Not level after ESPO springs installed

[1KWagoneer]

I just installed a set of Leaf Springs from ESPO the were to have approx. 2" lift. THe front looks great and it lifted the tired Jeep about an inch and a half. THe problem is the rear is still sitting lower than the front and is only about an inch higher than it was before. My question is , what is the easiest way to get the rear to sit level with the front. I am thinking that about an inch will do it. My idea was to install a couple of metal plates welded together underneath the springs. I would then install a new center bolt and u-bolts if needed.What problems if any would this cause?

[Michael]

I do not see why that would be a problem. Most auto parts stores I have seen they have a universal block kit which will work. I have seen them for 1" and they cost around $30.00. They come with new u-bolts also.

[Iron Horse]

Just make sure those lift blocks are cast iron or steel. The weight of our rigs makes aluminum a no-no.

[1KWagoneer]

Thanks for the replies! I think I will check into the auto stores first for a 1" kit. I'll probably end up making one myself

[Gregorio]

I assume that the springs are new. If that is so then I wonder what ESPO has to say about the springs not lifting the rig the proper amount.
I was planning to order a set from ESPO on Monday when they re-open but don't want some cheezeie springs that will sag in a short time.

[ChrisCollege]

I agree with Gregorio, if you bought brand new springs from ESPO they should level the vehicle correctly without having to use blocks.

[1KWagoneer]

I agree, I would expect the springs to be level as is but I can't stomach the idea of removing the springs again. Going by my measurements from before and after the difference is only a half inch,but because it sagged before in the back it annoys me even more. I have Monday off so it might be worth a call but I still haven't recovered (physically or emotionally)from installing the new Leaf springs.It really is true about spending some time cussing while trying to put those things on. It was worth it though.

[Ralph]

You might give it a few days of driving first, to see if the new springs up front don't settle somewhat. I had this problem when swapping springs from a '79 Wag, and it settled back to a nice level ride.

[Sergio & Ulrike]

Could flip your rear shackles over?

[1KWagoneer]

I have heard of flipping the shackles. How much difference would that make? How does it effect the ride if at all?Is it as simple as removing and reversing the direction?

I guess it settle on its own. The rear springs looked as if they had more arch than the fronts before I installed them so maybe they will.
Thanks for all the help! There's no way I could keep this Jeep without this site!

[Bridge]

trogers,

Saw your thread of Oct. 2001 explaining your dis-satisfaction of the ESPO lift springs. I am in the exact position today. Even regretting the thought of getting back under the 1990 GW again to SOMEHOW get another inch of lift in the back.

What did you end-up doing and how satisfied are you?

[The Anti-Chrysler]

When did you tighten your shackles, when it was jacked up, or when it was at ride height??

I've experienced times when tight shackles with rubber bushings will actually gradually hold the spring down (sag) because when they are too stiff to rotate, they will not let the spring flex properly and return to the neutral position.

Loosen up all of the spring mounting points, lubricate generously with silicone spray, and bounce the suspension to see if it comes back up. Don't drive of course with the loose bolts, though.

[95pontiac]

I replaced the front and rear leaf springs on my '88 Grand Wagoneer with ESPO "stock height" springs last August - the back sat too low - I ended up getting a shop to put an additional leaf in the back ($200)- looks great now... I called ESPO and they said they could re-arch the springs that I bought from them - so was I supposed to take them off, ship them back, and wait - I don't think so. I have been driving the truck daily and the front never really settled that much.

[incocknito]

Add me to the list of dissatisfied ESPO customers. I too installed front and rear "stock" springs and the rear sits a full 2" lower than the front. I've tried all the suggestions offered on this site with no success. On top of everything else, it rides like s***!

[SoCalCruiser]

No, I don't want to hear this. I was thinking of ordering on Monday.

Is anybody satisfied?

Craig

[talntar]

Originally posted by SoCalCruiser:
No, I don't want to hear this. I was thinking of ordering on Monday.

Is anybody satisfied?

Craigno problems with mine.
http://www.fullsizejeeps.com/jeeps/files/talntar/getimg.bmp

[95pontiac]

I would agree with "incocknito" - the back did sit 2" lower with the new "stock" springs - it didn't look very good - I was not at all happy after spending that money! All the new ESPO hardware worked great (U bolts, mounting bolts, etc) - the rear springs are just not being made to "level" the vehicle.

[Bridge]

Mark me down as an unsatified customer. I have the same deal...rear sits too low. And I just finished putting mine on yesterday. The feeling of having done ALL that work, I am new to automechanics, stepping back and looking at a sagging rear end...well, it's disheartening.

I am ordering 1.5 inch blocks from restore4X4.com today.

[Bridge]

Oh yeah, and I ordered mine with a 1" lift over stock. PPpppphhhh. What's up with that?

[fredws]

Where else would you guys suggest to get "stock" springs?

[Midnightwagon]

your local spring shop will probably be able to da a better job of this then these people you are talking about.

[Stuka]

Wear are you measuring lift from? The frame, door seal or what? You cannot measure tire to fender distance, as the rear fender is smaller then the front. You need to measure frame or door seal hieght to get the correct measurment.

Although to be all honest I would never spend that kind of money on stock springs.

[95pontiac]

"Although to be all honest I would never spend that kind of money on stock springs."

Depends upon what type of vehicle you (the person spending the money) wants - isn't that fair.

I measured the height from the door seal.

[Cliff]

I have been reading UNHAPPY posts about Espo springs for many years on AMC forums. With so many better options out there, why bother?

What about Eaton (stock replacements) or Alcan (custom lifts)? Good stuff! Go with the good reputations.

