jeep suspension

[dockwrecker]

Re: jeep suspension

Also while you've got that owners' manual out, Jeep clearly states the maximum trailer LENGTH that can be towed. Be sure to check that. I've got a 2000 Cherokee 4.0 (I've also had two others) that I've towed with several times and it ain't great. No way I'd call it a 5000lb capable vehicle even if Jeep does.

 

[Tom P]

Re: jeep suspension

I'd agree that the limit should be nowhere near 5k. Honestly, I believe I'm at the max for a single axle with breaks. If I understand the book correct the max length is 25 feet. Again, I believe I'm at the max. I would not want to tow every weekend with it. I tow 6-8 times a year max.

Thanks all,

Tom

 

[HappierWet]

Re: jeep suspension

I've got a 90 XJ that regularly pulls 3500 lbs and occasionally pretty close to 5000 lbs. My hitch doesn't drop but a couple inches with 300 odd pounds of tongue weight, although the tongue weight is a bit over 500 on the heavy trailer and that DOES set it down.

I would check the tongue weight as a first step anyway, so you know what you're dealing with. Also make sure all the leaves are intact. You can also bastard pack leaves to change weight handling....look at S10's, rangers, broncoII s, and if you can find them old Scout II s. You won't need the leaf with the eyes, but the others are interchangeable. 2 inches wide if I remember. The thickness and taper are what will affect load handling and ride quality. Also FWIW the coil springs from the front of a V8 ZJ ( grand cherokee ) fit right in and give around an inch lift in front.

 

[Tom P]

Re: jeep suspension

Ok - my Air Lift arrived today. I'm going to have the guy that works on my Jeep install them. Any suggestions on where to mount the air valve?

Thanks,

Tom

 

[75TowerOfPower]

Re: jeep suspension

Mount it through the rear bumper and can filler up through there.

I have a 88 Cherokee with about 5" of lift and 35's and I tow my boat which is 2500-3000lbs depending on load and its ok. You picked out the best thing being the bags/shocks. Very adjustable and if you mount the lines in some good locations you shouldn't have to worry about blowing a line.

 

[Tom P]

Re: jeep suspension

When you say "through the real bumper". Do you mean. run the hose through the inside of the bumper. The drill 2 wholes (one for each side) in the bumper. With the valves sticking out and pointing down?

Thanks much,

Tom

 

[Dzrtcj7]

Re: jeep suspension

I saw this was briefly touched on in a previous post but make sure your tongue weight is right. For 3500lbs you should have about 350lbs on the ball of your hitch, which should be no bid deal for your cherokee. If it is a boat you are going to be towing a lot, I adjust the where the boat sits on the bunks to get the weight right.

 

[Tom P]

Re: jeep suspension

I trailered today for the 1st time with the Air Lifts down the NY Through-way about 50 miles. As far as the ride quality goes, it was perfect. You couldn't tell I was pulling a boat. Much smother ride that my 1996 jeep with an extra leaf. Air Lifts are the way to go.

Thanks All,

Tom

 

[Jeepster04]

Re: jeep suspension

Glad you like them Tom. They made towing much more fun and enjoyable for us. The rear of the Jeep no longer bounces a bunch after hitting dips or big bumps. It just soaks up the bumps and keeps on going. Feels much more stable.

 

[Philip_G]

Re: jeep suspension

Also while you've got that owners' manual out, Jeep clearly states the maximum trailer LENGTH that can be towed. Be sure to check that. I've got a 2000 Cherokee 4.0 (I've also had two others) that I've towed with several times and it ain't great. No way I'd call it a 5000lb capable vehicle even if Jeep does.

I have a 2000 as well and haven't checked the manual, about 2500 pounds is "my" limit either way

the only ones I KNOW are rated at 5,000 lbs are the 96 and older with the tow package, and as mentioned they have a tranny cooler but what I think you're missing is they also had a dana 44 axle with bigger drums out back, a lot stronger axle than the D35 or C8.25

 

[Jeepster04]

Re: jeep suspension

I have a 2000 as well and haven't checked the manual, about 2500 pounds is "my" limit either way

the only ones I KNOW are rated at 5,000 lbs are the 96 and older with the tow package, and as mentioned they have a tranny cooler but what I think you're missing is they also had a dana 44 axle with bigger drums out back, a lot stronger axle than the D35 or C8.25

As far as I know all Cherokees with the I-6 engine have the 8.25 rear axle. They did switch from a 27 spline axle to a 29 spine axle in 1997 though. The Dana 44 isnt really stronger than a 8.25 besides the fact that its not a C-Clip axle where the 8.25 is. Some older(late 80's) Cherokees did have a dana 44 though.

 

[Philip_G]

Re: jeep suspension

As far as I know all Cherokees with the I-6 engine have the 8.25 rear axle.

That's not accurate. The 4.0 came with the D44, D35, and C8.25.


Out front they came with the D30 high pinion, low pinion, with vac disconnect and without.

They did switch from a 27 spline axle to a 29 spine axle in 1997 though. The Dana 44 isnt really stronger than a 8.25 besides the fact that its not a C-Clip axle where the 8.25 is. Some older(late 80's) Cherokees did have a dana 44 though.

The D44 is indeed stronger and thus more desireable.
The XJ's with the D44 were the tow package vehicles, you can usually tell from the factory tow hooks out front, and the tow package was only available with the AW4. Some of the later tow package cars came with the 8.25, I think about 88 on. I think they also came with 3.73 or so gears vs the 3.54

Look around as you're driving, the c8.25 has a large flat spot on hte bottom, the D35 is oval, and the D44 is just different looking.