XJ spring replacement. Is it necessary?
 

I got a question for anyone with some XJ insight.

I just got a nice '96 green 2-dr, 5 speed w/ 145,000 mi. on it, and I
want to do some repairs and add some mods to it before I put it on the
road as a daily driver, as a replacement for my civic.

As is, I can't even ride in it because the suspension is so bad! It
hurts the back, and is also dangerous.

The vehicle has also never had a wheel upgrade, so this is one
definite immediate must for better handling performance (should I try
to go 16" or + or just upgrade to some nicer stock aluminum 15"
cherokee wheels with 235/70/15's or whatever?)
My MAIN question is, however, the suspension.
Should I just put nice new shocks all around and a simple add a leaf
in back, and can I then still count on some good road handling and
cornering, or should I most likely replace all springs too??
I know the condition of the springs could determine this answer, but
I'm sort of looking for a simple answer for a light duty, good
condition, city Cherokee..

Anyway, anone get my drift?? I want to do it good! Somebody was
saying go Old Man Emu also. A local 4x4 center here in Mass told me,
however, that at higher road speeds it wasn't a great handler, and is
better known for a soft feel.

I like to have both: High speed performance handling, along with a
cush, comfy ride when rolling through the multitude of potholes that I
hit daily driving in Boston!
OK, I'll leave it at that..
or how bout Rubicon Express?? BDS?, I don't know!?! I guess I need
more advice.
peace, thank you, Ben

Re: XJ spring replacement. Is it necessary?
 

Born in Attleboro, raised in Brockton, I left Massachusetts in 1978 because
it was getting bad there, but I had no idea it was that bad! How much
coffee do you drink? Try being a little more coherent, and tell your story
in order. First of all, what is wrong with the existing suspension? Is it
too stiff, too loose, does the vehicle seem to bounce all over, what? With
that amount of mileage, chances are good that the shocks are worn out, but I
would also recommend a thorough inspection of all suspension and steering
components for loose joints, worn parts, relaxed springs before even
thinking of upgrades. This should be done by a mechanic experienced in
these matters.

And take a yoga class or something. Ommmm....

Earle
Western Colorado, clear skies, clear thinking, never going back.

"Ben-town" <bdtreez@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:2621efad.0311131929.442d9014@posting.google.c om...
> I got a question for anyone with some XJ insight.
>
> I just got a nice '96 green 2-dr, 5 speed w/ 145,000 mi. on it, and I
> want to do some repairs and add some mods to it before I put it on the
> road as a daily driver, as a replacement for my civic.
>
> As is, I can't even ride in it because the suspension is so bad! It
> hurts the back, and is also dangerous.
>
> The vehicle has also never had a wheel upgrade, so this is one
> definite immediate must for better handling performance (should I try
> to go 16" or + or just upgrade to some nicer stock aluminum 15"
> cherokee wheels with 235/70/15's or whatever?)
> My MAIN question is, however, the suspension.
> Should I just put nice new shocks all around and a simple add a leaf
> in back, and can I then still count on some good road handling and
> cornering, or should I most likely replace all springs too??
> I know the condition of the springs could determine this answer, but
> I'm sort of looking for a simple answer for a light duty, good
> condition, city Cherokee..
>
> Anyway, anone get my drift?? I want to do it good! Somebody was
> saying go Old Man Emu also. A local 4x4 center here in Mass told me,
> however, that at higher road speeds it wasn't a great handler, and is
> better known for a soft feel.
>
> I like to have both: High speed performance handling, along with a
> cush, comfy ride when rolling through the multitude of potholes that I
> hit daily driving in Boston!
> OK, I'll leave it at that..
> or how bout Rubicon Express?? BDS?, I don't know!?! I guess I need
> more advice.
> peace, thank you, Ben

Re: XJ spring replacement. Is it necessary?
 

Born in Attleboro, raised in Brockton, I left Massachusetts in 1978 because
it was getting bad there, but I had no idea it was that bad! How much
coffee do you drink? Try being a little more coherent, and tell your story
in order. First of all, what is wrong with the existing suspension? Is it
too stiff, too loose, does the vehicle seem to bounce all over, what? With
that amount of mileage, chances are good that the shocks are worn out, but I
would also recommend a thorough inspection of all suspension and steering
components for loose joints, worn parts, relaxed springs before even
thinking of upgrades. This should be done by a mechanic experienced in
these matters.

And take a yoga class or something. Ommmm....

Earle
Western Colorado, clear skies, clear thinking, never going back.

