Re: XJ spring replacement. Is it necessary?
 

bogrees.1@osu.edu (Brent Bogrees) wrote in message news:<6a04cef7.0311140551.58420d7c@posting.google. com>...
> 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


Yes, yall,

thanks for any responses. Earle you need to take a pill or chill.

Anyway, I am seriously considering a complete Old Man Emu kit. I've
read many good things about it all over. Apparently the standard kit
gives 2"-2.5" in. of lift over stock w/ just their shocks and springs,
being all long and specialized and all with their super long travel.
The only part I'm still stuck on is the higher speeds, and what or if
I will sacrifice if I go OME over any of the tighter and stiff
systems.

Can a shock that good have both great comfort and also performance
handling at the same time, or will there be sacrifices?

Also Brent, I read that with their kit being installed it was
recommended to disconnect the rear sway bar for better "articulation",
maybe it was,,.
thanks again all, Ben

Re: XJ spring replacement. Is it necessary?
 

bogrees.1@osu.edu (Brent Bogrees) wrote in message news:<6a04cef7.0311140551.58420d7c@posting.google. com>...
> 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


Yes, yall,

thanks for any responses. Earle you need to take a pill or chill.

Anyway, I am seriously considering a complete Old Man Emu kit. I've
read many good things about it all over. Apparently the standard kit
gives 2"-2.5" in. of lift over stock w/ just their shocks and springs,
being all long and specialized and all with their super long travel.
The only part I'm still stuck on is the higher speeds, and what or if
I will sacrifice if I go OME over any of the tighter and stiff
systems.

Can a shock that good have both great comfort and also performance
handling at the same time, or will there be sacrifices?

Also Brent, I read that with their kit being installed it was
recommended to disconnect the rear sway bar for better "articulation",
maybe it was,,.
thanks again all, Ben

Re: XJ spring replacement. Is it necessary?
 

bogrees.1@osu.edu (Brent Bogrees) wrote in message news:<6a04cef7.0311140551.58420d7c@posting.google. com>...
> 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


Yes, yall,

thanks for any responses. Earle you need to take a pill or chill.

Anyway, I am seriously considering a complete Old Man Emu kit. I've
read many good things about it all over. Apparently the standard kit
gives 2"-2.5" in. of lift over stock w/ just their shocks and springs,
being all long and specialized and all with their super long travel.
The only part I'm still stuck on is the higher speeds, and what or if
I will sacrifice if I go OME over any of the tighter and stiff
systems.

Can a shock that good have both great comfort and also performance
handling at the same time, or will there be sacrifices?

Also Brent, I read that with their kit being installed it was
recommended to disconnect the rear sway bar for better "articulation",
maybe it was,,.
thanks again all, Ben