I purchased a 99 xj a couple years back for my wife. I have rather enjoyed having it. We recently have obtained an 18 ft. camper. The title says it weighs 2800 pounds. I've got a reese receiver hitch set up in the back. I don't think that my Jeep has the "towing package" when I look at the window sticker. What was the difference between the towing package and the standard package? I was thinking about doing something with the springs to help the rear sag. Any other recommendations for towing this rig. Thanks.

 

I would say support for the rear leafs a must or a new HD leaf pack in the rear..A towing package is memory serves added 3.73 gearing and some may have had 4.56 gears..Also had the rear hitch with light hookups and such..If you have the standard 3.55 gears you might have some issues towing that much weight especially up hill...

 

I was looking at bolt on helper springs. Do those work well on xj's?

 

do bolt on helper springs work well with xj's?

 

I had no problem pulling it home. Does the tow package include a transmission cooler and a beefed up radiator? I'm just wondering what I may need to do to make my own tow package.

 

I would install a tranny cooler and a set of new leaf springs. The helper springs are meant for a pickup or a van body and I am unsure how they will affect the Jeep when your camper is not behind your Jeep. You mignt need a dual diaphram booster if yours is not so equipped from the factory. Brakes are a major weak point when towing with a Jeep XJ.

 

I believe a typical XJ towing package from the factory included:

* 3.73:1 axle ratio
* Transmission oil cooler
* Frame-mounted receptacle
* 7-into-4-way plug adapter

Upgraded brakes and a dual-booster wouldn't be a bad idea either if you intend to tow it a lot and descend many hills. There's no mention of a beefier suspension, although I'm fairly certain tow-equipped XJs came with the stronger 8.25" rear axle.

 

Years ago, when I got my first XJ and had NOOO money, I used some helper springs to perk up the rear of my jeep. They worked pretty darn good. I picked up a set Pep Boys, which is on my "I don't shop there anymore list"!! That list is growing and growing!! Later!!

 

What happened at PEP Boys to sour you on them? I use them for accessories on my junk.

 

Is there a heavy duty spring for the back that won't lift it? At this point I'm trying to keep it stock and inexpensive.

Any recommendations for a trans cooler? Thanks.

 

just dont do this

 

holy cow....I would have loved to have been there for that one..I can imagine that guys insurance just went up big time...

 

Honestly I think this is your best option to do it right..I have never been a fan of helper springs personally..Quadratec offer HD packs at around $75 a piece and well worth the money..The question you need to ask is do you plan on lifting the jeep at all?

http://www.quadratec.com/products/56010_11.htm

 

almost all auto stores sell tranny coolers, I'd say a decent sized one will cost you about $40
a small one also makes a great steering cooler

 

Air bags are also helpful as a temporary easily removeable helper spring addition. Never seen them used on an XJ but don't see any reason that they won't do the job and then take them off if you like.