Symptoms
A rear end that sits crooked or crashes over bumps, squeaking leaf springs, or a shackle hanger with rust holes. The buyer's guide calls the shackle mounts a common rot spot, because mud blocks the boxed frame's drain holes.
The fix, step by step
- Support the frame on stands and take the weight off the springs.
- Unbolt the shackle and spring eye, and cut out the rotted hanger section.
- Weld in a slip-fit repair section, then paint and wax-oil the inside of the rail.
- Fit new shackles (greaseable ones let you lube the pivots) and new bushings in the spring eyes and frame mounts.
- Torque the bolts with the truck at ride height so the bushings aren't preloaded twisted.
Tools & part numbers
- Jack stands
- cut-off wheel
- welder
- grease gun
- bushing press or vise.
Where to buy the parts
Rust Buster rear shackle mount section, 76–86 CJ-5/CJ-7Quadratec ↗Amazon ↗
Fishbone Offroad 1/2 in greaseable shackles, 76–86 CJ-7Quadratec ↗Amazon ↗
Energy Suspension Hyper-Flex complete bushing kit, 80–86 CJ-5/CJ-7Quadratec ↗Amazon ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Jeep CJ-7 parts →
Rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, support the truck on stands rather than a jack, and work at your own risk (disclaimer). Some parts links are affiliate links, which pay us a small commission at no cost to you.