what do do about these leaf springs

[ttuseth2]

So I need some opinions / help..

My 1982 CJ7 has been a TX jeep it's whole life there is minimal rust issues but where they are and are apparent is on the underside of the jeep.

As you can see from my pictures the existing 4 inch lift installed who knows when has a great deal of surface rust. Nothing is very deep and i'm sure I could probably just clean them up but is it worth it???

I can get a new lift kit with springs for between 400 and 500 and I think that may be a better use of time and resources than trying to resurrect these.

What do you all think?

I have only had the jeep for 2 weeks and this would be my first project / upgrade so take that into account!

 

[Torxhead]

You could take them to someplace like a spring shop, where they could disassemble, clean, paint, rearch, and make any mods like adding a military wrap or clamps to keep them better aligned. Here on the other side of the world, there is this place for an example:Deaver Spring | Suspension Lift Kits, Truck Lift Kits, 4x4 Off Road

 

[Posi]

How much do they settle under full weight, pics? Up on the lift they look good to me. If they ride ok and don't settle much I'd wire brush them and paint. Make sure the shackle bolts are torqued to 20-22 ft lbs any more will give a stiff ride. I can see other areas where you can spend your time and money, rear wheel seals, TRE etc.

 

[caveman]

Yup. Those springs are ok. Wire brush and paint them if you want them to be pretty.

 

[ttuseth2]

thanks caveman yes, the goal is to make them pretty.. also improve the ride, but if the consensus here is that they are ok with some love then all I need to do is replace the shocks to improve the ride.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

I would worry MORE about fixing those oil leaks, than those springs.
Like the 2 leaking rear axle seals and pinion seal.
When's the last time you ck'd the oil level in that diff?
Those springs are fine--
LG

 

[Peanut Butter]

Yup. Those springs are ok. Wire brush and paint them if you want them to be pretty.

Replace the bushings on all that would be a better use of money. Rod

 

[Hedgehog]

You could do as Torxhead said and have someone do some maintenance on the springs, but that sounds so Wrangler. I'd like to think a CJ guy would pull the springs, use a wire wheel on his angle grinder to clean them up, paint'em, reassemble and reinstall.

The obvious oil stains might very well be left oil from previous issues, if not it wouldn't hurt to check things out. you could start with some gunk and a good power washing. Then keep an eye on the possible leak areas. Checking your oil levels wouldn't hurt either.

 

[Old Dog]

So I need some opinions

As you can see from my pictures the existing 4 inch lift installed who knows when has a great deal of surface rust. Nothing is very deep and i'm sure I could probably just clean them up but is it worth it???

I can get a new lift kit with springs for between 400 and 500 and I think that may be a better use of time and resources than trying to resurrect these.

thanks caveman yes, the goal is to make them pretty.. also improve the ride,

ttuseth I would keep the springs you have now as $400-500 is not going to get you a good riding set of springs. Good springs will cost double that. IMO anyway.

 

[the chief]

While you're at it you might want to double nut and cut those U bolts to length too before you bugger them on a rock.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

While you're at it you might want to double nut and cut those U bolts to length too before you bugger them on a rock.

X2 after a re-torque of those nuts.
LG