UP COUNTRY Suspension?

[gregory914]

Just bought a 98 Cherokee Limited and I was pricing shocks on-line and a few places said w/o up country susp. Mine has a sticker in the back side window that says "UP COUNTRY Suspension".

Questions; is it a factory option, what is it and how do I know if this thing realy has it and why are most shocks not compatable with it ??? Is there a place on this vehicle where they list the option codes and rear end/drive line info? The current shocks have a bellows on them like a Bilstein would but they're not Bilsteins. Also it is a Canadian spec vehicle.

THANKS it's my first Jeep

[Mines69Olds]

From the launch of the 1999 models and up until September 2, 2003, the Up Country Suspension Group package has been an available option on all WJ models, except (for marketing reasons) 2002-2004 Limited's with the HO engine. Utilizing upgraded shocks, springs and tires, the UC package claims to give about 1" of additional lift, with a slightly firmer and steadier ride. However, there seems to be a variety of different springs that have been used for this option, with some owners claiming only 5/8" of lift while others have stated higher. The "body roll" factor seems to be worse on most models with this option (a shortcoming which can be easily solved with an upgraded rear sway bar). The Up Country sticker, shown above, was used on Jeeps prior to 1999 (ZJ's). No WJ models have ever had a sticker or badge identifying this feature. The ZJ sticker is still available from Chrysler, part # 5DL32MXW

[Ray H]

The Upcountry package on the XJ includes stiffer springs (that give about 1"+/- additional lift), limited slip rearend, front, t-case and fuel tank skid plates, heavy duty cooling, A/T cooler (not positive about that one), and the ellimination of the rear antisway bar.
The Upcountry shocks are heavy duty gas shocks but are interchangable with other stock XJ shocks. They mount the same and give roughly the same travel.

[gregory914]

Thanks for the responce, mine does have posi, no rear sway bar (yet), and I can see the trans cooler through the grill. and i was thinking of putting Bilsteins on it, any comments ? I think these are the original shocks because the rears have something written in small print at the top.

I have to add, that is my second favorite ceration from Dr. Oldsmobile with the mail box hood scoops, my favorite is the 70 W-30s w/o air so you get the hotter cam. I love the unconvetional Muscle Cars with Olds and Buick having the "Bragging Rights" on TOURQE.....the true power!

[Mines69Olds]

They were seriously under-rated at something like 475. I read somewhere that some guy built a stock one just like that and he tuned it. He said it had 515 tq and something like 450hp.