"Ben-town" <bdtreez@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:2621efad.0311131929.442d9014@posting.google.c om...
> I got a question for anyone with some XJ insight.
>
> I just got a nice '96 green 2-dr, 5 speed w/ 145,000 mi. on it, and I
> want to do some repairs and add some mods to it before I put it on the
> road as a daily driver, as a replacement for my civic.
>
> As is, I can't even ride in it because the suspension is so bad! It
> hurts the back, and is also dangerous.
>
> The vehicle has also never had a wheel upgrade, so this is one
> definite immediate must for better handling performance (should I try
> to go 16" or + or just upgrade to some nicer stock aluminum 15"
> cherokee wheels with 235/70/15's or whatever?)
> My MAIN question is, however, the suspension.
> Should I just put nice new shocks all around and a simple add a leaf
> in back, and can I then still count on some good road handling and
> cornering, or should I most likely replace all springs too??
> I know the condition of the springs could determine this answer, but
> I'm sort of looking for a simple answer for a light duty, good
> condition, city Cherokee..
>
> Anyway, anone get my drift?? I want to do it good! Somebody was
> saying go Old Man Emu also. A local 4x4 center here in Mass told me,
> however, that at higher road speeds it wasn't a great handler, and is
> better known for a soft feel.
>
> I like to have both: High speed performance handling, along with a
> cush, comfy ride when rolling through the multitude of potholes that I
> hit daily driving in Boston!
> OK, I'll leave it at that..
> or how bout Rubicon Express?? BDS?, I don't know!?! I guess I need
> more advice.
> peace, thank you, Ben

Re: XJ spring replacement. Is it necessary?
 

Born in Attleboro, raised in Brockton, I left Massachusetts in 1978 because
it was getting bad there, but I had no idea it was that bad! How much
coffee do you drink? Try being a little more coherent, and tell your story
in order. First of all, what is wrong with the existing suspension? Is it
too stiff, too loose, does the vehicle seem to bounce all over, what? With
that amount of mileage, chances are good that the shocks are worn out, but I
would also recommend a thorough inspection of all suspension and steering
components for loose joints, worn parts, relaxed springs before even
thinking of upgrades. This should be done by a mechanic experienced in
these matters.

And take a yoga class or something. Ommmm....

Earle
Western Colorado, clear skies, clear thinking, never going back.

"Ben-town" <bdtreez@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:2621efad.0311131929.442d9014@posting.google.c om...
> I got a question for anyone with some XJ insight.
>
> I just got a nice '96 green 2-dr, 5 speed w/ 145,000 mi. on it, and I
> want to do some repairs and add some mods to it before I put it on the
> road as a daily driver, as a replacement for my civic.
>
> As is, I can't even ride in it because the suspension is so bad! It
> hurts the back, and is also dangerous.
>
> The vehicle has also never had a wheel upgrade, so this is one
> definite immediate must for better handling performance (should I try
> to go 16" or + or just upgrade to some nicer stock aluminum 15"
> cherokee wheels with 235/70/15's or whatever?)
> My MAIN question is, however, the suspension.
> Should I just put nice new shocks all around and a simple add a leaf
> in back, and can I then still count on some good road handling and
> cornering, or should I most likely replace all springs too??
> I know the condition of the springs could determine this answer, but
> I'm sort of looking for a simple answer for a light duty, good
> condition, city Cherokee..
>
> Anyway, anone get my drift?? I want to do it good! Somebody was
> saying go Old Man Emu also. A local 4x4 center here in Mass told me,
> however, that at higher road speeds it wasn't a great handler, and is
> better known for a soft feel.
>
> I like to have both: High speed performance handling, along with a
> cush, comfy ride when rolling through the multitude of potholes that I
> hit daily driving in Boston!
> OK, I'll leave it at that..
> or how bout Rubicon Express?? BDS?, I don't know!?! I guess I need
> more advice.
> peace, thank you, Ben

Re: XJ spring replacement. Is it necessary?
 

Shocks make a radical difference in a Jeep. I would go with them first.

On a Cherokee you know the rear springs are worn by the arch in them.
They should have a decent positive arch. If they are approaching flat
or are reversed, they need to be changed.

If you aren't looking for a lift and it doesn't sound like it, then I
would recommend stock springs. The Cherokee handles nice with stock
springs and is still a decent off road rig. It will handle any logging
or old forest trail easy.

