mounts. 1 thing I forgot to mention is that the new U-bolts are larger than the originals, I had to ream the spring plate holes from 7/16 to 1/2 inch, which made the U-bolts angle not perpendicular like the originals.
     
  15. Sep 4, 2018
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    When you enlarge holes in the spring plates, you should not just drill them out. Take your round file or die grinder and enlarge them to the outside so that the u-bolt remains vertical, like the original.

    If you can't get the springs to mount at level, I'd suggest purchasing new spring plates and u-bolts of the right diameter. Whose lift is this? You should complain that your original bolts are 7/16" and the replacements they provided are the wrong size.
     
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  16. Sep 4, 2018
    Beach66Bum

    Beach66Bum 1966 Tuxedo Park Mark IV 2024 Sponsor

    Big Island on...
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    I know with my BDS suspension kit it came with 1/2” u-bolts so elongating the spring pad holes was necessary. Not a difficult job to do, just a bit time consuming. You can not just drill the holes larger, like Tim mentions above.
     
  17. Sep 5, 2018
    Jack Coffelt

    Jack Coffelt New Member

    Justin, TX
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    Today’s update: So the other two shocks showed up for the front. I thought I would “knock those out” and then work on correcting the rear spring situation. Don’t know if I’m happy or mad or just laughing at my luck. I was killing it with the removal of the front passenger side leaf spring. Just making great time as compared to the weekend job on the rear. I loosen the final nut on the Ubolts and “THWACK” the leaf spring drops hard and smacks my hand but good! Very happy I always wear gloves. After I catch my breath, I look for the problem and below is what I see.... So, this will put a little hinder on my time tables. Going to have to find a welder when I get back to town in 2 weeks. Nothing worthwhile is ever easy they say... To be continued...

    upload_2018-9-5_16-20-20.jpeg
     
  18. Sep 5, 2018
    montanacj

    montanacj Member

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    Well now you know why it was crooked. I’d have a look at all your spring hangers. I’m sure you are but just saying.
     
  19. Sep 5, 2018
    Jack Coffelt

    Jack Coffelt New Member

    Justin, TX
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    Actually it’s the rear’s that are cantered, but I will most definetly be looking at all of them for cracks etcetera.
     
  20. Sep 6, 2018
    Steve's 70-5

    Steve's 70-5 Active Member

    Louisville, Ky
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    Did you check the spring and make sure it is centered on the axle pad as stated above?
     
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