How to Safely Replace Leaf Springs Gen 1 Xterra

Northern winter climates force ice removal chemicals and salt to be used. Rear leaf springs get sprayed thoroughly with this mixture all winter. The result? Cracked and droopy leaf springs. Since leaf springs for my Generation 1 2000 Xterra cost $479 each from auto parts stores, I chose to save $900 by getting them from a junk yard instead! Please observe safety if performing these tasks.

[@rafaeldiaz7937]

Love this man, keep up the great work. You give us the confidence to take on projects and be able to pass that knowledge down. Thank you

[@ijfim]

Thanks for nudging me forward.

[@paulocrxterra9138]

Great! I was waiting for a video like this to replace the leafspring on my Xterra as well since it's gonna be the first time I replace them by my own. Thanks man! 😎👍.

[@ijfim]

Lemme know if you need any clarification, will be happy to assist if I wasn’t clear enough in the video.

[@BrandonBrandmaker-km3fz]

Thx for doing this video you definitely made my day

[@ijfim]

Glad you got something out of it. Hope it improves your drivability.

[@BrandonBrandmaker-km3fz]

@@ijfim it’s a very big difference thx again

[@Siiello]

I am about to replace my rear leaf springs also. No breaks just seem too loose and flat. I would not want another old set of leafs for my case... A local business here in kansas city makes leaf springs and they had heavy duty upgraded ones for 150 per or 120$ for oe style in stock. With the overlanding build I am doing with the vehicle I wanted to stiffen up the rear end to compensate for the added weight it will eventually have. This tutorial will serve as a great reference thank you.

[@ijfim]

Glad you got good use out of it. Check out my first published video for a front suspension replacement as well!

[@Siiello]

@ijfim although I have not seen that one I have already replaced upper control arms, tie rods, steering center link, and done a slotted brake rotor upgrade in the front. A rear main seal repair also called for dropping tranny and torsion bars. I have also welded a custom exhaust system together for my xterra

[@ijfim]

@Siiello whoa! Yeah, you’ve done some heavy maintenance already for sure!

[@robbob5318]

Note.. more spring does not let you carry more weight, only a bigger axial does.

[@Siiello]

@robbob5318 consider my case where the weak and tired factory spring would bottom out very prematurely well before ever approaching the axle load capacity. In this case the upgraded spring actually does allow for the carrying of more weight by actually getting closer to the axle capacity before bottoming out.

[@edro7139]

Hi, how is the ride in your Xterra with those KYB shocks?

[@ijfim]

They are fine…never had an issue for 3 years.

[@edro7139]

@@ijfim I got an 02 Xterra, last owner lifted 2" needs new shocks. So I'm try to decide between those kyb or bilistein 4600 . But I don't know which of those are better.

[@ijfim]

@edro7139 bilistein is supposed to be better, but I seriously have no issues with my econo shocks. When I bought them, I didn’t have much cash for repairs so I got the cheapest autozone set.

[@jaehernandez2530]

Would this be the same process on a 2002 frontier 4wd ?

[@ijfim]

Not completely sure since there are variations. That year may have shocks and springs rather than torsion bars though.

[@midnightraiin4035]

how much did junk yard charge for leafs?

[@ijfim]

If I can recall, it was $60 for both. I bundled it with some other stuff too. I might have mentioned it in the video at some point I believe.

[@midnightraiin4035]

@@ijfim thankyou

[@bplotts1]

Is it OK to just replace 1 spring?

[@ijfim]

Symmetry is best in suspension components, a safer and more predictable drive. I recommend changing them in pairs if you can. If you know the other spring is still good, then it shouldn’t be an issue.

[@robbob5318]

Yes.

[@rfcdgaf]

the car is supposed to be resting on the jackstands, not floating inches above, dont do this, its not safe. Also never reuse ubolts!!! Buy new, so cheap! Jesus what a vid "How to safely replace leaf springs" my ass ...

[@robbob5318]

Thank you sir.. he needs to watch a KZbin video before making a KZbin video... 😅 😂

[@robbob5318]

Seams like you struggled...next time watch a KZbin video first...

[@jesusayala1482]

No way dude ! Took me all day to replace the shocks I can’t imagine doing this. How much you charge me to do my xterra? 🫣

[@ijfim]

Haha! Yeah, sometimes this stuff is rusted on.