1999 XJ Front Seat Replacement

My other vehicle (car) travels the same deplorable Seattle streets as my XJ:

- The Jeep's suspension gives a "truck-like" ride, which is greatly aggravated by Seattle's broken-up (broken-down?) pavements, and which tends to aggravate me as well! Have had new suspension work done about a year ago, attempted to soften the ride with lower tire pressure, and had an auto upholstery shop replace the well-known XJ's broken-down-driver's-seat-side with upgraded foam and stronger fabric.

- My 2010 Ford Escape can’t escape those same Seattle streets, and though its suspension clearly doesn’t absorb the jolts, bumps, drop-outs, etc., etc., that roughness does not translate through the system and driver’s seat to me (not sure how else to describe it) as a similarly “hard” ride as the XJ gives. The only conclusion I have come to is that – granted, the car’s suspension does absorb differently from the XJ’s – something about how the Ford’s driver’s seat is designed/constructed enables it to absorb road roughness far better than the Jeep.

- So I’m wondering: Are there any after-market front seat sets for the XJ that would significantly improve the ride and driving experience? Haven’t even begun to research this, but figured there are plenty of Jeepsters out and about who have info/recommendations to share which can be useful.

Many thanks. Appreciate.

 

I live on Whidbey Island and have driven Seattle streets many times without any issues. My XJ has 256k and the original seats and although not perfect they are fine. Your rough ride is all your suspension/tires. Don't ever lower air pressure in your tires on the street/freeway. It may soften the ride some, but is not safe for multiple reasons. Your XJ should ride fairly smooth in stock form on rough streets, so I would have a reputable garage check your suspension (bushings, shocks, springs, etc) and make sure your tires are safe (not too old, correct air pressure, correct size, correct rims). In all honesty your XJ should ride better than your escape on rough roads.

 

better shock absorbers, and rubber, (not urethane) bushes

our roads are pot holed to the ****house

my XJ handles these far better than most modern sedans

( or fit a Jaguar Independant suspension Unit), those things, designed in 1961 are incredible at soaking up bumps, are often used in old truck builds, and have the equivalant of a Dana 44)

 

Yep for sure.

I believe the XJ was never really meant as a true comfort ride. Softer shocks didn't do much for me and made mine wallow like a drunken sailor. Had the rear leaves replaces and it sits higher now but probably need to compensate front with other shocks. It's at the bottom of the to-probably- never- do list.

 

Tires lowered to WHAT pressure?

 

A big influence on rough ride is the angle of the leaf shackle. Ideal angle is 45 degree. Much off that angle and the ride can be very harsh. Make sure the angle is at 45 degree. If in doubt, post a photo of shackle so we can check

I fixed my angle, and now she rides like a Rolls Royce (almost) before she rode like a suspensionless wagon .

 

good point Rob.

also, do we know that whoever had their hands on the rear springs waited for the XJ to be back on the ground before tightening the shackles?
What size tires and what is the current pressure?