Symptoms
Sagging or uneven ride height, clunks over bumps, cracked or squeezed-out bushings, broken leaves and rusted shackles.
The fix, step by step
- Following Skyjacker's YJ instructions: support the frame on stands, remove the wheels, shocks and U-bolts, and hold the axle on a floor jack.
- Unbolt the old springs.
- Grease the new urethane bushings and sleeves and press them into the spring eyes.
- Factory rear springs put the small eye at the rear.
- Install the springs with the eye and shackle bolts loose, set the axle back on the spring center pins, and fit new U-bolts (the kit specifies 90 ft-lb at the front).
- Tighten the eye and shackle bolts only with the vehicle on the ground and loaded, then re-torque the U-bolts after 50 and 100 miles.
- For bushings alone, ExtremeTerrain says to clean the spring eyes and shackle brackets back to bare metal and grease every contact surface.
Tools & part numbers
- Jack stands
- floor jack
- press or vise for bushings
- wire brush
- grease
- torque wrench
- new U-bolts.
Where to buy the parts
Old Man Emu OMESB57 leaf spring bushing kit, 87–95 YJQuadratec ↗Amazon ↗
Crown leaf spring shackle kit, 87–95 YJExtremeTerrain ↗Amazon ↗
OMIX 18290.13 leaf spring kit, 87–95 YJQuadratec ↗Amazon ↗
Crown leaf spring service kit (rear), 87–95 YJQuadratec ↗Amazon ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Jeep Wrangler YJ 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.