dang XJ leaf spring bolts

[RenegadeT]

TOTM...aka I don't feel like searching the internet right now. I know there's loads of info out there, lets post up some links and/or personal experinces with the PITA XJ main leaf bolts.

Today I was removing rear springs, drivers side main eye bolt broke leaving about 1/2" of the bolt stuck in the unibody weldnut. There was enough play on the bushing where I could pry the leaf out.

On the pass. side, the main eye bolt came out about 1/4" before the weldnut broke free from the unibody. My plan of attack is to get a 6" cutoff wheel and cut the bolt to free the spring.

I'm not sure yet how I'll get it back together. I think the rollbar foot is right above the front spring hanger.

 

[71chevytruckguy]

Maybe cut the old spring "box" off and weld a new one in. And maybe think about changing the number to something other than 666.

 

[drkelly]

And maybe think about changing the number to something other than 666.

LMAO! I agree.

 

[Jeff B]

Burn out the side plate with torches, then burn that fawkin nut off. Weld in a new heavy nut, weld a plate back on the side. Bolt in spring & wheel your heart out...

Or just burn the nut our & get a 1/8" plate & weld a nut on it fish plate it over the old hole with the nut on the insid, weld around. Bolt spring in & wheel your heart out...

 

[Jody Treadway]

Easiest thing may be to just cut off the entire spring mount and fab a new one. Shouldn't be that hard at all.

 

[RenegadeT]

I spent way too much time trying to weld a nut to the broken stub of the bolt. Finally broke out the 7" cutoff wheel and sawzall, cut the offending pieces off on both sides. Now to fab up some replacement pieces.

I found some pricey replacements...http://www.synergysuspension.com/Synergy-Suspension-Jeep-XJ-Rear-Spring-Hanger-Bracket-p-20685.html
but I'll see what I can make. If anyone knows something much cheaper, I'm all ears.

 

[XJ_Mike]

dear Jesus I'm about to get new leafs and have an XJ that came from Boone, aka RUST to the MAX. I'm honestly terrified now, shouldn't have opened this thread Nightmare reminder of rear upper shock bolts...

 

[1983Bronco]

Pb blaster it for days before removal