I'm due for shocks on my 98 XJ sport (all stock, 235/75 tires) with 84K miles. Since buying it, I've added a class 3 hitch, a small tool box and a small 12" sub enclosure in the back. With all this, the measurement from the center of the hub to the bottom of the flare is right at 17". It sits almost an inch lower than it did before I added the hitch, toolbox and sub.

However, if I put any load on the hitch or pack all of my gear for hunting, it sags pretty bad.

I'm considering a set of Rancho RS5000s and eventually replacing the rear leaf springs with some slightly stouter ones, or installing a set of monroe sensa-trac load adjust shock/spring combo instead. The latter route is definitely cheaper, but I'm not sure the sensa tracs will hold up off road. I live in FL so no rock crawling, but I do go down some pretty rutted trails at our hunting camp that flex the suspension pretty good. Will the stock shock mounts hold up to the extra stress with the load adjust shocks? Or should I just go with the ranchos and do the leaf springs later?

 

In short, will new leafs sag when loaded as well? I *think* my OE leafs are still good, just loaded more than "standard duty."

 

"Will the stock shock mounts hold up to the extra stress with the load adjust shocks?"

No, the mounts are barely adequate for the shock absorbers alone when they were new. Save yourself the heartache and buy some OEM replacement leaf springs. "Heavy duty" means harsh which a lot of people object to.

 

I had similar problem with flat leaf springs on my 98 3 years and 60,000 miles ago. Understand I only use it for highway trips to New Mexico, Northeast snowstorms and commute to work. I installed the Monroes with the helper coils and gained an inch of lift. Rides excellent with driver only or 3 passengers. I don't tow or carry massive freight. Seldom use for offroad. For your application I'd bite the bullet and install new leafs specific for towing (one size over standard) might be a little stiff empty. but when you really need the performance and safety when towing, you'll have the right set-up.

Update: 10 years later and three sets of Monroe load leveler shocks in over 200,000 miles and the upper mounts are still just fine. I also added new leaf springs about 100,000 miles ago. My mileage is over 390,000 miles from the 168,000 miles when I bought the 98 Cherokee classic.