The TJ is a coil-sprung Wrangler — if you're searching for a TJ "rear leaf spring," you've either got an LJ-to-leaf conversion build, or you're confusing the TJ with the older YJ Wrangler. This guide covers both situations.
Stock TJ Wranglers (1997-2006) and LJ Unlimiteds (2004-2006) use coil springs front and rear — not leaves. That's the headline. If you came into the garage expecting leaf-spring perches under the rear axle, you've got a YJ (1987-1995) or an aftermarket leaf-conversion kit. The coil-sprung rear is one of the TJ's biggest advantages over the YJ: better articulation, smoother ride, more manageable to lift.
That said, there are two real reasons to land on this page. First: you own a TJ with an aftermarket leaf-spring conversion (rare, usually shop-built for racing or specific suspension geometry). Second: you're cross-shopping a TJ with a YJ build and want to understand the differences. The TJ's coil-and-track-bar geometry is covered in detail in our TJ Coil Spring Replacement guide. If your goal is rear lift, you want coil springs, not leaves.
For the rare TJ-with-leaves build (typically a Currie or shop-built setup): leaf packs are sized by load rating and arch. Old Man Emu, BDS, and Skyjacker make spec-matched leaves for YJ that physically bolt to a TJ-to-leaf conversion frame bracket — but you need to confirm bushing eye diameter and arch height against your specific conversion kit. Mopar OE leaves do not exist for the TJ because the platform was never coil-rear from the factory.
Replacement procedure (for the conversion build): support the frame, remove the U-bolts holding the axle to the spring pack, swing the spring forward off the front eye bolt, remove the rear shackle, replace the spring pack with the new one, torque U-bolts to 90-100 ft-lb in a cross pattern. Re-torque after 500 miles — leaf packs settle.
If you bought a TJ and want a 2-3" rear lift, you're shopping coil springs. Skip this guide and go to the coil spring page.
| Part | Vendor | Est. price |
|---|---|---|
| Old Man Emu CS049R Medium Load Rear Leaf (TJ) | ARB / OME | ~$285 |
| BDS 2" Rear Leaf Spring (TJ) | BDS Suspension | ~$320 |
| Rubicon Express Standard Coil Rear Lift (TJ uses coils, not leaves — note: TJ is coil-rear) | Rubicon Express | ~$0 |
| Rancho RS44113 TJ Rear Leaf (NOTE: TJ rear is coil — see body) | Rancho | ~$0 |
Written and maintained by an AZ wheeler and driveway wrencher. Always cross-reference your factory service manual — modifications affect vehicle safety and warranty. Work at your own risk.
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