Leaf Spring U-Bolt Question

[w30bob]

Hi Guys,

On my A1 someone installed longer leaf spring U-bolts on the outboard side on each side in the rear. They're about 3 inches longer than the inboard and look pretty stupid. Before I replace them with the same length bolts as inboard I just wanted to make sure there was no possible underlying reason this was done intentionally. They were obviously made for a spring pack with more leaves, but don't know the application. So if someone can confirm that all 4 rear U-bolts should be the same length, and not hand down 4 inches below the diff I'd sure appreciate it. I can post a pic if my explanation is confusing.

thanks,
bob

[Joe Gopan]

That's why the make hacksaws. Your rears were originally 13 Leaf.

[w30bob]

Yeah, one of the previous owners must have lost a few leaves going over serious bumps and stuff..........cuz it looks like I'm down to only 5 leaves per spring all around now. Oh well, at least I should get better gas mileage without all that unnecessary leaf weight.

later,
bob

[Joe Gopan]

No idea if yours are the residue of originals, OEM was 12 Leaf Front, 13 Leaf Rear. There were 55-71 Options for CJ-5 that were 5 Leaf Front 6 Leaf Rear.

[w30bob]

Hi Ben,

I'm pretty sure my leaf springs are new replacements, as they're in awfully good condition. I also noticed that the vast majority of replacement leaf springs in the catalogs for M38A1 are 5 leaf. Also explains why two of the 4 rear U-bolts that hold the axles to the leaf springs are so long.........they're original! So I've got one more thing to look for on my ever-growing list of parts to find.

regards,
bob