a few cherokee questions

[Scott Dog]

My son just bought a 2001 Cherokee sport, 177k miles, it sits low on the right rear, and the leaf springs need to be replaced. Since I am going to replace the rear springs, I would like to put a small lift on it. Any good suggestions? Also, the steering wheel is making a very annoying squeeling noise when it is turned left or right. It is in the steering column. How do I grease the steering wheel? Is the front drive shaft, and u-joint supposed to turn when the vehicle is moving? I got under it to check the u-joints because the jeep has developed a vibration at highway speed. I thought that if the transfer case was in 2high, the front drive shaft and joints don't move. Any help will be appreciated.

[New87jeeper]

I would recomend www.rocky-road.com You will know why as you read through their web sight. Very imformative, great prices etc. They offer a $300 3-inch lift, it is legit. They use rear shackle raisers and small blocks in the rear and springs in the front. They offer great items for converting the front shock mounts if needed and trasfer case drop kits if you get any kind of weirdness after the lift. Make sure to do an alignment and to drop the front control arms if you lift more than three inches or if you dont like the way bumps are transfered into the cabin after the lift. They can speak volumes more than I care to continue etc. They also have great links to verious calculators for everything. ROCK ON WITH THE JEEP SICKNESS. DRIVE IT LIKE YOU STOLE IT!!! ...while being safe and obeying the law and stuff...

[New87jeeper]

I just read the remainder of the post. I would spend some time greasing all the front joints . Also jack the front end up and with out actually getting under the jeep (completly), have someone turn the wheels to see if their is any play in the linkage while you carefully check it out from below. Also while it is up in the air you can see if the ball joints are worn badly etc. The shake might be from a tire that is unbalanced, or loosness in the joints or tie rods etc. I would flush all the fluids and refresh them, including the power steering resivori that could make a slight noise and vibration. Transfer case transmision, the front and rear pumpkins, etc., etc. and check the mufler barings too, those tend to go bad after 75,000 miles or so... it feels good to knowing that all the fluids are fresh with any used car. lol Youre a cool dad for being involved!!! Wish my Dad were as proactive with my first chevy etc. As for the front drive shaft moving while only in 2wd. That goes beyond my knowlage. I THINK that they do both still move but the power from the engine is engaged or disengaged at the transfer case in the middle. BUT I AM ONLY ASSSUMING!!! Reply back and update us all!!! You Rock!