I'm replacing the shocks on my '96 ZJ Laredo (130k miles)for the first time (with Pro Comp ES9000's). While I'm at it I guess I should replace the springs if they are shot but replacing 'em looks like a bit of a PITA so I don't want to bother if they're ok.
How can I tell if my coil springs have reached the end of their useful life?
Also, if I do need to replace them, which aftermarket maker would be best for moderately priced no lift springs?
Where can I find the manufacturers specs?.....Or better yet could someone let me know what the spec is for a '96 ZJ Laredo 6cyl 4wd with the standard suspension.
Yeah the rear does sag a bit, ever since I towed a 4,500lb trailer 1200 miles several years ago.
The Haynes manual makes it look a lot harder than removing one bolt. They have me disconnecting the rear drive shaft from the rear differential shaft yoke. Unbolt the lower suspension arms from the axle. Unbolt the stabilizer bar links and shock absorber. Disconnect the track bar from the axle bracket.
Are the folks at Haynes making it sound more difficult than it really is?.....I sure hope so.
For the '95 which should be pretty similar, the factory manual has only a few steps.
Lift the vehicle, then put a hydraulic jack under the axle
Disconnect the stabilizer bar link and shock absorber from the axle bracket
Disconnect the track bar from the frame rail bracket
Lower the axle until the spring is free of the upper mount seat, then remove the coil spring retainer bolt and then remove the spring.
Probably a good idea to pick up a new isolator and bushings, grommets, etc. for the track bar and stabilizer bar, possibly even shock bushings while doing this.
This is the procedure from the '96 ZJ factory manual Section 2 page 14:
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COIL SPRING
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle. Position a
hydraulic jack under the axle to support it.
(2) Disconnect the stabilizer bar link and shock
absorber from the axle bracket.
(3) Disconnect the track bar from the frame rail
bracket.
(4) Lower the axle until the spring is free from the
upper mount seat. Remove the coil spring retainer
bolt (Fig. 2) and remove the spring.
INSTALLATION
Inspect isolator the for damage or wear. Replace
the isolator if necessary before installing spring.
(1) Position the coil spring on the axle pad. Install
the spring retainer and bolt. Tighten the bolt to 22
N·m (16 ft. lbs.).
(2) Raise the axle into position until the spring
seats in the upper mount.
(3) Connect the stabilizer bar links and shock
absorbers to the axle bracket. Connect the track bar
to the frame rail bracket.
(4) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.
(5) Tighten the brack bar and shock absorber to
specified torque.
For more detailed instructions with step by step pictures Google"'ZJ Budget Boost" The only difference is instead of adding a spacer you are replacing the whole spring.
Yes, they are making it far too difficult. Jack up the rear end. Support the Jeep by the frame on jack stands. Put a jack on the axle, under one spring. Jack up the jack untill the Jeep creeps less than 1mm off the jack stand on that part of the axle. Lower it back down onto that jack stand. Go to the other side of the axle, push up on the spring and it will pop off the mount on the axle tube. Pull it off the bumpstop. Install the new one the same way as the old one.
If you have a hard time, disconnect the sway bar to axle mounts. This works best with the shocks off. You can also look at intalling 1" coil spring spacers instead of new coil springs to save a few dollars. It will ride the same either way, and probably look the same. Check out
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for the spacers. Stock legnth shocks will be fine.
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