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Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go hereXJ (84-01)
All OEM related XJ specific tech. Examples, no start, general maintenance or anything that's stock.
I am wanting to replace the original shocks on my 1999 XJ Sport. I still have the original stock suspension and new 29" tires. Are there any recommendations for stock shock replacements? Do you have to buy shocks that say for 0" lift or can you go up at all?
I was not wanting to do a lift as this is my daily driver and I have been happy where the stock with 29" tires can get me. However, if the original suspension components need/will need replaced as well should I just do a whole suspension upgrade at once (Jeep mileage is 265,000)? Is there a recommended suspension kit for stock replacement or should I just go ahead and do a 1-2" lift (something with good ride quality that the 29" tires would still look good). Is there a good way to determine if my existing suspension is still good?
I want this jeep to last as long as possible so I am okay paying up for quality parts within reason.
I went with the better Napa shocks, just rebranded Monroe's, for my '00.
I guess they are OK. My Jeep is strictly a DD so...
If you are going to replace the leaf springs and whatnot you might want to consider doing the Up Country suspension.
Was a Factory option. 1" maybe 1.5" higher then a regular Jeep.
Plenty of info out there that will come up with a Google search for what aftermarket parts to buy to duplicate it.
Not that I did it yet, and who knows when I will (LOL), but decided to opt for Mopar Up Country parts for the rear.
But they are expensive.
I haven't quite decided what I am going to do with the front yet.
Buddy mine did this to his wife's Jeep, using aftermarket parts to duplicate the Up Country suspension, and said that a 1.75" spacer up front leveled it out nicely with the regular coils.
Since my Jeep is a DD might just do that. Might buy the Moog springs that guys use to. Who knows? LOL.
Then to be cool you have to source one of these:
LOL.
Year: 1998 Classic (I'll get it running soon....) and 02 Grand
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Originally Posted by Hcl
Is there a good way to determine if my existing suspension is still good?
Yep. Measure it.
Well, that was the end of my helpful advice. What I mean is, I know the correct method exists and what it is, but I don't know the exact measurements you need or where to measure. I think it's from the ground to the top of the wheel well, but don't quote me on that.
But that info is around here somewhere. Sorry I can't be more help, but at least you know what to look for.
On the replacements for leaf springs, Crown or Dorman are fine. One of them comes with the bushings pre-installed, and one doesn't. I don't remember which is which, but look for it. It's well worth it to get them pre-installed. I didn't last time, and I wound up having to take them to a shop to get them pressed in. That was a $50 hassle. I have my own press now, but if you don't get them pre-installed and save yourself a lot of headache.
6" from top of axle tube to bottom of frame rail, +/- .5 "
Anything longer means it's lifted, so if you measure 9 inches, it's a 3" lift.
If you're keeping it stock, many have said the Monroe Sensatracks are good. Personally I run Bilsteins, and have zero complaints, love them...that said I'm on 5.5 inches of lift, but they make Bilsteins in the stock length, but they are more expensive.
I measured my suspension with the full gas tank and was getting about a half-inch low in the back (16.5" from center of wheel to fender flare) and about stock up front (17.25"). I think I am okay with this but it the driver rear also sits a little lower than the passenger rear which does bug me a little. The shocks wouldn't impact this measurement, correct?I would like to do the shocks now and maybe do a ~ 2" lift in a couple of years. But I am assuming if I did a 2" lift down the road that I could not use the 0" stock size shocks? I don't want to replace shocks now only to need different ones if I lift down the road... or would the ones below still be okay for a 1-2" lift.
If you are going to replace the leaf springs and whatnot you might want to consider doing the Up Country suspension.
Was a Factory option. 1" maybe 1.5" higher then a regular Jeep.
I do like the idea of trying to replicate the upcountry lift...
I’m happy with the “budget” 2” lift I put on my ‘91 Sport:
Rustys 2” lift coils
Crown HD leaf springs
Iron Rock Offroad adjustable shackles
I still have the aftermarket shocks that came with the vehicle, marked “pro comp”, but when it comes time to replace them I’ll put on silver Bilsteins, as I have them on my ‘89 and am very happy with the ride quality.
Are you sure your original shocks are bad? The conventional wisdom is original shocks wear out quick. But it's not true. Not always. A guy really has to look for leaks and test them to really know. Maybe your Jeep has 3 good shocks and one bad one. There are some videos which they test old original shocks on a shock dyno along with new and high performace shocks. In many cases, if the old shocks haven't leaked out, they perform (at least in the couple tests I watched) as well as the new aftermarkets, and sometimes even better! And aftermarket shocks I've bought seem to have about a 50% failure rate after about 3 years.
I have original shocks on our 03 GC Overland (235k mi), and original shocks on my H3 (185k mi), and on my Ram (168k mi). I was going to replace the shocks on my H3 as I knew I had one that failed, but all the others seemed to still be good in terms of compression resistance as far as I could tell. I just replaced the failed one with a new Delco shock (exact OEM replacement). I wish I had access to a shock dyno...
So if you have one or two bad shocks, find another original on ebay (ok, I know you'll never do that), or maybe buy Mopars (they might just be rebranded Monroes' IDK). Buy cheap shocks and you'll be buying new shocks every 4 or 5 years... Monroes & Gabriels are terrible for longevity from my own personal experience. I only buy OEM stuff anymore. But Bilsteins, and some other higher quality shocks would be a better investment. I'm pretty sure the shocks on my H3 are Bilsteins (OEM'd), maybe on our Jeep overland too. Monotube shocks last a long time. But they're a little stiffer.
Last edited by Jeepwalker; Nov 13, 2021 at 07:48 PM.
I know I'm a bit late to this thread, and this. right be a dumb question, but I'm trying to change out my OEM shocks. I've been looking at the Bilstein 5100 shocks that are technically for a 2 inch lift. Would these work on the stock coils and leaf springs, or would I need to adjust those too? I'm trying to avoid lift too much because I don't want to have to change my tires right now.
Stock Shock Replacement
What I mean is, I know the correct method exists and what it is, but I don't know the exact measurements you need or where to measure. I think it's from the ground to the top of the wheel well, but don't quote me on that.
