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99 Cherokee squats

Old Jan 27, 2013 | 06:24 PM
  #1  
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Default 99 Cherokee squats

My, new to me, 99 Cherokee seems to be squatting a little low on the back end. 165,000 miles and I haven't put it up on a rack yet.

Wonder what could cause this?

Not looking to do a lift - just want to get it back to factory specs.

Oops, forgot the photo:



What do y'all think?

-bob
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Old Jan 27, 2013 | 06:31 PM
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Year: 1996
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old saggy leaves
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Old Jan 27, 2013 | 06:41 PM
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Originally Posted by docmedpros
old saggy leaves
That what I was thinking.

What to do? Just order new leaf springs?

Leaf spring suggestions would be appreciated.

I knew this thing is going to cost me more than I paid for it.

-bob
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Old Jan 27, 2013 | 06:42 PM
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For a stocker it looks like it's low all the way around. This has 235/75-15.
Attached Thumbnails 99 Cherokee squats-new-jeep-09-07-2009_04-medium-.jpg  

Last edited by Turbo X_J; Jan 27, 2013 at 06:47 PM.
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Old Jan 27, 2013 | 06:42 PM
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Yup. Suspension (especially the rear) was a weak point on these XJ's. Cheapest way to fix this right now is to do an Add-a-Leaf, however this will begin to sag fairly quickly, and I wouldn't recommend this AAL option. You can use/make a bastard pack (lots of info for this on the forum) or, get a new set of factory leafs.

Also, your front suspension looks a little saggy too (Maybe just bigger than stock tires?). Stock suspension height, if you measure from the center of the wheel to the bottom of the fender flare, is 17" for the rear, and 17.5" for the front.
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Old Jan 27, 2013 | 06:43 PM
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i would just do a budget boost lift, 2inches, i know you don't want to but it's worth it
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Old Jan 27, 2013 | 06:45 PM
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just do factory replacements... up country factory leafs and upcountry factory front coils... this will give you a factory 1 in lift and be 100% stock and 100% bolt on with no mods I also recomend replacing your shocks at the same time... this is what i plan on doing so I know it is in factory spec and good as new... What size tires are you running on there?
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Old Jan 27, 2013 | 06:46 PM
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Originally Posted by bhowle
That what I was thinking.

What to do? Just order new leaf springs?

Leaf spring suggestions would be appreciated.

I knew this thing is going to cost me more than I paid for it.

-bob
You can get leaf springs from a few of the big online stores that have Jeep stuff, such as Quadratec and JC Whitney. The springs themselves aren't too expensive, and shipping isn't unreasonable, as long as you live in the US.

Also, if you're looking at quadratec, you will see that they have light, medium, and heavy duty springs. (all made by Crown, the factory supplier [I think]) Choose the duty that applies to you the best
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Old Jan 27, 2013 | 06:49 PM
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Originally Posted by docmedpros
i would just do a budget boost lift, 2inches, i know you don't want to but it's worth it
OK, so I replace the leaf springs.

Then what's a "budget" lift gonna cost? A source for a budget lift kit would be appreciated also.

Thanks,

-bob

NW Arkansas
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Old Jan 27, 2013 | 06:49 PM
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Originally Posted by docmedpros
i would just do a budget boost lift, 2inches, i know you don't want to but it's worth it
His suspension is obviously very worn out at this point, and probably handles/rides like crap already.. Why do a budget boost? The only point of the BB is to get your vehicle up in the air for as cheap as possible... Using the already worn springs and raising the center of gravity of your vehicle just seems silly to me.
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Old Jan 27, 2013 | 06:54 PM
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Originally Posted by bhowle
OK, so I replace the leaf springs.

Then what's a "budget" lift gonna cost? A source for a budget lift kit would be appreciated also.

Thanks,

-bob

NW Arkansas
If I were you, I would just get that Jeep back up to stock height, and then see what it can do offroad. If you feel you need more height after that, consider and research your options. A 2" BB will usually consist of a spacer for the front coil, and a longer shackle/AAL for the rear. Lifting the vehicle changes many aspects of it, such as suspension/steering geometry, and driveline angles. I would say that lifting a vehicle always should involve more than just shocks and springs.
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Old Jan 27, 2013 | 06:57 PM
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Originally Posted by EvstaG
If I were you, I would just get that Jeep back up to stock height, and then see what it can do offroad.
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