The rear leaf springs hold up the back of the XJ, set ride height, and locate the rear axle — when they sag, crack, or wrap up under load, replacing the pack restores height, ride, and control.
The XJ rides on a leaf-sprung rear axle, and those springs do three jobs at once: carry the load, set how high the back sits, and keep the axle from walking fore and aft. Decades of weight, heat cycling, and rust flatten the arch until the back end squats, the ride goes harsh, and the axle starts to wrap up under throttle. You'll feel it as a saggy stance, bottoming over bumps, or axle wrap that makes the rear hop on acceleration. Swapping the pack — whether back to stock height or up to a lift spring — brings the geometry back and is the foundation of most rear lifts. Do one side at a time so the axle never drops free, and budget extra time for seized fasteners on any Jeep that has seen winters.
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| Part | Vendor | Est. price |
|---|---|---|
| Crown HD replacement rear leaf spring (stock height, each) | RockAuto / Quadratec | ~$110 |
| Rough Country / Rusty's replacement lift pack (pair) | Rough Country / Rusty's | ~$220 |
| New U-bolt kit (four U-bolts + nuts) | General Spring / RockAuto | ~$45 |
| Greasable spring eye and shackle bolts (optional) | Energy Suspension / local | ~$35 |
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.