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's

Ben-town wrote:
>
> I got a question for anyone with some XJ insight.
>
> I just got a nice '96 green 2-dr, 5 speed w/ 145,000 mi. on it, and I
> want to do some repairs and add some mods to it before I put it on the
> road as a daily driver, as a replacement for my civic.
>
> As is, I can't even ride in it because the suspension is so bad! It
> hurts the back, and is also dangerous.
>
> The vehicle has also never had a wheel upgrade, so this is one
> definite immediate must for better handling performance (should I try
> to go 16" or + or just upgrade to some nicer stock aluminum 15"
> cherokee wheels with 235/70/15's or whatever?)
> My MAIN question is, however, the suspension.
> Should I just put nice new shocks all around and a simple add a leaf
> in back, and can I then still count on some good road handling and
> cornering, or should I most likely replace all springs too??
> I know the condition of the springs could determine this answer, but
> I'm sort of looking for a simple answer for a light duty, good
> condition, city Cherokee..
>
> Anyway, anone get my drift?? I want to do it good! Somebody was
> saying go Old Man Emu also. A local 4x4 center here in Mass told me,
> however, that at higher road speeds it wasn't a great handler, and is
> better known for a soft feel.
>
> I like to have both: High speed performance handling, along with a
> cush, comfy ride when rolling through the multitude of potholes that I
> hit daily driving in Boston!
> OK, I'll leave it at that..
> or how bout Rubicon Express?? BDS?, I don't know!?! I guess I need
> more advice.
> peace, thank you, Ben

Re: XJ spring replacement. Is it necessary?
 

Shocks make a radical difference in a Jeep. I would go with them first.

On a Cherokee you know the rear springs are worn by the arch in them.
They should have a decent positive arch. If they are approaching flat
or are reversed, they need to be changed.

If you aren't looking for a lift and it doesn't sound like it, then I
would recommend stock springs. The Cherokee handles nice with stock
springs and is still a decent off road rig. It will handle any logging
or old forest trail easy.

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's

Ben-town wrote:
>
> I got a question for anyone with some XJ insight.
>
> I just got a nice '96 green 2-dr, 5 speed w/ 145,000 mi. on it, and I
> want to do some repairs and add some mods to it before I put it on the
> road as a daily driver, as a replacement for my civic.
>
> As is, I can't even ride in it because the suspension is so bad! It
> hurts the back, and is also dangerous.
>
> The vehicle has also never had a wheel upgrade, so this is one
> definite immediate must for better handling performance (should I try
> to go 16" or + or just upgrade to some nicer stock aluminum 15"
> cherokee wheels with 235/70/15's or whatever?)
> My MAIN question is, however, the suspension.
> Should I just put nice new shocks all around and a simple add a leaf
> in back, and can I then still count on some good road handling and
> cornering, or should I most likely replace all springs too??
> I know the condition of the springs could determine this answer, but
> I'm sort of looking for a simple answer for a light duty, good
> condition, city Cherokee..
>
> Anyway, anone get my drift?? I want to do it good! Somebody was
> saying go Old Man Emu also. A local 4x4 center here in Mass told me,
> however, that at higher road speeds it wasn't a great handler, and is
> better known for a soft feel.
>
> I like to have both: High speed performance handling, along with a
> cush, comfy ride when rolling through the multitude of potholes that I
> hit daily driving in Boston!
> OK, I'll leave it at that..
> or how bout Rubicon Express?? BDS?, I don't know!?! I guess I need
> more advice.
> peace, thank you, Ben

Re: XJ spring replacement. Is it necessary?
 

Shocks make a radical difference in a Jeep. I would go with them first.

On a Cherokee you know the rear springs are worn by the arch in them.
They should have a decent positive arch. If they are approaching flat
or are reversed, they need to be changed.

If you aren't looking for a lift and it doesn't sound like it, then I
would recommend stock springs. The Cherokee handles nice with stock
springs and is still a decent off road rig. It will handle any logging
or old forest trail easy.

