Chassis bottoming out

Searched forum, found no other similar problems. Have a 99 3.5L Trooper that bottoms out with five fat ladies in it. YGTBSM. Loaded 1000 lbs of rocks in it, did the same thing, bottomed out, banged going over any bump, esp bridges. Had shocks replaced two years ago, mechanic said no broken springs. Anyone else had this problem???

Finally got out my ramps and dogbone to get under trooper. Not easy for a 70 year old to maneuver, but was determined to sort out problem. Turns out rubber bump stops were missing next to coil spring on each side. Bot from dealer for $150, only two bolts each. Now I can overload it without metal on metal clanging when hitting bumps.

Way to go kplusten! Good post.

THANK YOU for this post. Had similar problems with 1999 and 2001 is starting it. Will definitely get out the manual and check for the rubber bump stops.