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!!
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.
Beach Bum
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.)
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
Quote:
if your springs are already flat, add a leafs wont help you for long, and you will be in the same position pretty fast.Originally Posted by Ian Thompson
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.
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.
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.
BlueRidgeMark
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Nov 4, 2025
- Join DateMay 2012
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ian Thompson
two things I found. The front sway bar has a broken link, and the rear leafs look almost flat with no load...
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.
Thanks guys! Just confirmed my thoughts, appreciate the answers.... instead of other forums where your just told to do a search lol