Very Bumpy Ride

[sklater]

I got a problem with my jeep. it's a 98 cherokee sport. It has a 3in. lift on it with 31x10.5, just bought the tires two months ago. As i drive around town, it is extremely bumpy. You can feel every bump or hole in the rode. I have never had a jeep before, so can't compare, but everyone who rides with me comments that it is very bumpy, more than other cars or trucks. It rides the same with these new tires as it did with the old tires, which were bald, so it's not the tires. It just gets annoying, since i live in a college town and the roads are not in the greatest condition, potholes everywhere, to have it constantly rocking. Any clues as to what it might be??????? It is by far the roughest vehicle i have ever driven. The shocks look after market as well, probably came with the lift, because it already had the lift when i bought it.

[IdahoJeeper]

Hi there,

Every vehicle is different, as I'm sure you're aware. I'm sure you're also aware that a Jeep Cherokee isn't exactly a luxury ride vehicle. I think by the very nature of the cherokee, being a fairly tough, light weight offroad rated SUV, you can expect a slightly stiffer ride than other cushy rides, say like a Chevy Blazer...

A couple things I would ask: you mentioned a 3" lift. Did they use a helper spring (aka add-a-leaf) in the back to do the lift? If so, you most definitely will have a stiffer ride. Also, what is the pressure in your tires? Some of these big tires get pretty stiff with a little bit more air than you might need. The after market shocks, are they ride adjustable? Some are and you could be set up for magnum offroad 'bumpys'.

Otherwise, put on your kidney belt, strap in and start loving your Jeep, or sell it to someone who will!

[sklater]

don't get me wrong, i love this jeep. I would never get anything else, but if i could get it to ride softer like others say that they have seen jeeps ride, i might get happier with it.

i'll check that stuff out tomorrow on it, cause it's too late now. thanx

[IdahoJeeper]

That's the attitude! Let me know what you find.

There is one other possibility, there is a 3" heavy duty lift spring from Old Man Emu which will give you a rough ride. I'm told they're great for towing but can be kinda rough when empty...

[JeEpBoY95]

idahojeeper is right...the springs could be a stiffer aftermarket type, or they could have used cheapie blocks to lift if which will make the supspention act funny. you might need new shocks as well they could be to short or too stiff. i have my jeep lifted around 4 in and i have the stiff springs and the 150psi skyjacker shocks and they give my jeep a horrifying ride on bumpy sufaces but i've gotten used to the fact that i drive a jeep and i will always feel the bumps in the seat of my pants. good luck!