colt44

I finally got my new shocks on. Thanks to info I got here I didn't worry when I busted 2 of the 4 rear upper bolts off and just hammered them out and replaced w/carriage bolts. Worked out great. I put in some Gabriel Ultra shocks and it raised ride height about 3/4" or so. I didn't expect ride height advantage but I'm happy about it. Has any else had this effect from just replacing shocks? I've replaced shocks on a couple other vehicles but never saw the ride-height adjustment I saw with this. Don't get me wrong, I like the way it sits now {especially w/235 tires.] but I hope it doesn't go away as shocks settle in. I bought the Ultra's because they were 'buy 3 get one free' and the old Monroe's were leaking.

MonacaYankee

They don't lift; just absorb bounces from the suspension.

colt44

That's what I thought. Although, when I removed the old shocks and tried to stick the new ones in, the were about an inch or so too long. I compressed the new shocks as much as possible, but I ended up having to jack up the frame and let the wheel drop down so I could get the new ones in. Of course the old shocks were worn out, but when I set them side by side, the new ones were quite a bit longer fully compressed. The new ones' are gas-charged, old ones hydraulic w/leaking cylinders. I like the way the new shocks work, so I'm not complaining. A firmer ride but no bouncing or bucking. By the way, I've owned my XJ since it was new, almost 20 years ago. I recently replaced entire floorpan and had head rebuilt . Everything on my jeep has been replaced in the last few years. I bought a new JK but I like driving my XJ just as much.

Kingfisher

If you had to jack body/frame up to install them they are too long!

colt44

Maybe because they're gas charged? The part # is same for all Cherokees. Even if they're too long they work good.

rnmcguire

My Monroe Sensa Trac load adjusting shocks gave me about 1" of lift in the rear which is awesome. Keeps my 30" tires from rubbing. Mine are coil overs though so I'm not sure how a regular shock would give you any lift.