Reddit mentions: The best automotive leaf springs & parts

I am pretty well versed in jeeps, I've done several lifts and more than a few suspensions on various vehicles. I have the tools and know how to do everything, just as an FYI.

I am pretty set about getting the Zone 3" lift or possibly the RE 3.5" super-ride lift... regardless, that doesn't matter. the point is that both are available with AAL (long leaf) or full leaf pack.

Alright, so here is my question:

I've noticed that if I were to buy the Crown OEM-spec leaf pack (link below) and either AAL kit listed above, it would actually be cheaper than buying the kit with the full leaf pack included.

Can anyone see a reason why NOT to but a new Crown leaf pack, get an AAL as listed above and add it to that new pack, and save myself a little coin? Or is there a better reason to buy the full pack with the lift kit for the extra money?

Crown OEM leaf pack: https://www.amazon.com/Crown-Automotive-4886186AA-Spring-Assembly/dp/B009X1YAZS

No, but neither do the other kits.

If you want a full on lift kit, they cost a considerable amount more.
Front springs: http://www.amazon.com/Rubicon-Express-RE1310-Coil-Spring/dp/B006GJKBGC
Shocks: http://www.amazon.com/Rubicon-Express-SK010645RXT-Twintube-Shock/dp/B006GJJUYG
Rear springs: http://www.amazon.com/Rubicon-Express-RE1462-Leaf-Spring/dp/B006GJKG1W
OR rear shackles: http://www.amazon.com/Jeep-Cherokee-Suspension-Leveling-Shackles/dp/B00X8JPJCE
Rear SYE Driveshaft: http://www.amazon.com/Rough-Country-5076-1-Drive-4-6-inch/dp/B00B2AEV4S
SYE: http://www.amazon.com/Jeep-Heavy-Duty-Slip-Eliminator/dp/B007I5B6PS
Extended front brake lines: http://www.amazon.com/Rough-Country-Extended-Stainless-4-6-inch/dp/B00B2AF5LQ
Extended rear line: http://www.amazon.com/Rough-Country-Extended-Stainless-4-6-inch/dp/B00B2AF61ArefRID
Front Trackbar: http://www.amazon.com/Rough-Country-Front-Adjustable-1-5-4-5-inch/dp/B00B2AF0MU
Leafspring shims: http://www.amazon.com/Warrior-Products-800062-2-5-Degree/dp/B004NOTHSK
And of course, the long arm kit you pick.

That list comes to 2k, and has everything you need.

a full pre-assembled long arm kit will cost you about 2k(see here: https://www.claytonoffroad.com/search-shop?field_product_vehicle_tid[]=12&field_product_categories_tid[]=66). Kits usually dont include everything you need, either... Buying parts you need separately will save you cash, and you can opt for a more expensive, or less expensive part. Be prepared to turn a wrench... the more turns you put in, the more cash you save(in most situations).

What you're asking is "I want a lift, but don't know what to ask about". The above is ALL the shit you need to get 4.5" out of your jeep without being a huge cheapass and doing it wrong. It's expensive to lift a jeep, and people seem to think that doing things like using blocks, pucks and a transfercase drop is the right way. Sure, you may only spend $100 to get 2.5 inches, but you'll see extreme vibration, issues with steering and tracking, pinion oiling, etc.

Save your cash and do it right the first time.

For good 3" lift leaf springs you should check out the OME (Old Man Emu) springs sold by ARB. They're like $130 each on Amazon with free shipping.

CS033RA's here: http://www.amazon.com/ARB-CS033RA-Dakar-Leaf-Spring/dp/B004P9ZJJ4/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1425412382&sr=1-1&keywords=CS033RA

Couple of ideas for you.

1. Convert your AC compressor to an air compressor
   
   
2. Upgrade your suspension (as /u/aussie_jason suggested) to the upcountry option.
   This is a stock spring package that directly replaces your worn out springs and gives you around 1.5 inches of lift for less than $250. I did this to my 94 XJ and i can tell you that'll help make some room for for those 30s. It's also easily boosted to a 3 to3.5 inch lift for around $90 more.
   
