To start out, just purchased this jeep. 1999 cherokee limited 4x4. The jeep is all stock w/ 120K miles on it.

My problem is the front end seems loose when going over mild bumps in the road and also when corning at lower speeds the tires seem to do a lot of "hoping" over the bumps, in general it just feels like every bushing in the front end is shot, and Im sure the shocks are gone too.

But Im getting ready to install a 2" lift kit (skyjacker) in the front and a new pair of skyjacker 2.5"soft ride leaf springs in the rear. I have also have and new skyjacker steering stablizer that I plan on replacing the old one with.
Im not going wild on tires either, just stock. Im not planning on doing any serious off roading either, just to give the jeep a better stance.

But my question is will I need longer shocks with a 2-2.5" lift or can I use an OEM replacement. Also.. what other issues or worn out components could be causing my "loose and harding" riding?

Thanks Lee

 

If you are not going to be running Off Road, stock length shock will be OK. You will want to make sure ALL of the bushings and Tierod end are Good and tight, before you lift. Trust me if you don't check and repair all suspension and steering issues prior to the lift, you will regret it. Search "Death Wobble".

By design Jeeps have loose steering feel. Good shocks, stabilizers, bushings, tierods and tire pressure go along way to making it feel better. If will never ride like a Cadilac, it will ride like a Jeep.