Cherokee leaf springs

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Hi,
My 99 Cherokee is sagging in the back. I need leaf springs and have a couple of questions.
a) I can buy quadratic or crown brand standard duty leaf springs (which came with my rwd cherokee) but then have to buy bushings separately (plus press them into the holes) or I can go the cheaper route and get dorman but they are for a heavy duty application (I never tow) with the bushings already installed. If i go the dorman route I know they will be stiffer but how will they effect my rear seat passengers comfort.
b)Did anyone ever use dorman for leaf springs (I understand they are made in columbia)
c)If I do go the heavy duty route do I need to buy heavy duty shock absorbers or are regualr fine? Also KYB or monroe?
 
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Any shocks will work for those leaf springs. I recommend the Quadratec replacement leaf springs. I would avoid the heavy duty springs unless you tow almost every day. The heavy duty ones are not only much stiffer, but will give you 1" of lift in the rear due to the different spring rate. This will make your Cherokee have a rake and be higher in the back, then you will need a 1" front spacer to level it.

I'd go with the Quadratec replacement springs and bushings, then press them in yourself. Its pretty easy, I did mine using a rubber mallet and some grease. For shocks, anything will work but if you want a nice ride go with Bilstein. Others have had good luck with Monroe Sensatrac shocks also.


Here is what you need (2 of each):

http://www.quadratec.com/products/56010_12.htm

http://www.quadratec.com/products/56001_05.htm

http://www.quadratec.com/products/56001_06.htm

I also recommend replacing the U-bolts when doing the leaf springs.

http://www.ironrockoffroad.com/Merchant2...tegory_Code=PFX


Then find some shocks of your choice.
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Originally Posted By: jeepman3071
Any shocks will work for those leaf springs. I recommend the Quadratec replacement leaf springs. I would avoid the heavy duty springs unless you tow almost every day. The heavy duty ones are not only much stiffer, but will give you 1" of lift in the rear due to the different spring rate. This will make your Cherokee have a rake and be higher in the back, then you will need a 1" front spacer to level it.

I'd go with the Quadratec replacement springs and bushings, then press them in yourself. Its pretty easy, I did mine using a rubber mallet and some grease. For shocks, anything will work but if you want a nice ride go with Bilstein. Others have had good luck with Monroe Sensatrac shocks also.


Here is what you need (2 of each):

http://www.quadratec.com/products/56010_12.htm

http://www.quadratec.com/products/56001_05.htm

http://www.quadratec.com/products/56001_06.htm

I also recommend replacing the U-bolts when doing the leaf springs.

http://www.ironrockoffroad.com/Merchant2...tegory_Code=PFX


Then find some shocks of your choice.
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Thanks a million!!
I have been looking for this info on naxja as well as cherokee forum but didn't even remotely get such a straight forward and explanatory answer like you gave.
As an aside I already bought a stant superstat thermostat when I do my coolant flush. I noticed it doesn't have the bleeder hole on it like an oem stat. Would you just use the stant or go oem? If you would use the stant would you drill a hole in it?
 
Originally Posted By: zvm77us

Thanks a million!!
I have been looking for this info on naxja as well as cherokee forum but didn't even remotely get such a straight forward and explanatory answer like you gave.
As an aside I already bought a stant superstat thermostat when I do my coolant flush. I noticed it doesn't have the bleeder hole on it like an oem stat. Would you just use the stant or go oem? If you would use the stant would you drill a hole in it?


I only use OEM 195* thermostats from the dealership. Too many are poor quality these days, and for $3 or less the dealer one is a good buy. I always test them in boiling water before installing them. That way, if they are bad out of the box I can just bring it back and exchange it.


Here is a good write up on doing a coolant flush:
http://www.xjtalk.com/showthread.php?t=5911


I'm a member of NAXJA and Jeepforum as well.
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No comment on the leaf springs (the ones on my '88 Cherokee are still OK at the moment).

On the thermostat, pony up for one at the dealership. I went through three Stant Superstants that all opened correctly, but then were sticky and didn't close real well. End result was I ran too cool in the winter. Ponied up for the dealership stat and problem solved.
 
A few issues I ran into lifting my XJ the first time ...

1) The upper shock bolts WILL break
2) You're really going to be stretching the stock brake line when swapping out springs. We went from the regular springs to the HD springs lifted above and almost ripped out the rubber brake line. Might be worth buying the stainless steel from quadrated
3) The front leaf spring bolts are going to be a pain to get out (if they come out). They have a habit of breaking or the weld nut spinning in the unibody. I took mine slow with a breaker bar and didn't have any problems getting them out. Take it easy!
 
So I called quadratec and asked them who makes the spring they told me its crown. I called crown and they told me its made in india. The tech guy also said that the stock spring will sag within 2 years because all stock sags in 2 years. He said I should go for heavy duty so it won't sag too much, now I am confused. Is it true about what he saying about stock and 2 years sagging?
 
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If the manufacturer is indicating their springs will sag back to where you are now in 2 years, I'd look for another supplier. I have no experience with the replacements, I'm still running on the 24+ year old springs on my '88 Cherokee, and they look fine.

As to some of the advice above, plan on the upper shock bolts breaking. When they do it won't be a problem then. When they break, take an air chisel and pop out the welded in nuts. You can fish a new set of nuts in through the subframe above it, though they won't be welded in anymore. Otherwise, bar pin eliminators are another option.
 
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