Just doesn't look right

[KenB]

Ok, this is my first Jeep, and I'm learning as I go. The PO had installed a lift (I assume 4" - that is the distance between upper and lower bolts on the spring hanger.)
Don't see anything unusual on the rear, but the front hangers are both angled out at the bottom. The left has a little more angle than the right. Is this normal? And if not, what would y'all suggest to correct it?

 

[coldwater]

Ok, this is my first Jeep, and I'm learning as I go. The PO had installed a lift (I assume 4" - that is the distance between upper and lower bolts on the spring hanger.)
Don't see anything unusual on the rear, but the front hangers are both angled out at the bottom. The left has a little more angle than the right. Is this normal? And if not, what would y'all suggest to correct it?

That aint right. Can you provide a few more piks to us? It's hard to tell what's going on there with the close ups of just the hangers.

 

[kicknjeep]

On my previous CJ the front shackles were doing the same thing on the front and turned out it was that the U-bolts were loose and let the springs turn
(worn nuts on U-bolt). Put new U-bolt kit on and no more leaning shackles. Just a thought...

 

[Thorwon]

Mine were like yours when I got my jeep. I found a crack in my front cross-member, that let the frame twist slightly. I pulled the frame back into place and welded the cross-member back together and put a extra brace on it.
After I got it back in place and braced they still leaned a little so I loosened the axle to spring U bolts and re torqued them. It helped but they still have a slight lean.
I've been running them like that for 9 months now with no problems.

 

[Old Dog]

Check into everything they said, good stuff.
I would also check the bushings to see if they are wore out, and make sure the shackle bolts are not over tightened.

 

[KenB]

Think I found part of the problem.
There are no bushings on the rear spring eyes on either side. The U Bolts are slightly cocked, leaning in the same direction as the front hangers, though a little less angle.
So, I'm thinking install bushings, loosen U bolts and let them align, then tighten into place.
Since I have a little problem working underneath a vehicle, I'll probably have to get this done at a shop.

 

[KenB]

Took a little while to get r done.
Ordered new bushings for the front springs, and took it into our local guru.
They called this morning and said "You better come look at this." Checked the checkbook, shuddered, and went to see.
When they got it on the lift, found that the left front spring hanger was completely broken about 2" back from the eye. They just wanted to know if I wanted them to try and find a junk yard replacement or weld it together and to the frame. Now I'm not exactly in junk yard heaven around here, so I opted for the weld job. That fix plus the new bushings = a big improvement in handling and quiet ride.
Scary part was remembering that that front wheel caught some air in a really remote section of the Black Gap road in Big Bend NP. Guess the Big Guy really does watch over us fools.

 

[mylittlecj5]

I am glad to hear you got it fixed! Was it this part that was broken?

(Yes this is a pic of the rear hanger, but the front looks similar)

 

[KenB]

Yep, thats it. Think the front one is a little longer. The break was between the eye and the first bolt. Couldn't see it when I jacked it up.
Damn bifocals. Anyway, they welded the two pieces together, then welded the eye section to the frame. They did it so that it could be ground off in the future if necessary.

 

[mylittlecj5]

Those seem to break pretty easy, but the good news is its a relatively cheap fix.
The stock style units are as cheap as $13, and the much better HD replacements are about $50 for the pair. I am surprised the shop didnt even look for them to replace before they dragged out the welder!

Here is just one of Many places to buy the hangers...
Spring Hangers : Tellico 4x4

 

[KenB]

Too soon old, to late smart.
Got myself a note if it ever happens again.

 

[kicknjeep]

Well thank goodness it was found and fixed before anything bad happened.
sounds like you have a mechanic who will take care of ya the right way...