cleaning up old leaf springs

[codybutz]

So most of the lift kits i see for the mj, reuse the old spring packs. How do you know when they are just to worn to reuse? Is there a way to re bend or repack them so that they become usable again? I've seen and read where guys just pull them apart and clean them up and put some paint on them, but this doesn't help with old sagging springs. I don't see the point in buying new/ stock springs , if I'm going be lifting the mj anyways. Would I be better off just buying new leaf packs that have lift in them anyways or what? anybody have any incite on this. Thanks

[Dirteatr717]

ive thought about getting mine rebent because ive had a cap on my MJ for a long time.... new leaf packs give you alot stiffer ride

[88pioneer]

most of the kits that reuse the old springs are SOA (spring over axle) kits. Instead of having the spring under the axle it relocates it to the top. it depends on how much lift you want, a SOA gives about 5.5"

[codybutz]

Ya I know that the ones that reuse them, change it to a spring over instead. I guess I should have made it clear that I would be doing the spring over switch. What do you think it would cost to get a set of springs re bent? how would you know if the springs are still even usable? Id hate to pay to have some springs re arched and then find out it wasn't worth it in the end.

[Pete M]

how much lift do you want in the end?

[codybutz]

I'm thinking of like 5.5" or 6" of lift. I know the soa flip will net this in back with the right shackles. my main concern would be if my springs are in good enough shape to even bother with using them after relocating my brackets. they have a little sag in them but for being on an 87 they aren't that bad. what has anybody done to recondition the ones they have?

[Pete M]

I added in a second main leaf (with the eyes cut off) and used them like that for years with no issues. :thumbsup: As long as there aren't any broken leafs. HellCreek sells an AAL that does just that and comes with the appropriate hardware (center pin and retainer straps).

[kro10000]

if youre going to have them rebent, consider taking them to a shop thay does it correctly, by using a heat treatment and shot peening, otherwise the new arch will settle to where it was before.