[bigsky89]

so i put some 2.5 addaleafs in the back of my cherokee, looks amazing nice level fenders, little bit of rake. so my leafs keep trying to slide sideways, i knw i need new ubolts but i have a bunch of strap iron and no cash, if i make some leaf retainers that are liek u shaped with two outward flanges and bolt those together, one from each side is that gonna work? or am i best to just wait to go offroading till i get new ubolts?

[tvisXJ]

Have you checked to see if the U-bolt's came loose? That'll do it. Make sure all 4 bolts on each side are tight.

Also, did you install new leaf spring clamps?... or at least re-use the old ones?

If all u did was an AAL, you should still have enouph of the thread's left to use the stock u-bolts.

[bigsky89]

tightened on as tight as im comfortable with the stock bolt sits flush with the top of the nut... maybe a little lower. kinda worrie dif i tighten it on real tight that it will strip off... and what do you mean by spring clamps, you mean the littl ebands of steel aroudn the ends of the leafs? if so thats what i wanna make but a bolt on one, like a two part piece that bolts over the end of the leaf

[jeeper01]

They will start to slide out a bit, I was worried too but I said screw if they break it will be my excuse to kick my own *** for not getting real leaf packs! Mine sit sideways too I straighten them and they only slide out so far.

[CraigAllen]

I had the same problem - just pounded them back with a BFH when they got out of line, but I finally put one spring clip on each of them and no problems since (except a squeaking noise as the suspension flexes). I have two more left over - if you want them I'll send them to you for the price of postage. Let me know.

[Jason, aka: Jeepin.com]

the u-bolts that hold the axle to the springs aren't going to do anything to keep the leafs lined up.

your aal kit should have come with new spring clips, or you can buy some at most auto parts stores, or take Craig up on his offer.

[toledotimber]

You can use the idea from your first post about the strap steel and bolts. Try to find a way to keep them from moving along the length of the leaves, though. I've heard of people tack welding the straps to the bottom of the leaf pack to keep them in place. I don't know how well that would work, but it's better than nothing.

[bigsky89]

yeah im gonna give that a shot today... will i be able to tighten my ubolts if theyre like only barely flush wiht the top of the nut? if i can tourque them down without stripping them to crap thatd be swell... Craig ill pm ya some info and well figure out what postage will cost. appreciate it man

[Steamer98]

I will be adding a full length Rubicon AAL this weekend, and was concerned over the same issue with the spring clamps. I decided I will make my own, but rather than bending a 'U' I plan on using 5/16" bolts top, and bottom with 3/16" stainless steal plates 1 1/2" wide.

I may not have to do any of this, the RE 6160 kit will be here tomorrrow. Maybe new clamps will come with the kit, didnt see any in the picture, but maybe I will get lucky. If not, I'm prepared

[bigsky89]

awesome sounds liek fun man... im still itchy for a real lift, my little 2 incher is kinda gaytastic, i call ti two cause its three otu back one up fornt but its def. an improvement over stock especially with 30's. can i put the RE 5.5 in mine wiht stock axles and front/rear end? i mean i know its not a good idea but is it possible? remeber thres no terrain here hardcore enough to be truly hardcore, and i take it easy anyways... im sooooo tired of driving around and seeing al the little stock cherokees buzzin around town and knowing i can outdo them but not by enough to satisfy me...

*also tried to make a set of DIY spring clamps and no go, so hell with it im just gonna wait for soem real ones to come in the mail. in the meantime im gonna try to make a CAI box and hood vent... see how that goes.

[asatxj]

go to rocklizardfabrications.com and in the tech articles check out the BB he made, in there is a nice explanation about how to make the spring retainers.

[jfiscus]

I had this same problem with leafs going sideways till I put the clamps back on, they haven't given me trouble since then though in 1.5 yrs now & are still in their correct spots without being welded in place.

When I made my own AAL packs from another XJ pack, out of the 4 leaf packs I seperated I had around 6 usable clamps left out of 8 total IIRC. You could probably reuse your old ones if you didn't cut them off when you unpacked your leaves.

Also make sure the new leaf center pin is still tight when you check the u-bolts & tighten the u-bolts in an x-pattern.

[bigsky89]

well ubolts arent as tight as they could be mainly because i dont hvae enough thread left... theyre barely flush with th etop of the nut, not threaded all the way through and are pretty tight, the risk of stripping them off adn bieng totally screwed is wayyy higher than id like... i have to find new ubolts that are longer but the only ones i can get are like ten bucks each, screw that! the leafs are getting a little chipped up fomr being beaten wiht the BFH but they got a lot more times through that process before its an issue... i might check my ubolts see if theyre tightened down they may have loosened off a bit since i checked last. im kind of in limbo with everything right now, waiting for parts, dont have any extra clamps and couldnt find anythign to make clamps otu of the strap iron i had was crap (as mentioned) and thast all i had so its a waiting game... oh well worse things could happen by then who knows. changed the battery posts today so i got my fix for the afternoon... seemed to have helped a little the old ones were the stock original posts and in reeeeealy bad shape so im glad thast otu of the way.