   
   Front coils
   
   Rear leaves
   
   
   Edit: Look into getting longer bump stops as they'll help keep your tires out of the fenders. Here are the ones I picked up.
   Front
   Rear

Major points for just going for it! I'm also wintering in a DIY camper on a Tacoma!

I'd love to see some more pictures of your setup, especially the entrance. Is it possible to pass from the camper to the cab?

Invest in some helper springs to get rid of some of the swaying going around corners. They're worth every penny.

I just ordered new Dorman springs from Amazon but haven't installed them yet. http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B005VPS358
They were $86 when I ordered them but looks like $95 now and Amazon Prime 2-day shipping can't be beat.

So here she is... I'm planning to give some attention to the suspension because as you can see she is a bit slouched. I don't want to get to high so I'm looking at just replacing the leaf springs with these; https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B005VPS358/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?smid=A1VMTU9W4873PK&psc=1

and the coils with these;
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B000C53ZSC/ref=ox_sc_act_image_3?smid=A3DWYIK6Y9EEQB&psc=1.

However these are spec'd to provide some over stock height by 1.5" - 2"

Therefore I am wondering if the shocks that come with this rough country 1.5" lift will work. http://www.roughcountry.com/jeep-suspension-lift-kit-680-20.html

Really happy to be a part of this group and appreciate all advice and critique!

I think your local mechanic just doesn't want to install new leaf springs because it's kind of a bitch.

There are cheaper ways to do it, but you can get a brand new pair for about $230, I put these in my 93 and they include the bushings (but not the shackle bolts) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005VPS358/?coliid=IR3CWRIGZE8TL&colid=3B3H2P3OO3L7T&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

My leaf springs were also inverted and I gained about 4" of lift in the rear with these and some longer shackles.

Tbh I'm surprised you aren't having issues with the rear tires hitting the wheel wells

lets take the lift out of the equation here...
http://www.amazon.com/Dorman-929-301-Leaf-Spring-Cherokee/dp/B005VPS358/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1395953396&sr=8-1&keywords=jeep+cherokee+rear+leaf+spring

still 100 bucks a spring for a OE style replacement. I'm not trying to bust your balls here man, just saying leaf springs are more expensive then coils any day.

coils:
http://www.amazon.com/Moog-CC782-Variable-Rate-Spring/dp/B000C53ZSC/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1395953494&sr=8-13&keywords=jeep+cherokee+front+coil+spring
61 for a pair of stock height, with free shipping!

Funny enough my previous tires were 235/75s and my springs in the rear sagged like crazy. The wheels would rub when I would haul things.

I used Dorman leaf spring assembly's that already had built in bushings. Here's the link for the rears:

Dorman 929-301 Leaf Spring for Jeep Cherokee, Pack of 1 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005VPS358/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_3ozTybXGCSV7Q

I'll have to come back to you with that measurement!

I actually installed this and the one with the body mount to the front of this a couple weeks ago. I still have to do the other side with the body mount so I'll try and take some pics during the process.

Recommendations:

• New Body Mounts
  
• New suspension hardware including shackle bolts and leaf spring U-Bolts - make sure to get Grade 8 hardness hardware
  
• Some kind of rust converter to put on every goddamn thing you see - some people shoot this stuff through the entire length of the frame inside. I bought this stuff which seems good but crystalized when left in a shed to freeze.
  
• If you own a YJ, then you are probably handy with a welder. Get some steel stock and use it for the sections between the Safe-T-Cap parts
  
• Might as well get some rear shock mounts because if yours aren't gone yet then you have a barn find. Use the flat stock steel to make brackets.
  
• Your bushings are junk. Get these for the bushings on the leaf spring.
  
• Might as well get some new shocks

I just bought these and I am pleased.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005VPS358?pc_redir=1411222595&robot_redir=1

WTS: 2x +3.5in Rear leafs for a cherokee. May also fit wrangler. 0 Miles (Still has shipping tags) $150 amazon
WTS: Aftermarket Receiver Hitch for a cherokee $50
WTB: Kayak
WTT: PET for PTFE

I installed Hellwig 550 helper springs a few weeks ago. I realized today that the U bolt sheared a bolt in half. I believe the spring flexed and the bolt rubbed up against the u bolt.

