front leaf conversion?
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,467
Likes: 2
From: Warrenton MO
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.7L I6
getting new built beefy axles from a friend of mine for $500
the only problem is the front axle is set up for leafs.
id like to run front leafs cause i break things and theres less to break. i know you cant flex as much but i like how easy they are.
anyone that can give me advise or show me set ups and options i would appreciate it VERY much!!!
the only problem is the front axle is set up for leafs.
id like to run front leafs cause i break things and theres less to break. i know you cant flex as much but i like how easy they are.
anyone that can give me advise or show me set ups and options i would appreciate it VERY much!!!
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,467
Likes: 2
From: Warrenton MO
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.7L I6
lol ive been PMing him for the last hour or so lol im convinced and definatly doing this. ill make a buildpage for them when i do it so others can just view it if they're interested in it.
possibly starting on it next month. gotta get the new head done for my stroker first. then ill start buying steel and leafs and steering.
possibly starting on it next month. gotta get the new head done for my stroker first. then ill start buying steel and leafs and steering.
CF Veteran
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,433
Likes: 6
From: Northern MN
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: Renix 4.0
I can understand why you'd want leaves. I think you'll want to be careful about spring rates though. Even when I flex with the swaybar attached I can hear the unibody shift. If you get springs that are too heavy I'd assume that it would have the same effect. Shackles are your friends
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Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,467
Likes: 2
From: Warrenton MO
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.7L I6
i want less things to break... and my upgraded axles have perches on em already, i like em. thank you for the opinion though. i was gonna do longarms but for a good kit itll cost huge money. for a strong leaf set up i think itll take more of my time than money. and i have a lot of time.
CF Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 5,420
Likes: 0
From: Soddy Daisy TN
Year: 97
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
I think you might have underestimated what all it's going to take to put leaves under it and the perches on the axle most likely won't be where you need them anyway. I've had CJs, YJs and yotas all with leaf sprung fronts and after having a linked front on the trail I'll never go back to leaves. You can make a leaf flex somewhat decent but it's a lot more work than a linked suspension. Also if you street drive it a lot put your shackles at the rear of the spring instead of the front. Doesn't ride as harsh and takes bumps better.
Why do you think Jeep changed from leaffs to coils/control arms in the first palce?
Improved:
Ride Quality
Articulation
Handling
There's a reason why the XJ became THE SUV BENCHMARK for everyone else to try to match after it's introduction in 1984.
The 97 Wrangler followed as a result of the incredible success of the Cherokee.
Build your front end with quality products from reputable sources and you'll be miles ahead.
Improved:
Ride Quality
Articulation
Handling
There's a reason why the XJ became THE SUV BENCHMARK for everyone else to try to match after it's introduction in 1984.
The 97 Wrangler followed as a result of the incredible success of the Cherokee.
Build your front end with quality products from reputable sources and you'll be miles ahead.
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,467
Likes: 2
From: Warrenton MO
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.7L I6
ride quality right now is pretty much worthless with the 4.7 straightpipe and 6in short arms...
I break things. A LOT!!! i need something simple.
I break things. A LOT!!! i need something simple.



