Leaf springs?

Question

do Leaf springs wear out? I have a 84 Cheokee and the back saggs about an inch and the leaf springs look flat..

Answer 1

yes leaf springs do wear out and for the other answer saying it could be the shocks ? shocks only control rebound like others say they do not hold up your suspension unless they are coil over shocks which is a whole different story for you your vehicle was not equipped with them
if the rear of your vehicle is sagging it is most likely the springs and or spring bushings it is a easy fix to have them replaced and you could also add a helper leaf spring to the spring pack to bring it back up to height but that would only be a temp fix if the springs are weak because adding a helper spring would most likely add to much Resistance to the weak springs and cause them to break

Answer 2

I have build many vehicles from the frame up - mostly for customs and racing. So it is hard for me to tell just what it is that you are trying to build (or have for that matter). I usually use the type of springs that go with the axle or suspension system that I am going to put on the frame that I have built. For example, when I put an independent front suspension on something, I don't use leaf springs. When I put a 9 inch ford on one with a big hp engine, you won't normally find coil springs back there. Traction bars maybe. Rear 4 link and very early cars like model t or a types may have coils, single transverse and so forth. For more weight like my 10 wheel dump truck, it takes springs but not for the road truck which uses air bags. So something you did not mention was air bag systems, which work great for cars. If you define a new question a little more, builders can answer it much more to the point

Answer 3

Leaf springs do wear out, and the Front should look more like Flat because that's were all the weight is at, the back should have a little arch to them.

I could be the springs

and

No! it can't be the shocks because the shocks don't support weight

good luck!

Answer 4

Hey , leaf springs do wear out overtime. The fact that you are dealing with an 84 tells me that you could also have a bushing problem. What kind of mileage do you have? To get the springs back to the factory height you could have them re-arched but that will not hold. I would suggest that you have an extra leaf put in. If you decided to do the work yourself be very careful on the front eye. The nut for the front bolt is welded to the frame(and not very well).Hollar if you need help. BTW I work in a spring shop.

Answer 5

I have a '98 and the rear is sagging too. I know the shocks are good so it's got to be the leafs. I'm planning on a lift so I'll replace them then. Stock leafs aren't to expensive. About $60 to $85 each, depending where you go. You could go to a salvage yard and get them for less but the quality would not be guaranteed and they would probably end up sagging again shortly after.

Answer 6

I think it ought to be mentioned, that shocks don't hold the vehicle up, all they do is dampen movement, if you take the shocks completely off your vehicle won't drop any. Bad shocks can't be the problem.

Your springs have just sagged over time, which all springs do, wether it be coils or leafs.

Answer 7

Cherokees are notorious for a saggy rear end after a while. Now is the time to purchase and install a lift!

Answer 8

i own a repair shop,and yes they will loose there tension after a while and get a little sag to them,you can easily have them replaced though,its not that expensive either,and you can even have them add a spring to give it a more firm of a ride,and it helps them to handle a lot better also.but weak springs will make any thing sag down a little,good luck,i hope this help,s.

Answer 9

Could be your shocks also, they wear out. Does it seem to bounce alot over bumps? If it bounces like over 4 times then your shocks are probably about worn out. Go ahead and lower the front end for a quick fix!!!!!!

Answer 10

Yes sir they do...you can have them reset, or get them replaced.

Cheers.