Any ideas on what I should do?

Here is the kit I bought

https://www.amazon.com/Hellwig-550-Level-Helper-Spring/product-reviews/B001UFRUWU

You could go with 3.5" Rubicon express leaf springs or 3" OME by ARB leaf springs in the rear. As for front, I'd go with Rubicon express 3.5" coils.

Edit: Don't forget the u bolts (no link because they're different depending on your rear axle), and the t case drop.

how about the Crown Springs on Amazon?

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B009X1YAZS/?coliid=I1MRHVGIW27JPS&colid=TIXHMEUDZMSU&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

The foam circles are there on purpose. Some add a leafs have those spring pads to keep the springs from squeaking as they rub against the spring above them. Just leave them on there.

The factory clips/clamps can be pried off or cut. The fastest way I've done it was using an angle grinder with a cutoff wheel to just slice through them like they're nothing. Make sure you have at least 2 C clamps holding the spring pack together before you cut the clamps/clips off. If not, the spring pack will unleash a lot of potential energy and just spring itself apart.

I bet these would do it as long as the leaves are the right width. https://www.amazon.com/inch-Axle-LEAF-SPRING-CLAMPS/dp/B0084HA1GY/ref=sr_1_3?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1549231642&sr=1-3&keywords=leaf+spring+clamp
Husky Spring used to sell them and that's where everyone went for them before Amazon became big.

Dorman 929-301 Leaf Spring for Jeep Cherokee, Pack of 1 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005VPS358/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_5HU4aN3uIEDRl

Dorman 722-024 Leaf Spring Shackle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A195TN8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_38T55FkKZrZlk

Kept the U-bolts

http://www.morris4x4center.com/coil-spring-52001122.html?utm_campaign=map&utm_medium=email&utm_source=yotpo&yotpo_token=5c055200d7e5d61e6a7288fe977d4cc04aa61bcc

Springs felt softer than the old ones I took out. But that's just a feeling.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005VPS358/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have a 2" shackle lift on the back and my stock springs were flat so I decided to get the HD OEM ones. The jeep has kind of a Rat Fink stance now but Dr Google says that it will flatten out eventually.

I havent ordered them yet, but
http://www.amazon.com/Rubicon-Express-RE1463-Leaf-Spring/dp/B006GJKFHW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1408667598&sr=8-2&keywords=xj+rear+leaf+springs

Rubicon Express RE1463 3.5" Leaf Spring for Jeep XJ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006GJKFHW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_UmW4Bb1P3E970

Non-mobile:

• 3.5" Rubicon express leaf springs
  
• 3" OME by ARB leaf springs
  
• Rubicon express 3.5" coils
  
  ^That's ^why ^I'm ^here, ^I ^don't ^judge ^you. ^PM ^/u/xl0 ^if ^I'm ^causing ^any ^trouble.

https://smile.amazon.com/Dorman-929-301-Leaf-Spring-Cherokee/dp/B005VPS358/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1492782578&sr=8-1&keywords=jeep+cherokee+rear+leaf+springs

Forget the AAL, do it right from the beginning. $250 shipped from amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Rubicon-Express-RE1463-Leaf-Spring/dp/B006GJKFHW/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1510251782&sr=8-3&keywords=rubicon+express+leaf+springs

edit: $250 is for two leaf packs. Shipped. When you buy cheap, you buy twice.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006GJKDKQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I'm happy with these and hard to beat for the price. Full length leaf. Came with crappy center pin bolts though which stripped getting torqued down so I had to find another set. I ordered new clips from rock auto, they were $1.29 each. https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/jeep,2000,cherokee,4.0l+l6,1363384,suspension,leaf+spring+rebound+clip,14966

If you want to do a full suspension redo, not just add a leaf this is what I did. I didn't do sway bar disconnects.

