Metric Ton Leafs

[Gjeep]

Did a search without luck -- I'm running General Spring Metric Ton leaf springs on my '92 MJ and OEM Mopar Jeep Metric Ton leafs on my '89 MJ. I've been scratching my head and going a bit crazy over the 1/2" difference in ride height at the rear only my '92 MJ sits at. I did yet another look over and noticed the leaf springs are mounted differently. I got the earlier style 3+2 leaf and the overloads don't sit centered between the leaf spring clamps. One end is longer and the other end is shorter...Which is the correct direction? I have my ideas but want to see the forums advice. Longer to to rear or longer to the front. I can tell you, the longer to the rear side is 1/2" higher than the other (10" from top of tire to metal lip of fender). Where as the shorter to the rear overload is 9.5" from the top of the tire to metal lip of the fender. 

 

And as a side note, when comparing all this to my '89 MJ factory Jeep springs...those are dead on centered between leaf clamps. There is no one side longer than the other.

[WahooSteeler]

How many miles do you have on the General springs? Put any load in the bed on them? Point being, have they had time to settle? Still interesting that the General springs are not centered, although this has been commented on several times. 

 

Doesn't the larger bushing of the two ends go to the frame side?

[Gjeep]

I thought the bushings were different sizes (big and little) but it's been a while since the install and I've done an XJ leaf swap in between. The springs probably have 50 miles on them if that. I wonder if I can 'spin' the overloads if I loosen things up? IF that would even make a difference.

[fiatslug87]

Following

[WahooSteeler]

7 minutes ago, Gjeep said:

I thought the bushings were different sizes (big and little) but it's been a while since the install and I've done an XJ leaf swap in between. The springs probably have 50 miles on them if that. I wonder if I can 'spin' the overloads if I loosen things up? IF that would even make a difference.

 

Yes, they are different sizes and I have always understood it that the larger bushing went to the frame side and the smaller one to the shackle. If you only have 50 miles on them I'm pretty sure that 1/2" will settle once they get some daily use and/or if you put some weight in the bed for a little while to help them settle. May not have to mess with spinning the overload and all that. 

[Gjeep]

Visually it makes me want to vomit, so I'm going to see if I can spin one side. Thanks for the info. Glad to know I don't need to unbolt the whole damn thing...just some of it. Kills me when I overlook things first round.

 

[Pete M]

MJ leafs are shorter in front of the axle and longer behind.  My guess is that the overloads would follow that pattern too. 

[gogmorgo]

Have you actually measured the ride height and compared to factory spec?

I’m willing to believe an aftermarket product doesn’t exactly reproduce factory specs, but I’m also willing to believe that the springs on a 31-year-old truck aren’t necessarily in the same condition they were when they left the factory, either.