kaibetoni

Hi. This is my first post. Actually I am very new to most things automotive when it comes to fixing things myself.

I just bought a 1990 Cherokee Laredo. It runs great. The suspension does seem a little shot, though. I would think it should be a little stiffer. It seems to roll when I take a corner, even from a dead stop. And when driving straight it seems to 'float' a little. Is this a sign of worn suspension? This did belong to my parent's neighbor, and I know it's never been offroad, so it hasn't been abused, just old I think.

It is going to be my daily driver, and I do have future plans to lift it, probably 3". Would it be a waste of time and money to try to fix this now, when adding a lift would fix it later, essentially for the second time if I did fix it now?

Thanks.

Also, it is coil spring in front and leaf spring in rear.

winston427

If you feel the body roll and weak suspension are a safety issue, then by all means fix it now. If it is something you can live with until the lift is done, then just take it easy in the corners. Check the sway bar mount bushings front and rear and see if they are still intact. Also check the sway bar links and link bushings as well. These are things that will not be included in a lift kit, so if you plan on keeping the sway bars on the Jeep and they are in need of replacement it would be a good place to start.

djdaredevil

I would say that if your going to lift it with new springs front and rear then just wait and the lift will take care of most of it if your not going to use new springs then get them now. new shocks might help out for now until you get your lift done as well and check your sway bar end links well you there.

93gc40

Start with new shocks and steering stabilizer. Have the alignment checked. Next replace ALL suspension bushings, tierod-ends and ball joints. Some of the bushing may get replaced anyway when you do the lift, so decide what you are getting now. When you lift it you WILL get Death Wobble if any of the joints in the front suspension are worn, so it is a good idea to get that in order first. you want to pay particular attention to the track bar.

kaibetoni

great. i'm going to begin with all of these before i add the lift.

djdaredevil

good to hear it man
good luck and keep us all posted on it

bigomudders

If you want a good firm ride and a lift at the same time install stock F150 front coils (3 inch lift ) go to the JY and get a set of dakota rear leafs for the rear, and then buy S10 rear shocks and the approp. front shocks for a 3 inch lift all that will give you a great ride and excellent offroad performance.

kaibetoni

Sorry, you'll have to tell me what JY is. I am assuming it is the model of a vehicle, I just dont know which.

Update: Ah, the Junkyard. (You'll have to excuse my friend. He's a little slow. The town's back that direction.)

kaibetoni

This is exactly what i was looking for. i loved the way my '79 3/4 ton ford truck rode when i was in high school. thanks again for all the help. i only hope one day that i will know enough to contribute in solving someone else's problems.