Skyjacker 0-3inch shock absorbers

Dorman leaf springs ~2" http://www.amazon.com/Dorman-929-301-Leaf-Spring-Cherokee/dp/B005VPS358

Moog coil springs:http://www.amazon.com/Moog-CC782-Variable-Rate-Spring/dp/B000C53ZSC/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

https://www.amazon.com/Explorer-Pro-Comp-53111-Lifted/dp/B000CNA0G4/ref=au_as_r?_encoding=UTF8&Make=Jeep%7C42&Model=Cherokee%7C347&Year=2000%7C2000&ie=UTF8&n=15684181&newVehicle=1&s=automotive&vehicleId=1&vehicleType=automotive are the rear springs I have in mine.

But my jeep is a mismatch of this and that. I have control arms I bought used, shocks that came from a junkyard, shackles from rough country, rough country front springs.

You can find new springs that give you an inch or two of lift (from stock), but that don't require any additional suspension changes. That's what I'm planning to do with mine. Ill see if I can dig up a link.

Edit- right here:

Crown Automotive 52001125 Front Coil Spring https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008VPV5NC/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_g7BAxbQ58PFHG

Crown Automotive 4886186AA Leaf Spring Assembly https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009X1YAZS/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_87BAxb1Q5X1GA

I think those are the right ones, but double check. And don't forget about new bushings for the leaf springs.

I've tried to find all the piece for my 2" lift and have a little list in my head of what I think I want to do. So far I've compiled this:


For the front: a set of 2" lift coils from rusty's offroad
http://www.rustysoffroad.com/rustys-coils-xj-2-front.html

For the rear: a set of crown medium duty leaf springs, will get you about 1.5" lift, plus a rusty's .75" shackle
http://www.rustysoffroad.com/jeep-suspension/jeep-leaf-spring-accessories/jeep-leaf-spring-shackles-lift-shackles/rustys-shackles-xj-75-extended-greasable-pair.html
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B009X1YAZS/ref=aw_wl_ov_dp_1_9?colid=W63HLMFZQRLM&coliid=I9CA8BL9ZABZD

And for shocks, I haven't really decided yet. I might just go for a set of rancho shocks since I can get those for decently cheap through my work. All of the little things I figure I'll wait until the time comes to deal with those since I can't foresee what will happen when I go to put the lift on.

Here's the add a leaf. $60/pair

Here's the coil spacers. $30/pair

Install took about 4 hours or so but lots of bolts rusted together. For less than a hundred bucks my xj looks and rides a lot better. We will see how the add a leaf holds up. I will probably end up with new shocks eventually just because my bushings are bad and it's causing a clunk.

This is what I did a couple years back.

Rear:
This rear spring is supposedly the same as what was on the UpCountry package and adds 1" lift.
Crown Automotive 4886186AA Leaf Spring Assembly

You will need spring bushings as well. I went with these.
Energy Suspension 2.2109G Spring Bushing for Jeep/Cherokee/Comanche


I added lift shackles for another 1".
JKS OGS651 Rear Shackle Kit for Jeep XJ/MJ


Front:
This is also supposedly equivalent to the UpCountry package.
Moog CC782 Coil Spring Set

I used these to replace the stock isolators (which were shot). There are 4 to a package in case you need to use them all to level the vehicle out.
Energy Suspension 2.6103G Spring Isolator for Jeep


I'd say I ended up with about 3" of lift, and it has visibly settled about 1" in close to 2yrs.

Costs were about $400, not taking into account all the little stuff associated with installing everything.

No issues w/ driveline vibe, but that seems to vary from person to person.

Currently running 31's and at this low a height, they will rub on the lower control arms. You can tweak the steering stops to prevent this, but I ended up getting spacers to push the wheels out and stop the rubbing. This added another $200 to the costs.
Rugged Ridge 15201.08 Black Wheel Spacer Pair (1.5", 5 x 4.5" Bolt Pattern)

No regrets with the current set-up, but if I had thought it through I would have just planned for 33s and done things differently. Once you upsize the tires, you only want to keep going up. LOL