Erick151

I have a 2001 xj. The rear axle leaf spring center bolt broke and I can't get the head out the hole to replace it. Also it seems like it would be hard to put in a new one with there being such little amount of space. I've looked all over and can't find any real information or vids. Any help would be appreciated, thanks.

bluejeep2001

If i remember the centering pin goes through the spring pack and secures the spring pack and the nub just rides in the axle's plate hole. Its probably just rusted into the plate

That Jeep Guy XJMJ

Leaf spring center pin/bolt is a self explanatory deal. It's a bolt that centers the leaf packs so they don't slide out from each other. The piece left in your leaf spring perches is just the head of the bolt/pin. Getting it out isn't really all that entailed, either grab ahold of it with pliers and wiggle it free or attempt to coax it out the top wheel hitting it from the bottom with a pointed punch or even a flat chisel between it and the axle tube.

Replacing it is simple as well. 2 C clamps - 1 on either side of the center hole(s) while your springs are in a stack. Use a screw driver as an alignment pin to keep the springs relatively in line. While you tighten the clamps on either side you will want to coax the springs into near perfect alignment until the springs are tightly compressed together. Local hardware stores usually always carry grade 8 or better allent head bolts so grab yourself a 5/16's allen head thats prolly 2" longer than your compressed leaf packs thickness. Make sure the allen head is on the bottom of the pack as this will serve as the centering pilot foe the leaf spring perch.
Tighten new pin down and then release your clamps. 2.5" spring clamps are chepa and found all over the internet so those should be put in place to keep your leafs from fanning out from onw another.

If you look up videos on how to bastard pack a leaf spring, you may find yourself a little video tutorial on the whole deal to make things a little more obvious for you