Suspension problems...
mtcs
06-14-2006, 11:59 PM
I have a 2001 Jeep Cherokee Sport....
Have a problem. Everyday I load about 400 pounds of material into my trucnk....then drive it about 4 miles down the road to a storage facility. My question is if that is bad for my suspension....
Lately it has been making squeaking noises and weird awkward noises....
Replacing the shocks (Rancho RS5000) and the springs(not sure)...should help my lbs trek everyday.
Also, what springs can handle all that weight. need something really strong yet still streetable and ok for off roading...
I sometimes have 5 people in the jeep and the 400lbs in the trunk...then it makes lots of suspension noise... What else could i do minus buying airbags.
Thanks
Ben
Have a problem. Everyday I load about 400 pounds of material into my trucnk....then drive it about 4 miles down the road to a storage facility. My question is if that is bad for my suspension....
Lately it has been making squeaking noises and weird awkward noises....
Replacing the shocks (Rancho RS5000) and the springs(not sure)...should help my lbs trek everyday.
Also, what springs can handle all that weight. need something really strong yet still streetable and ok for off roading...
I sometimes have 5 people in the jeep and the 400lbs in the trunk...then it makes lots of suspension noise... What else could i do minus buying airbags.
Thanks
Ben
fredjacksonsan
06-15-2006, 09:12 AM
Well it sounds like you're overloading the Jeep. I think Cherokees are rated for about 800 lbs of cargo including passengers. With 5 people + 400 pounds, you're over that, and WAY over if they're big guys. Even though it's only 4 miles...
Your post begs the question: why drive 400lbs every day? Why not leave it in the storage facility?
In any case, with any spring upgrade that would handle the load, you experience a much worse ride quality probably.
More importantly, your maximum load isn't based just on springs, but also on axle capacity and the body of the vehicle. Even if you installed HD springs , the axle/hardware/etc would be taking the punishment and might not last long.
Best solution IMO is to get a truck(pickup) if you'll be hauling those kinds of loads on a regular basis.
Your post begs the question: why drive 400lbs every day? Why not leave it in the storage facility?
In any case, with any spring upgrade that would handle the load, you experience a much worse ride quality probably.
More importantly, your maximum load isn't based just on springs, but also on axle capacity and the body of the vehicle. Even if you installed HD springs , the axle/hardware/etc would be taking the punishment and might not last long.
Best solution IMO is to get a truck(pickup) if you'll be hauling those kinds of loads on a regular basis.
AlohaBra
06-20-2006, 10:30 AM
Or a small trailer from Costco.
McCann
06-29-2006, 03:21 PM
MTCS
Check your springs and make sure they are not fatigued or cracked. Sometimes the cracks are hard to find. You will be able to tell though because there will be some flexing that does not look right if the springs are broke or weak.
We replaced the leaf springs on Sonny Boys '94 and that made a world of difference on what we can haul.
Most Shocks are not really designed for helping hold up a load unless they are adjustable or air.
I would bet your springs are sagging. That is a historical problem with Cherokees.
Good Luck Mike
Check your springs and make sure they are not fatigued or cracked. Sometimes the cracks are hard to find. You will be able to tell though because there will be some flexing that does not look right if the springs are broke or weak.
We replaced the leaf springs on Sonny Boys '94 and that made a world of difference on what we can haul.
Most Shocks are not really designed for helping hold up a load unless they are adjustable or air.
I would bet your springs are sagging. That is a historical problem with Cherokees.
Good Luck Mike
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