Handling sketchy with cargo...
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Model: Cherokee
Handling sketchy with cargo...
We have a stock 2000 Cherokee sport... it drives great, handles good. But.... my dad recently loaded it up for a trip.. maybe added 500lbs worth of stuff, and 100lbs on the roof. Apparently it was insanely sketchy to drive. Kept steering from the rear, and swaying at speed. Like a low rear tire. He couldn’t go above 60 on the highway... the tires checked good, I did a shake down everything is tight and fine without the weight... two things I found. The front sway bar has a broken link, and the rear leafs look almost flat with no load... obviously I’m going to fix the front link but I don’t think that was the actual problem... anyone experience this?? He’s got a trip coming up... I’d like to fix it. Thanks!!
CF Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,820
Likes: 60
From: Pasquotank, NC
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I have 5" of lift on 33s. The suspension is all new and quality parts.
I hauled somewhere around 1000 lbs in the back about 50 miles (cinder blocks and gravel). The rear suspension squatted down to about stock height. The headlights were spotting planes! BUT, it handled well. I felt bad for the old girl and wouldn't want to do it again.
I think the flat leaf springs are your issue.
I hauled somewhere around 1000 lbs in the back about 50 miles (cinder blocks and gravel). The rear suspension squatted down to about stock height. The headlights were spotting planes! BUT, it handled well. I felt bad for the old girl and wouldn't want to do it again.
I think the flat leaf springs are your issue.
Last edited by bad_idea; Mar 25, 2018 at 06:38 PM.
Beach Bum
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,123
Likes: 22
From: Cape Hatteras, North Carolina
Year: 2000 WJ
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
The issues mentioned are likely acting in concert to cause poor handling (weak/worn springs, broken sway link). If the leaf springs bushings are very worn they can allow side to side movement. Also the weight in back can cause the rear end to squat which changes the caster angle (steering angle.)
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Model: Cherokee
So it is a Michigan truck meaning rusty underneath not bad but... would you recommend new leaf springs, or maybe just an Add a Leaf kit... I had to do full leafs on my truck and that was a several day ordeal from rust... and the Jeep has even less room to work around.
CF Veteran
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 3,683
Likes: 8
From: Northern New Mexico
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
So it is a Michigan truck meaning rusty underneath not bad but... would you recommend new leaf springs, or maybe just an Add a Leaf kit... I had to do full leafs on my truck and that was a several day ordeal from rust... and the Jeep has even less room to work around.
CF Veteran
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,181
Likes: 60
From: Florida
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0l
I highly suspect you have a broken sway bar somewhere. My dads truck which was a chevy blazer was very rusted and broke a sway bar mount so anytime he carried something or towed a trailer it swayed terribly.
Trending Topics
CF Veteran
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,282
Likes: 18
From: central IN
Year: 1997
Engine: 4.0
both of the aforementioned issues could greatly affect vehicle control when heavily loaded. new rear leaves are best, but ill be honest in saying i did an add a leaf on weak stock springs and it’s still fine 60k miles/3+ years later. it allowed me to do what i want with regard to towing and hauling. i have no front swaybar. the springs and shocks do a lot more for towing than they get credit for.
CF Veteran
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 7,965
Likes: 964
From: Lost in the wilds of Virginia
Year: 1998 Classic (I'll get it running soon....) and 02 Grand
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Either one will do that. Both together? Yeah, fix both and you'll see a world of difference.
I broke a link once, and was surprised at what a difference it made. Really did a number on the handling.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Xj88
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
14
Jul 17, 2012 11:17 AM
beefmobile
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
7
Jan 27, 2012 03:42 PM
dbmata
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
9
Feb 23, 2009 08:54 AM
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)