[ May 17, 2003, 09:55 PM: Message edited by: Cliff ]

[TexasJ10]

Where do you get the Eaton stock replacements from?

[JeepKahn]

It's eaton detroit spring company...313-963-3839 or www.eatonsprings.com (http://www.eatonsprings.com)

[Ralph]

After seeing this thread come up again after all this time, I decided to send Espo an email. They responded pretty quickly, and on a Sunday to boot:

-------------------------

To whom it may concern:

I've been wanting to purchase springs and other parts from your company; however, I am concerned about your reputation for quality.

Here is a link to an ongoing discussion about your leaf springs for J-Series Jeeps (Wagoneer/Cherokee/J10/J20):

http://www.ifsja.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=005820;p=1

If this is something you are aware of, what measures are being taken to
assure that these problems don't happen in the future?

Sincerely,

Ralph Hayward
Ouray, CO

-------------------------

Mr. Hayward:

Well, that's the first time I've heard anything like that. You get a vehicle here or there that doesn't sit right which is why at our cost we will arch them higher since it wasn't our fault or the fault of the owner, it's just a fluke. But I can tell you that I have not had a lot of people calling and saying they're springs sit low. Just the opposite. I am constantly getting calls about how they saw us on the full-size Jeep site and how well our springs worked for others and wanted to buy some. The Grand Wagoneer springs is one of our best selling springs.

Also, they say something in the link you sent about AMC springs, and I've never heard of problems with them except for on the cars where they don't know the spring code, and usually it ends up sitting too high because we have to choose a "middle of the road" spring.

My advice is to look for a different thread and see if there's ones there with positive comments, because I can't see the majority of them being negative since everyone tells me they heard about us on there.

We attempt to put out a quality product, and if I heard that they weren't working other than 1 or 2 here or there then I wouldn't be selling them. Our reputation is very important to us...that's the one thing you'll find with a family owned business...it's not just a bunch of employees trying to make a buck. Our business is our life.

I would love to have your business, but you need to feel comfortable with who you are purchasing parts with. I believe most of our customers are satisfied, but I have no way of proving that to you so you''ll have to go by what you find on the net.

Thanks for considering us. If you have any other questions, please feel free to email us.

Laura

800-903-9019 M-Th 8:30 AM-5:00 PM Est. (Fridays the sales office is closed to help us ship in a timely manner)

-------------------------

[SLINKY]

it's great to see they sent that letter and handled it very nicely.. Who ever had problems did u call them back and complain? i need springs bad and have been holding back until this topic had come to a rest. I'll give them a call this week for springs, because of that letter. and how fast it came back...

[Cliff]

You can buy direct from Eaton. No contact info, but I know they have a web site. I e-mailed them from their site and got a quick reply. A search should find it. Good luck.

[mdill]

I am going to go with Detroit Eaton, just have to pry my wallet open, they
gave me a phone quote it was in the $400 per axle (OUCH) but from their
reputation, they built OEM for the big three, and they have the tools and expertise
to do it right. I think I am going with the "stock" HD set, I am still debating with myself
since I am going to put a winch on if I want the set that Jeep listed for wagoneer
with a winch or plow (Same set as a J20) for the front.

Mike D.

[JeepKahn]

I posted the contact info for eaton spring a few messages back so here it is again....
313-963-3839 or www.eatonsprings.com (http://www.eatonsprings.com)

[Woodstock-Waggy]

UHHHH I have been riding on ESPO stock replacements on the rear for two years and almost from the get-go they sagged back to completly horizontal. The front was replaced with stock springs from a 77 wide track, and they are holding up better!!

I don't want to get into flaming here on the list, but I have been to the ESPO shop, and would gladly fill in anyone on my experience off list.

[1KWagoneer]

Wow! When I first posted this I remember being disappointed and feeling like I was the only one with this problem. I probably should have complained to ESPO at the time but there was no way I was going to pull those springs off after all the trouble it was to get them on. If I could do over again I definitely would not buy the ESPO springs. I wish I woulld have gone with springs with a 3" lift kit. Live and learn.
If nothing else this forum makes for a good counseling session.

[YAKFSHR]

i agree, for what i spent i should have gone with the 4" skyjacker (had the money)but i wanted to park the wag in the garage. stupid me but someday i will change over and suck up the loss. honest evaluation of my 2" over espo springs with poly bushings...sits right in the front but the rear is a little low. can't really verify this as i did not measure before change over. rides a little stiff which i can live with but my gosh, those poly bushings were not lubed before installation and the noise is (*&*(^*^)(*_) KILLING ME!!

[Jeepin Jason]

Or Alcan, I have never heard of them. I really only want 2", maybe 3" at the most as this will be more of a daily driver and used to tow my lifted TJ to the trail. I need to do something as mine still has the original springs.

[Bridge]

I guess that I was the one who dusted off the original thread from trogers. Went through the archives after installing ESPOs w/ a 1" lift. Found troger's description which I could relate too. I did not call ESPO for the same reasons as well.

Just going to follow a suggestion and put a 1.5" set of blocks on the rear.

[jhatcher]

Rear Springs 5 Leaf 94ZX7229NF
Front Sprints 5 Leaf 07RJ2047B
Front Springs Heavy Duty 7 Leaf 07AU2048P

Enter the part number into the search
Click Here (http://www.jcwhitney.com)

[DanH]

i got a quote from eaton for 369,00 frt 399.00 rear + shipping! anyone have an idea why the big price difference? Used them before on a camaro I have and was very happy, but the prices were inline with other souces on that vehicle.