In 2021 (about 10,000 miles ago) I revamped my OEM suspension with a basic "Up Country" equivalent package. I installed Dorman 929-301 leafs in the back with Dorman 722-024 Rearward Leaf Spring Shackles, Bilstein 4600 shocks, Moog CC782 front springs, etc.. This picture is taken with my normal load up in the trunk of ~50 lbs of cargo. It seems I've started to develop a bit of a sag and I'm 1.5" higher in the front than I am in the rear.

What should be my first step to correct?

• Shackles with a 1.5" lift (looking at Clayton Off-Roads that use dual durometer bushings)? Would this be TOO much lift? I'd go with a smaller one, but I can't find 0.75" shackles that don't have poly bushings...
• Add a leaf?
• Different leafs?
• Other thoughts?

I don't go off-road with the exception of occasional sand use. On-road handling, smoothness over bumps, and low-noise are my primary goals.

Thanks!

 

I wish my rear suspension would sag about 1", but it refuses. That aside, an add-a-leaf will stiffen the rear suspension. Probably not what you want. Shackles are probably your best bet to get some, but not all of your 1.5" back. Shackles lift the rear by approx half of their length increase. Stock is 3.1" center-to-center. Getting back 1.5" would require 6" c-to-c shackles which are available, but you don't want to use those. My recollection is that shackles of that length will hit the exhaust pipe. Rusty's makes a 4.75" c-to-c shackle that will get you 0.75" of lift and should clear everything. It does use a urethane bushing, but in my experience, its not noticeable.

 

Since you’re sagging only 1.5" and want to keep on-road manners, 1.5" lift shackles (like Clayton’s) are your best bet they’ll restore height without harshness. Avoid add-a-leafs they’ll stiffen the ride. If the shackles feel too tall, you could swap to OME 2939 leaf packs (softer, more linear than Dormans), but that’s pricier. Check shackle bushings first if they’re shot, fresh OEM ones might help. Stick with minimal lift for your pavement-first needs.

 

OME 2939 are COIL SPRINGS for the front - not leaf springs.

OP, I would recommend you call Dirk @ DPG Off-Road. The guy is a legend and one of the nicer people you'll ever talk to. He has a wealth of knowledge about our XJ's and suspension. He's generally happy to chat about anything. Call him and see what he recommends. He will set you on the straight path.

 

Also, if you added any coil spacers up front (under the existing isolator) you could remove those to lower your front a bit.

BTW, that's one nice jeep!

 

Thanks for all the recommendations.

I looked up my original purchase and Dorman lists a lifetime warranty. I called them up and they are sending me a new set. I was shocked at how easy they handled it… they asked for a copy of my original receipt and, once received, said they’d ship a new pair out. No pictures of the current ones or sending them back required

So, I’m going to start with just swapping these out. If that doesn’t work, then I’ll reach out to Dirk and either try the shackles or go with an OME set.

 

Wow that's great. When customer service is good, its a beautiful thing. If you don't mind, after you install, post a follow up picture so we can see the difference!

 

Better yet would be a picture of how it looks with the replacement springs after 10,000 miles.

 

Update:

Replacement Dorman springs installed. This is after 1,000 miles. Will try and remember to update after 10,000 for good comparison.

BEFORE:


AFTER 1,000: