kyleag89 Posted October 14, 2010 Share Posted October 14, 2010 I am parting out my 92 XJ for the drive train to put into my 94 XJ. I was wondering if I can use a leaf from the 92 pack to make a short AAL for my MJ? I want to just add another short leaf over my overload leaf, can this be done? I was thinking just remove U bolts/shocks, drop axle and leave the 3 main leaves in but add another between them and my overload. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kyleag89 Posted October 14, 2010 Author Share Posted October 14, 2010 Like this.. I may be completely wrong seeing as I know nothing about AAls. Thats were my friends at the CC come in!! LOL Image Not Found Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted October 14, 2010 Share Posted October 14, 2010 that likely won't do anything. XJ leafs have a lot less arch than an MJ's and so it will probably not touch the other leafs. But you might get a small bump (maybe an inch) by installing the XJ main leaf (with the eyes cut off) right under your current main. You'll get a bit more load capacity too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kyleag89 Posted October 14, 2010 Author Share Posted October 14, 2010 I'm looking for more load capacity than lift actually. So the only way my XJ leaves will help is if I use the main and install it under the 1st MJ leaf? Therefore I will need shims and spring clips too right? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted October 14, 2010 Share Posted October 14, 2010 shims? I don't see why you would need shims. :dunno: as to the clips, I used a thinner bolt before (see photo below), but later removed it and have been running the stock clips without bolts for years with no problems . the only thing is that when up on a lift, it's possible for the upper leaf to pull out and then catch the very edge of the clip when the truck is put back on the ground. a quick whack with a hammer puts it back in place. only happened once so far. the one thing you will need for sure is a new center bolt. I used a grade 8 allen head bolt from the hardware store. You should also replace the U-bolts, as thy stretch when installed and can weaken if re-stretched. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnyc Posted October 15, 2010 Share Posted October 15, 2010 I put XJ main leaves with the eyes cut off into my MJ packs and got about two inches of lift. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted October 15, 2010 Share Posted October 15, 2010 I put XJ main leaves with the eyes cut off into my MJ packs and got about two inches of lift. Are you sure? Using XJ main leaves as AALs only lifts an XJ 1-1/2" ... or less (the one I did grossed 1-1/4", which resulted in a net gain of 3/4" higher than stock because the original springs had sagged a bit). The MJ springs have more arch, so an XJ leaf should generate less lift in an MJ than in an XJ. I haven't done one yet, but I'm predicting that I'll get basically zero lift, but added load capacity. Which is what I'm hoping for ... a home-brewed Metric Ton. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kyleag89 Posted October 15, 2010 Author Share Posted October 15, 2010 That's mainly what I am looking for, load capacity since I only use my MJ for hauling weight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kyleag89 Posted October 16, 2010 Author Share Posted October 16, 2010 Ok I got my parts.. 2" spacers, 2" chevy drop shackles today. I will hopefully be installing them this weekend, I will post pics and how much lift I actually get. Hey Pete.. How long of a centering pin do I need to add one leaf? I am still thinking I will add a XJ leaf for stiffness of my MJ leaves. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted October 16, 2010 Share Posted October 16, 2010 Pete - When you added an XJ leaf into the MJ pack, what did you do about the centering pin diameter? IIRC, XJs are 5/16" and MJs are 3/8". Did you drill out the XJ leaf, or use 5/16" pins? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kyleag89 Posted October 16, 2010 Author Share Posted October 16, 2010 Ahh thanks Eagle I had no idea they were different diameters in the leaves. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted October 16, 2010 Share Posted October 16, 2010 Pete - When you added an XJ leaf into the MJ pack, what did you do about the centering pin diameter? IIRC, XJs are 5/16" and MJs are 3/8". Did you drill out the XJ leaf, or use 5/16" pins? I haven't used an XJ leaf yet. But when I was mixing in Explorer leafs, I drilled them all out to the bigger Explorer diameter. had to break out the "nice" drill bits for that one. and use plenty of cutting oil. that spring steel doesn't mess around. :ack: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted October 16, 2010 Share Posted October 16, 2010 Ahh thanks Eagle I had no idea they were different diameters in the leaves. I'm not sure. I've done AALs on XJs, but I haven't gotten into an MJ pack yet. I think I remember someone else reporting that the MJ centering pins are one size larger than the XJ. Makes sense, I guess. I know the XJ U-bolts are 12mm and the MJ U-bolts are 14mm. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HellCreek Posted October 16, 2010 Share Posted October 16, 2010 Hi, Eagle, Yes, MJ center bolts are 3/8", but they have a 12 mm diameter head. 3/8" socket head cap screws have a 9/16" diameter head, so you would have to reduce the diameter of the bolt head or enlarge the hole in the axle saddle in order to use them. You can drill spring steel, but you would have to use a cobalt or carbide drill bit at a low rpm and with plenty of cutting fluid as Pete said. -Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now