2018 JL upper rear spring perch failure.....

[Glamisfan]

Mine had a small crack about 4 months ago, then after some hard off-roading and overlanding it got worse. I have an inch and a quarter body lift, which gave me a lot more room than most people will have to weld a 2“ x 2“ angle iron as a crossmember above it.

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[BDinTX]

Mine had a small crack about 4 months ago, then after some hard off-roading and overlanding it got worse. I have an inch and a quarter body lift, which gave me a lot more room than most people will have to weld a 2“ x 2“ angle iron as a crossmember above it.

Now THAT would be nice! If I do anything below that I think I’d need to reroute my exhaust.

 

[BDinTX]

I know this is an old thread but it’s spot on what I found on mine yesterday. Mine is a 2021 with 32k miles on it.

Passenger side where it ties into the frame:

And where it ties into the crossmember:

Since it’s a diesel the exhaust runs down the passenger side.

Update on mine: After reviewing the pictures and speaking with the dealership, corporate instructed them to replace the entire frame. Getting the new frame should be 7-9 days, no estimate on how long the swap will take.

 

[finding away]

Me, too! And a couple of my Ursa Minor buds in another forum. I think we are all driving JLUs. JKs have a sturdier looking setup. I think everyone should take a look to see if their spring perch welds look healthy.

 

[BDinTX]

Me, too! And a couple of my Ursa Minor buds in another forum. I think we are all driving JLUs. JKs have a sturdier looking setup. I think everyone should take a look to see if their spring perch welds look healthy.

How many miles are you at?

 

[OBJLU]

Lol 65k miles same thing, getting it fixed this week.

 

[finding away]

How many miles are you at?

65k

 

[OBJLU]

I had it fixed, my shop did it for 25 bucks, did both sides he said the welds were pretty bad, partial only

 

[BDinTX]

I had it fixed, my shop did it for 25 bucks, did both sides he said the welds were pretty bad, partial only

I wish they would have just repaired mine. It took a month to get the frame, now I'm waiting for them to schedule it.

 

[OBJLU]

Dang

I wish they would have just repaired mine. It took a month to get the frame, now I'm waiting for them to schedule it.

There must have been a good reason , a new frame is a big job

 

[Maverick909]

I wish they would have just repaired mine. It took a month to get the frame, now I'm waiting for them to schedule it.

i am impressed they are frame swapping.

 

[Rodeoflyer]

Dang


There must have been a good reason , a new frame is a big job

No kidding.. maybe every weld on the frame was suspect. I do think robotics have issues and you never know. One can great welds and the next not so great. Fortunately I'm the guy who fixes the robots

 

[word302]

Man, my welding skills are elementary at best, but some of these pictures make me feel like Jesse James

 

[BDinTX]

I really think this is a design issue that won't normally show up until a vehicle is out of warranty. Then somebody finds it has broken and trade it in rather than fix it. The unsuspecting new owner thinks they got a great deal and ends up killing themselves.

So I hate to be that guy, but I filed a report with the NHTSA. My complain reads:

"The upper spring perch located at passenger rear is welded to the frame on one side and a crossmember on another. The two vertical welds failed with the remaining welds being at the top of the spring perch. The only indications of a problem were an occasional knocking sound when going over a bump and severe vibration coming from the rear of the vehicle. The noise was caused by the spring perch flexing and tapping the bottom of the body.

I believe the welds broke early this year but the source of the noise wasn't found until July 2023. With prolonged use in this condition the spring perch can completely fail causing the spring and perch to fall out and make the driver lose control.

The dealership submitted pictures and the manufacturer has agreed to replace the entire frame. There are a handful of other people that have reported the same problem (always on the passenger rear) but because of the design, I suspect as these vehicles age stress fractures in the weld will make this issue more prevalent."

If anyone would like to do the same...
Report a Vehicle Safety Problem, Equipment Issue | NHTSA

 

[Lohkay]

I'm in the same boat.... Noticed it was peeling off on the passenger side, welded it back up. Didn't touch the driver side since it looked ok.... now, 6 months later the driver side is going. My passenger side weld seems to be holding up.

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