M38 Jeep Front Springs

[Peter Phillips]

I literally just had mine re-arched at a shop as I believe they've never been touched before; no actual leaves were broken but a few clamps were. I have read that due to the metals used during construction of the original springs they are a prime candidate for a re-arch and do well.

[Owen Evans]

Originally Posted by Peter Phillips

I literally just had mine re-arched at a shop as I believe they've never been touched before; no actual leaves were broken but a few clamps were. I have read that due to the metals used during construction of the original springs they are a prime candidate for a re-arch and do well.

Hi Peter,

I'd heard the same, but can't remember where I read it. As Rob suggests, a thorough inspection is in order once I get the springs off. As for re-arching, I read of some folks doing it themselves. But I think I'd rather let a shop that knows what they're doing tackle it.

Thanks!
Owen.

[Mike K]

A crude and cheap but effective method of re-setting individual leaves is to use a hydraulic pipe bender, these benders are sold everywhere , made in Asia.

Years ago Tim Vibert wrote up a article describing how he reset his springs using a cheap pipe bender. Although the experts will say this is not a ideal thing to do, it does work. I have tried it and it was a good outcome. There is some risk of damage involved with cold bending spring leaves, don't be too heavy handed , be gentle.

You lay down the leaf on the floor and run a marker or chalk line along the outline, this gives you a reference point to gauge how far you have changed the shape as you go along/ You feed the leaf along the bender at small steps , being careful not to bend the centre where the hole is .

The other old fashioned method involves a anvil and a big hammer . You warm up the leaf , leave it out in the sun for a while . Lay the leaf over the horn of a anvil and basically bash it as you move it along the horn. Some people reckon the bashing has the effect of re-aligning the atomic structure of the spring steel back to the original state. Like the steel has a memory and the bashing wakes up the memory !

[Peter Phillips]

Originally Posted by Owen Evans

Hi Peter,

I'd heard the same, but can't remember where I read it. As Rob suggests, a thorough inspection is in order once I get the springs off. As for re-arching, I read of some folks doing it themselves. But I think I'd rather let a shop that knows what they're doing tackle it.

Thanks!
Owen.

I believe I read it in Ryan Miller's M38 G-740 Reference guide

[Owen Evans]

Originally Posted by Peter Phillips

I believe I read it in Ryan Miller's M38 G-740 Reference guide

Good memory Peter! Page 139 of the M38 Reference Guide.....

Thanks!
Owen.