YJ: Broken Leaf Spring Emergency Repair

[Roger]

On our recent trip to Sedona AZ, on the Broken Arrow trail, I broke the driver side leaf spring coming down the staircase:



It seemed to hold together so I drove it back to my motel. Next store was an Orielly's Autoparts store. so I purchased a Helper Spring kit:


I jacked the jeep up so the spring was streched:


Blocked the rear tires and set the e-brake first:


I used the u-bolts in the kit to clamp the springs together:


In the bag of goodies Mitch gave me with the Jeep was a a spare pair of shackles and a bunch of bolts. I bolted the shackle as a clamp behind the two u-bolts. I didn't take a photo of it though. After I replace the spring pack, I may keep the up bolts in the Jeep if I ever have to make another repair like this. Hopefull not!

I drove the Jeep all the way home to Californa with no problems.

[6spdYJ]

Congratulations on the fix. Glad to hear you're safe.

[bails85]

quick thinking. i dont know what i would have done. i can honestly say i have never seen a leaf break until now. congrats roger youre my first.

[Tumbleweed13]

Solid road fix. I probably would've tried to use zip ties and duct tape to fix it.

[Jason]

I have used duct tape when the bottom leaf decided to go it's own way I probably would have used the tape for your fix as well. Well, at least to limp to the parts store. Good find Roger. That almost seems like a good trail bag goodie for leaf sprung jeeps.

[Ol Man]

I have broken two leafs on my buggy. One in the front and another on the back. I carry welding cables and have been able to repair both on the trail. In addition to welding the broken section, I used hose clamps to hold the leaves together. After seeing what Roger used, I think I am going to make two plates with four bolt holes for the next time.

[Roger]

Jason, you're right about trail bag goodies for leaf springs. I'm going to keep them with me.

Rich, I can tell you that there is a lot of tension there so I suggest grade 8 bolts and lock washers

[Kodiak Spirit]

That's a nice fix when you can get the parts store... When I broke the same spring on my YJ I took an axe to a hunk of wood, shaped it to fit, jacked up the jeep, ratchet strapped it inbetween the axle and the frame and drove home solid. I miss those jeepin adventures...

[6spdYJ]

That's a nice fix when you can get the parts store... When I broke the same spring on my YJ I took an axe to a hunk of wood, shaped it to fit, jacked up the jeep, ratchet strapped it inbetween the axle and the frame and drove home solid. I miss those jeepin adventures...

They miss you too.

[nwoods]

That's a nice fix when you can get the parts store... When I broke the same spring on my YJ I took an axe to a hunk of wood, shaped it to fit, jacked up the jeep, ratchet strapped it inbetween the axle and the frame and drove home solid. I miss those jeepin adventures...

Like this? (this happened to a trailer (with 40" wheels) while on the Bradshaw Trail, which is a long way from anywhere....

[Lawrence]

That is one slick trail/driveway fix Roger. I'll have to put something like this in the "must take" spare parts list for when I take the trailer out, you never know.

[Kodiak Spirit]

yes! that looks great! Not as nice as Rogers trick, but does the job....