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's

Ben-town wrote:
>
> I got a question for anyone with some XJ insight.
>
> I just got a nice '96 green 2-dr, 5 speed w/ 145,000 mi. on it, and I
> want to do some repairs and add some mods to it before I put it on the
> road as a daily driver, as a replacement for my civic.
>
> As is, I can't even ride in it because the suspension is so bad! It
> hurts the back, and is also dangerous.
>
> The vehicle has also never had a wheel upgrade, so this is one
> definite immediate must for better handling performance (should I try
> to go 16" or + or just upgrade to some nicer stock aluminum 15"
> cherokee wheels with 235/70/15's or whatever?)
> My MAIN question is, however, the suspension.
> Should I just put nice new shocks all around and a simple add a leaf
> in back, and can I then still count on some good road handling and
> cornering, or should I most likely replace all springs too??
> I know the condition of the springs could determine this answer, but
> I'm sort of looking for a simple answer for a light duty, good
> condition, city Cherokee..
>
> Anyway, anone get my drift?? I want to do it good! Somebody was
> saying go Old Man Emu also. A local 4x4 center here in Mass told me,
> however, that at higher road speeds it wasn't a great handler, and is
> better known for a soft feel.
>
> I like to have both: High speed performance handling, along with a
> cush, comfy ride when rolling through the multitude of potholes that I
> hit daily driving in Boston!
> OK, I'll leave it at that..
> or how bout Rubicon Express?? BDS?, I don't know!?! I guess I need
> more advice.
> peace, thank you, Ben

Re: XJ spring replacement. Is it necessary?
 

Hey Ben,

I have a '94 Cherokee with about the same amount of miles as you. I
agree with Mike that you prolly need to replace your shocks. Mine
still has the stock shocks, but I will be replacing them soon. The
leaf springs on my XJ are just about flat, but it still handles
perfectly. If your suspension checks out ok, and you still want a
lift, you might want to try a Tomken 2" spacer lift for $150. This is
what I did, and the results were good.
http://www.chrr.ohio-state.edu/~bogr...003-10-18.html
If you do this lift, you can run 31" tires with some mild trimming of
your fender wells.

Also, when I installed my lift, I disconnected the front sway bar to
see what it was like. The XJ handles very poorly at speeds above 25
mph when disconnected. Check and make sure the front sway bar is
connected, because it could be causing the behavior you describe if it
isn't. There is also a sway bar in the rear you should check.

-Brent Bogrees
'89 Jeep Wrangler YJ 2.5L TBI – 33x10.5 BFG MT's
'94 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4.0L – 31x10.5 BFG AT's
http://www.chrr.ohio-state.edu/~bogrees/html/Jeep.html


bdtreez@yahoo.com (Ben-town) wrote in message news:<2621efad.0311131929.442d9014@posting.google. com>...
> I got a question for anyone with some XJ insight.
>
> I just got a nice '96 green 2-dr, 5 speed w/ 145,000 mi. on it, and I
> want to do some repairs and add some mods to it before I put it on the
> road as a daily driver, as a replacement for my civic.
>
> As is, I can't even ride in it because the suspension is so bad! It
> hurts the back, and is also dangerous.
>
> The vehicle has also never had a wheel upgrade, so this is one
> definite immediate must for better handling performance (should I try
> to go 16" or + or just upgrade to some nicer stock aluminum 15"
> cherokee wheels with 235/70/15's or whatever?)
> My MAIN question is, however, the suspension.
> Should I just put nice new shocks all around and a simple add a leaf
> in back, and can I then still count on some good road handling and
> cornering, or should I most likely replace all springs too??
> I know the condition of the springs could determine this answer, but
> I'm sort of looking for a simple answer for a light duty, good
> condition, city Cherokee..
>
> Anyway, anone get my drift?? I want to do it good! Somebody was
> saying go Old Man Emu also. A local 4x4 center here in Mass told me,
> however, that at higher road speeds it wasn't a great handler, and is
> better known for a soft feel.
>
> I like to have both: High speed performance handling, along with a
> cush, comfy ride when rolling through the multitude of potholes that I
> hit daily driving in Boston!
> OK, I'll leave it at that..
> or how bout Rubicon Express?? BDS?, I don't know!?! I guess I need
> more advice.
> peace, thank you, Ben

Re: XJ spring replacement. Is it necessary?
 

Hey Ben,

I have a '94 Cherokee with about the same amount of miles as you. I
agree with Mike that you prolly need to replace your shocks. Mine
still has the stock shocks, but I will be replacing them soon. The
leaf springs on my XJ are just about flat, but it still handles
perfectly. If your suspension checks out ok, and you still want a
lift, you might want to try a Tomken 2" spacer lift for $150. This is
what I did, and the results were good.
http://www.chrr.ohio-state.edu/~bogr...003-10-18.html
If you do this lift, you can run 31" tires with some mild trimming of
your fender wells.

Also, when I installed my lift, I disconnected the front sway bar to
see what it was like. The XJ handles very poorly at speeds above 25
mph when disconnected. Check and make sure the front sway bar is
connected, because it could be causing the behavior you describe if it
isn't. There is also a sway bar in the rear you should check.

