So, I'm a DAV and I have a service dog (SD), a 9.5 yo lab, Violet. She's one of only 625 federally licensed and sponsored SD's in the VA system, and she's been in service all of her life. She's not as young as she once was (neither am I for that matter) and she's been having a hard time jumping up into the rear of the jeep. Fact is, I have always had a bit of difficulty getting my self into the drivers seat with this 2" Rusty lift.

My '01 had/has a Rusty 2" lift (installed by original owner), which I believe consists of mainly longer shocks with spacers on the coils, and I think an added leaf spring. I asked my local mechanic to take a look at it and he thought that the rear leaf pack had an after market added spring, so he removed it. The jeep sank down about 2" in the rear, which made sense at first. It is a whole lot easier for Violet to jump in now, but now the front is higher of course. After about 1000 miles of driving it around now, I'm noticing that the suspension is feeling really harsh, hard, more so than before. Time for new shocks maybe? Also, I get a slight wobble, intermittently and real bad, but noticeable.

I'd like the platform to be level, and the suspension to have a smoother ride. I'm really not certain that the leaf spring was an after market add-on; it could have been an OEM one, part of the pack. I don't know how to tell. The mechanic has no clue either. Either way, that leaf is gone on both sides.

I would like to get back to the original factory height, new shocks at the correct length, remove the spacers and fix the spring pack issues, if there is one, but not sure what the best approach to all of this would be, or best parts. Any advise on this is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

First of all of course is to THANK YOU for your service.

"like to get back to the original factory height, new shocks at the correct length, remove the spacers and fix the spring pack issues,"

Sounds like a good plan to start with. Rusty's also has a 2" lift using shackles and kits w/o shocks. Check that out. If the shocks are for a lift and with the rear down your probably bottoming out your rear shocks or if they're oem shocks your over extending them hence part of the harsh ride. So yea get the front down and put a decent set of correct shocks on and see how you like it then. Also I believe std springs on the 01 xj's were 4 leaf.

http://www.rustysoffroad.com/jeep-su...r-shackle.html

 

We got this for our 13 year old Husky.....works perfectly....

http://www.discountramps.com/otto-pet-step/p/OTTO-STEP/

 

If you like the way it rides with the lift, I wouldn't mess with it. Consider carrying a plank in the back to use as a ramp. Staple some low-pile carpet on it for grip. Or zip-tie three milk crates together to make two steps. Again, you could put carpet or 1/4 plywood on the tops to protect your pooch's feet.

 

Sounds like you want to go back to stock so it's easier for you and the dog to get in and out of. I agree a ramp would be best for the dog. My dad just got one for his 13 year old husky/shepherd mix. Now he gets in and out of his SUV with ease.
I would go ahead and get new leafs (OEM) for the back, because 2001 leafs are known to sag and are probably shot. Remove the coil spacers and just go ahead and get new OEM coils. Then get some new shocks. Big difference in prices on the shocks. Do some research on them.

http://www.kyb.com/knowledge-center/...e-vs-twintube/

 

My parents have an old Australian Cattle Dog with hips going and they have a big Chevy truck and travel with a trailer. They use a ramp that is light weight and folds in two with a non skid rug. Used to use it for getting in only but with Pepper's hips not getting any better she uses it for both climbing in and out. Works great, light weight and doesn't take much room. Suggest it for any old dog, just climbing in and out of any vehicle and being old not a good combo.

 

My privilege to serve, and I'd do all over again; thanks!
So the spring pack has 4 leafs, so I'm guessing that's OEM. The shocks are definitely Rusty's and appear longer than standard OEM's.

 

Hey, thanks for the link. I like this step, it's the first I've seen this size. I'll likely order this!

 

I absolutely hated the ride; the reason I had the add-a-leaf removed. The ride now is softer but still has a harsh rebound. The height in the rear works decent for Violet, but the front is higher and looks weird, so I need it level. Guess new shocks are now in order.

 

This sounds like the plan of action…new stuff all around and get it done right and be done with it! Do I buy OEM, or are there better made OEM spec'd parts that performs better, and if so, know the brands or where to look?

Thanks!

 

Have your mechanic put new OEM spec shocks in, and remove the spacer from the front coils while he's at it. Your springs may be fine, no need to replace them at this point, IMO. After the work is done, you can measure the suspension height to see if your springs are sagging and decide on springs based on that information.

 

I had these on the rear and front with the extended Rusty shocks:
http://www.rustysoffroad.com/rustys-...dd-a-leaf.html

I currently still have the spacers on top of the coil springs, with the extended shocks. The shocks I'm told (local suspension shop) are still good, they are working fine. They recommend just taking the spacers out.

What do you guys think? If I just remove the spacers, this would get me level, but would my shocks have good travel play, without needing to be replaced back to OEM? I hope so, it would save me $$$$$$$$!!!!!

 

Funny, we must have submitted comments at the same time!

 

If the Rusty's shocks are a different length than OEM to compensate for 2" of lift, now that the lift is gone it's possible the shocks are bottoming out, which could cause the harsh rebound you spoke of. Also, or otherwise, if your springs are sagging considerably you could be bottoming out on the bump stops. Your mechanic should be able to determine the cause of the harsh rebound condition you're describing.

 

Yeah, as you say…sounds good to me!
I called Rusty and they say there's about a 1.5" difference in the front and 2" in the back between OEM shocks and the Rusty extended shocks I now have on. They say they would like have a harsh ride and possible make a knocking sound, but can't be sure.
So, new shocks and remove spacer, then go from there. Thanks!