Help! Have Pics. Lift Problem!!

[90growler]

I started putting on a 2" lift for the XJ and ran into some problems.

Pic #1
When I was unbolting the rear shocks BOTH screws broke off. What is the easiest way to get this fixed? I cannot drive it to a shop and I don't have allot of tools. I am sure this has happened to somebody else please give some insight.

Pic#2
I went to install the half inch blocks and the pin in the middle of the spring pack is just spinning. I cannot get to the bottom nut to remove it. It is also too short so I am guessing I will need to buy something simular at a hardware store. Do I need to disconnect the shocks from both sides of the rear axle to get the axle to drop far enough for me to reach that nut?

Any help would be appreciated. This is the first time I have tried to tackle something like this and I thought it be easier.

 

[TwistedCU]

I had to drill out and tap new threads in for my XJ. I only broke one but that is your only solution. Go get a tap, matching drill bit, and some new bolts that will work with the new threads (will have to be slightly larger than the old ones).

You'll probably have to remove the spring to get to the underside of it for the center pin. Won't you need longer centerpins anyhow?

 

[Jeepr]

I got the large automotive self tapping screws for my upper shock bolts.

why exactly are you trying to remove the center pin in the springs? You need to hold the other side with vise-grips, it is a pin that goes into a hole in the spring perch on the axle (there is no other nut), you can't get those at hardware stores, the best place is a spring shop. It needs the pin to keep the axle centered on the springs..

 

[90growler]

The pin is to hold the half inch block to the spring pack....how can I gain access to the lower nut to replace it? It just spins unless I can gain access to the lower nut of the center pin.

Also.....dumb ?...the block goes on the top.....right?

OK. So drill it out and retap it. any suggestions on what I should use to do that easily? please help thanks.

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

You need to pry the axle up off the spring to get a set of vicegrips on the bottom of the spring centerpin. You'll then be able to loosen it. Be sure to hold the spring pack together with a c-clamp while removing the centerpin.

You'll need to use new centerpins when attaching the lift block beneath the leaf spring, cutting the excess centerpin bolt off.

 

[90growler]

You need to pry the axle up off the spring to get a set of vicegrips on the bottom of the spring centerpin. You'll then be able to loosen it. Be sure to hold the spring pack together with a c-clamp while removing the centerpin.

You'll need to use new centerpins when attaching the lift block beneath the leaf spring, cutting the excess centerpin bolt off.

So...I need to place the block on top of the axle and underneath the spring pack once I am able to remove the pin and replace it with a longer one. Will the pin need to be specific for the application? In my directions it says I can use an "allen type" pin. What are they talking about?

 

[90Xjay]

When I put on my Add-A-Leaf spring kit, they sent a new spring bolt and nut.
I just cut the old one off with a 4" cut off wheel.
I think, that If in your situation, I wouldn't mind cutting that thing off and just using a new bolt to go back together with.

It would be less work.

 

[90growler]

Thanks 90 that worked out OK. I should have it finished up by the end of the weekend....will post pics......thanks for the help.

 

[90Xjay]

I'm glad that worked for you too.

 

[sloppyjoe]

You should switch it over to BPE (Bar Pin Eliminators) to keep from having to do all the drilling and tapping again. Good Luck. JOE>