CJ Replacement Suspension

About CJ suspension

Jeep CJ models use leaf springs front and rear with shackles, solid axles and, on many versions, a sway bar. Decades of use mean bushings, mounts and fasteners are among the first things to wear out, causing wandering steering, clunks and uneven handling.

This category covers the small and mid-sized wear items that return an older CJ suspension to sound condition.

Common parts

• Spring shackle bushings and rebuild kits restore leaf spring pivots.
• Sway bar links and end links reduce body lean and replace worn rubber.
• Upper shock mounts hold the shock to the frame and fail with rust and fatigue.
• U-bolt nuts and pitman arm nuts are critical fasteners that clamp the axle or steering arm.
• Master rebuild kits combine bushings and hardware for a full refresh.

Choosing the right parts

CJ models differ by year and wheelbase, including CJ-5, CJ-7 and CJ-8 versions, and parts may vary by axle and by early or late production. Confirm fitment for your exact year, make and model, and check the manufacturer's specifications. Compare your old part with the new one before installation.

Decide between rubber and polyurethane bushings if both are available. Rubber gives a softer ride, while polyurethane is firmer and lasts longer in some conditions but can transmit more noise.

Installation notes

Support the vehicle on jack stands rated for the weight, and unload the suspension carefully before you disconnect components. Soak rusted bolts with penetrating oil, and replace hardware that is stretched or corroded. Use the factory torque specifications, and tighten bushing bolts with the vehicle at normal ride height so they do not bind.

Steering and axle fasteners such as pitman arm nuts and U-bolt nuts are safety critical. Use the correct grade, and use new cotter pins or locking hardware where specified. A professional alignment and inspection after the work is a good idea.

Further checks and care

Questions to ask before you choose

Think about the condition of the whole suspension. Replacing one worn bushing in a tired system may expose the next weak point. Inspect springs for sag or cracks, check shackle plates for wear and look at frame mounts for rust. Decide whether a complete rebuild kit makes more sense than buying individual parts, and plan an alignment check when the work is done.

Measuring and confirming fitment

Identify the model first, since CJ-5, CJ-7 and CJ-8 parts are not always interchangeable. Measure the bushing outside diameter, inside diameter and length, and note the bolt size on shackles, shocks and links. Check the part numbers on old components, if legible, and compare with the listing. Wheelbase, spring type and axle brand can all affect the correct part.

Materials and inspection

Rebuild parts include rubber and polyurethane bushings, steel sleeves, zinc-plated hardware and stamped brackets. Grease fittings, where used, need regular lubrication. Inspect the springs, shackles and frame mounts for cracks and elongated holes every season, and look at shocks for leaks. Replace rusted U-bolts as a set, because they stretch with age. Keep records of what was replaced so that you know where to look when noises develop.