Topic: Cherokee Rear spring ride height measurement please (Read 14961 times)

garyf · « **on:** November 07, 2007, 06:37:06 PM »

Can anybody tell me what the ride height of a standard 4ltr Facelift Cherokee should be, I have measured from the centre if the hub to the bottom of the wheel arch trim, I think it should be around 17.5 inches as I'm sure I have seen this on a website somewhere but can't find it again.

The reason I ask is I have just fitted a 3 inch ProComp lift and I'm sure I haven't got the 3 inch lift on the rear. The measurement I have is 18.5 inches with the lift fitted.

Just want to make sure before I go back to Explorer for some replacements.

greggmo · « **Reply #1 on:** November 07, 2007, 07:06:56 PM »

does the truck look unlevel from the side?

Dave69 · « **Reply #2 on:** November 07, 2007, 07:53:25 PM »

yep you got that figure correct, 17.5" from wheel hub centre to the wheel arch. mine now measures 21" with RE 3.5" lift but the front is settling down to 21"

garyf · « **Reply #3 on:** November 07, 2007, 09:45:43 PM »

Greggmo, no the truck still looks arse end down that's what made me question it,

dave 69 thanks for info I will be giving Explorer a ring in the morning, my fronts sit spot on at 20 inch (+2.5 inch front springs) so no probs there just the old troublesome rear

The Smiths · « **Reply #4 on:** November 07, 2007, 11:25:51 PM »

Hi Gary

The 3" lift I fitted said 2.5" on the paperwork but did give me 3" on a diesel (6" from where it was, nearly on the bump stops.

The codes on the springs they supplied me were: 53111

See if the codes are the same.

By the way have finally got the leather seats fitted and working :?

garyf · « **Reply #5 on:** November 07, 2007, 11:35:00 PM »

hi, yes the code on the springs are the same as you stated, I believe what they say is that you get 2.5 inch at the front and 3 inch at the rear.

My worry is that in 6 months time towing the trailer with the SJ on the height will be no higher than normal.

I will give them a call in the morning to see what they have to say, but either way it would appear that I am going to have to change them again,

greggmo · « **Reply #6 on:** November 07, 2007, 11:38:24 PM »

i would sway towards fitting extended rear shackles or an add-a-leaf kit. are you on lpg or have a lot of junk in the back? see the trouble with some of the kits that ride nice are a softer spring rate therefore they will still sit down very easy. the other thing is to take it over to pro comp and see what they say.i am sure they will try to help if they can.

garyf · « **Reply #7 on:** November 07, 2007, 11:45:16 PM »

The problem is I only fitted the lift last weekend, there isn't really anything in the boot of any substance, I haven't even had the trailer on it yet so god knows what would happen if i did.

To be honest if they are that weak I would rather go with the block set up that I had on my previous Cherokee, I run that for 2 years towing a trailer every other weekend and used off road at least twice a month and never dropped at all.

greggmo · « **Reply #8 on:** November 07, 2007, 11:58:54 PM »

take it to pro comp mate. it should sit level if its all new. maybe they have got the springs wrong by accident.

The Smiths · « **Reply #9 on:** November 08, 2007, 12:14:21 AM »

The other thing to look out for is the bottom (stop laf) twisting out

and a degree shim snapping.

Have just got the replacemnt springs and need to fit them - a bit bad seeing the original springs had been on a week and only did 100 miles with some light playing.

They did send replacements with no hassel though.

garyf · « **Reply #10 on:** November 08, 2007, 12:32:01 AM »

That doesn't fill me with confidence giving that most of the time I tow the trailer and then also use this to play off road, my springs are definatly not going to have an easy life. starting to wonder already whether I made the right decision or not?

?? sometime sbetter to stick with what you know works

greggmo · « **Reply #11 on:** November 08, 2007, 12:37:47 AM »

i would still go with add-a-leaf if you do a fair bit of towing. even if the kit is new.

dtooth · « **Reply #12 on:** November 08, 2007, 04:21:34 PM »

lifted this from NAXJA.org

full write up http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=912893

including piccies

Checking Front Ride Height

Measure front ride height with the vehicle unloaded (no luggage or passengers) and with the fuel tank full.

Place the vehicle on a level surface and measure the veryical distance between the top of the axle tube (A) and the underside of the frame sill (B). Refer to Figure 1 for driver's side measurement and Figure 2 for passenger side measurement. Be sure each measurement is taken from the top of the tube and not from the axle or shift motor housings.

With Standard or Soft Ride Suspension, vertical distance should be 17 cm (6-3/4 inches) plus or minus 13 mm (1/2 inch). With Heavy Duty Suspension, vertical distance should be 20 cm (7-3/4 inches) plus or minus 13 mm (1/2 inch).

Checking Rear Ride Height

Measure rear ride height with the vehicle unloaded (no luggage or passengers) and with the fuel tank full.

Place the vehicle on a level surface and measure the vertical distance between the top of the axle tube (C) and the underside of the frame sill (D) inboard of the jounce bumper (E).

