2001 Cherokee no sag but am going to be hauling a heavy load. No significant rust.
Are Air shocks a good idea. How will they effect ride

 

You can use them to carry an extra load, but not a good idea to use them as a cheap lift kit

 

Air shocks are never a good idea they put load on shock mounts that was not made strong enough to hold a load.The air bag helper springs are the best thing to use.They go between the leafs pack and a frame rail and won't ride rough like air shocks can.And how much of a load are we talking weight wise ?

 

^^^ Yep, best way to go. And this type can actually make it ride better if you just barely fill them when not loaded.

 

I've used helper coil springs on my Explorers for towing and they worked better than expected. IIRC they were 'universal' helpers I picked up at the parts store. They were designed to be clamped in place but I just jack the body up and slip them in when I'm gonna tow heavy and they've worked great.

 

I have used those "add a coil" in the past too and they do work quite well for the price. But like you say it isn't practical to leave them in when unloaded. They will make it ride like a buckboard wagon if you do. lol