-Brent Bogrees
'89 Jeep Wrangler YJ 2.5L TBI – 33x10.5 BFG MT's
'94 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4.0L – 31x10.5 BFG AT's
http://www.chrr.ohio-state.edu/~bogrees/html/Jeep.html


bdtreez@yahoo.com (Ben-town) wrote in message news:<2621efad.0311131929.442d9014@posting.google. com>...
> I got a question for anyone with some XJ insight.
>
> I just got a nice '96 green 2-dr, 5 speed w/ 145,000 mi. on it, and I
> want to do some repairs and add some mods to it before I put it on the
> road as a daily driver, as a replacement for my civic.
>
> As is, I can't even ride in it because the suspension is so bad! It
> hurts the back, and is also dangerous.
>
> The vehicle has also never had a wheel upgrade, so this is one
> definite immediate must for better handling performance (should I try
> to go 16" or + or just upgrade to some nicer stock aluminum 15"
> cherokee wheels with 235/70/15's or whatever?)
> My MAIN question is, however, the suspension.
> Should I just put nice new shocks all around and a simple add a leaf
> in back, and can I then still count on some good road handling and
> cornering, or should I most likely replace all springs too??
> I know the condition of the springs could determine this answer, but
> I'm sort of looking for a simple answer for a light duty, good
> condition, city Cherokee..
>
> Anyway, anone get my drift?? I want to do it good! Somebody was
> saying go Old Man Emu also. A local 4x4 center here in Mass told me,
> however, that at higher road speeds it wasn't a great handler, and is
> better known for a soft feel.
>
> I like to have both: High speed performance handling, along with a
> cush, comfy ride when rolling through the multitude of potholes that I
> hit daily driving in Boston!
> OK, I'll leave it at that..
> or how bout Rubicon Express?? BDS?, I don't know!?! I guess I need
> more advice.
> peace, thank you, Ben

Re: XJ spring replacement. Is it necessary?
 

Hey Ben,

I have a '94 Cherokee with about the same amount of miles as you. I
agree with Mike that you prolly need to replace your shocks. Mine
still has the stock shocks, but I will be replacing them soon. The
leaf springs on my XJ are just about flat, but it still handles
perfectly. If your suspension checks out ok, and you still want a
lift, you might want to try a Tomken 2" spacer lift for $150. This is
what I did, and the results were good.
http://www.chrr.ohio-state.edu/~bogr...003-10-18.html
If you do this lift, you can run 31" tires with some mild trimming of
your fender wells.

Also, when I installed my lift, I disconnected the front sway bar to
see what it was like. The XJ handles very poorly at speeds above 25
mph when disconnected. Check and make sure the front sway bar is
connected, because it could be causing the behavior you describe if it
isn't. There is also a sway bar in the rear you should check.

-Brent Bogrees
'89 Jeep Wrangler YJ 2.5L TBI – 33x10.5 BFG MT's
'94 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4.0L – 31x10.5 BFG AT's
http://www.chrr.ohio-state.edu/~bogrees/html/Jeep.html


bdtreez@yahoo.com (Ben-town) wrote in message news:<2621efad.0311131929.442d9014@posting.google. com>...
> I got a question for anyone with some XJ insight.
>
> I just got a nice '96 green 2-dr, 5 speed w/ 145,000 mi. on it, and I
> want to do some repairs and add some mods to it before I put it on the
> road as a daily driver, as a replacement for my civic.
>
> As is, I can't even ride in it because the suspension is so bad! It
> hurts the back, and is also dangerous.
>
> The vehicle has also never had a wheel upgrade, so this is one
> definite immediate must for better handling performance (should I try
> to go 16" or + or just upgrade to some nicer stock aluminum 15"
> cherokee wheels with 235/70/15's or whatever?)
> My MAIN question is, however, the suspension.
> Should I just put nice new shocks all around and a simple add a leaf
> in back, and can I then still count on some good road handling and
> cornering, or should I most likely replace all springs too??
> I know the condition of the springs could determine this answer, but
> I'm sort of looking for a simple answer for a light duty, good
> condition, city Cherokee..
>
> Anyway, anone get my drift?? I want to do it good! Somebody was
> saying go Old Man Emu also. A local 4x4 center here in Mass told me,
> however, that at higher road speeds it wasn't a great handler, and is
> better known for a soft feel.
>
> I like to have both: High speed performance handling, along with a
> cush, comfy ride when rolling through the multitude of potholes that I
> hit daily driving in Boston!
> OK, I'll leave it at that..
> or how bout Rubicon Express?? BDS?, I don't know!?! I guess I need
> more advice.
> peace, thank you, Ben