With Standard or Soft Ride Suspension, vertical distance should be 15 cm (6 inches) plus or minus 13 mm (1/2 inch). With Heavy Duty Suspension, vertical distance should be 18 cm (7 inches) plus or minus 13 mm (1/2 inch).

-------------------------------------------------------------

The letters in each paragraph refer to diagrams, which I have no way of reproducing. Once you get underneath and look, though, the measurement points should be fairly obvious.

This section of the FSM also provides a listing of stock springs and spring codes, but it doesn't provide any specifications regarding spring rate for the various springs.

The springs are coded with a 2-letter code. In general, moving up one letter increases ride height by 1/2 inch. For example, stock (standard) front coils are coded FC through FP. If the right front has a spring coded FH and rides 1/2" too low, replacing that coil with one coded FJ would raise it 1/2". Typically, the factory used front coils with one letter code higher on the driver's side, to compensate for the weight of the driver.

tag · « **Reply #13 on:** November 08, 2007, 05:15:32 PM »

Hi, i fitted leaf springs from a ford escourt y reg van £20 scrap yard! 3 inch lift been on 18 months no probs . i cut the eyes off the ford springs and fitted them under the top cherokee leaf ,so i have 3 leaf springs and a small overload spring per side, and that gives you spare leaves if you want to go higher. drilling the center hole is a pain but worth it!

Bubba · « **Reply #14 on:** November 08, 2007, 06:15:03 PM »

i like home built how toos

garyf · « **Reply #15 on:** November 09, 2007, 10:51:41 PM »

Made contact with explorer and got to say not too impressed at this point , I recieved one or two suggestions, but we'll wait and see what happens, I have sent them photographs and measurements so they can send them to the states and see what they come up with.

Has anybody else experienced similiar problems with the kit from Explorer.

isle of man · « **Reply #16 on:** November 10, 2007, 08:43:51 AM »

i have had dealings with the guy at explorer and found him to be honourable.

supply all the information he has asked for, i'm sure the outcome will be amicable.

peter henry

JamesH · « **Reply #17 on:** November 11, 2007, 03:13:39 PM »

Just as extra information, standard XJ measurements from wheel hub centre to bottom of plastic wheel arch is 17" at rear and 17.5" at the front. The plastic arch is mounted slightly on the front and this can exagerrate the arse-down look.

I would be looking for a good 20" measurement at the rear when you first install a lift as XJ leaf springs always sag and settle a bit.

The Smiths · « **Reply #18 on:** November 11, 2007, 03:53:08 PM »

Gary,

Fitted my replacement springs a couple of days ago (same code as the ones you have).

Drivers side is 21"
Passenger side is 22"

These are the same measurements as the first set I had, don't know why there is a big difference checked that both springs were the same before fitting.

Dave69 · « **Reply #19 on:** November 11, 2007, 05:07:28 PM »

dont get too concerned with the sag left to right, my rubicon express lift sags lower on the right. so it happens to all the manufacturers

garyf · « **Reply #20 on:** November 11, 2007, 07:37:21 PM »

I'll see what they say tomorrow,

I feel that there is something wrong with the passenger side rear spring, I had some bits in boot today and it seemed to sag down on that side far more than the other.

Just bought another '98 Cherokee 4ltr that has done 100 thou and still got original springs and the rears and it still measures 17.5 inches from the centre of the hub to lower edge of arch.

Sam · « **Reply #21 on:** November 12, 2007, 10:46:35 AM »

gary me old pal, wish you had told me you were considering buying that kit ya poor bugger (you have PM) :lol:

garyf · « **Reply #22 on:** November 12, 2007, 06:50:54 PM »

Hi Sam, sorry should have mentioned something at camping weekend but never thought about it, funny you say what you say about bottom leaf but that's about the fourth person that's told me that.

I will see if I can make a spring clamp to go round the spring once I get my problem sorted. :roll:

PS Jeep looked good at the camping weekend. See you soon

gordy · « **Reply #23 on:** November 24, 2007, 08:55:32 AM »

17 1/2" front , 17" rear, centre of wheel cap to bottom of flare. I got a procrap 3" lift, and after 2 yrs, get 3 1/2" (20 1/2) lift at the rear, every time I wheel at KORC the rear lifts up 1/2". Seems the procrap likes a lot of flexin- 2 1/2 up front thats coz I got heavy winch bumper & winch, gonna put a couple of Super Pro 1" spacers up front today if Royal Fail get their ass in gear

I got the silver XJ from Mildenhall Offroad club.

The Smiths · « **Reply #24 on:** November 28, 2007, 12:10:17 AM »

My replacemnt Procomp rear springs have just twisted again - 200miles and one trip offroad AGAIN :evil:

Author Topic: Cherokee Rear spring ride height measurement please (Read 14961 times)

garyf

garyf

garyf

garyf

garyf

dtooth

tag

garyf

garyf

Sam

garyf

gordy