hi,
i apologise in advance,a few weeks ago i enguired about an issue i was having,new to the forum obviously..had a few nice and helpful responces..thanks..but i will admit that i got a little miffed when i was talked down to and insulted because i mentionted i use to be a mechanic..i suppose i should have elaborated on use to..back in the dinosaur days..lol
any how,i do have aquestion and would appreciate any insight..not to sound cocky,but i know my way around a wrench..it just been forever for what it is worth.
and i have a very healthy disdain for computers.
simple question..i have very bad spring sag on this jeep i just purchased(2001 cherokee sport)
i do not know enough to do this on my own without advice from someone with way more experiance then i have.
do i go with air shocks,an aal kit,shackles..etc..i dont really 4 wheel much..not hard core yet..lol..i would like a pleasant ride,i thought about air shocks cause it seemed easiest..i dont tow stuff or anything crazy..or should i get new leaf springs from dorman..i hate how it looks with the sag..springs are a bit out of what i can afford,but i have no clue what air shocks cost or whether they will ruin the ride.
thanks in adcance to anyone with some insight

 

I just put dorman 929-301 replacement leaf springs on my 99 Cherokee. Cost was $180
The shock mounting location in the rear is not meant for supporting a lot of weight.

I would replace the old leaf springs with brand new ones. If you don't want to do that make sure your bump stops are good.

It took me about 2 hours total to replace my leaf springs without working fast. Bleepinjeep has a video on YouTube that you can watch. Very easy if you are not in the rust belt.

 

One more vote for do it right or don't bother. The correct fix is to replace the leaf spring packs. Those packs are 17 years old and worn out.

 

Yep. Replace the leaf springs. A lot of folks are happy with the Dormans, available on Amazon. I went with the Crown, and found I had to pay somebody to press the bushings in. If you have a press, or a buddy who has one, I'd say opt for the Crowns. I have seen the Crown rear shackles compared to the Dormans, and they are very different. The Crown's are the equal of the originals. The Dormans are much thinner metal, and the weld is both smaller, and lower quality. I don't know for sure that the springs will show the same difference in quality, but I'd bet on it.

 

I agree fix the leafs but if money is tight and you want to get it back to normal for $80 put some gariel air shocks on it. That's what I did cuz it's to cold out to be messing around with springs and that hassle. I just got back from taking a 4000 mile trip with my jeep loaded heavy and the shocks performed great. For the money you will be extreamly pleased trust me. First pic is after air shocks with everything in the car plus 820 lbs more when me and my family got in. Second pic is when I first got it with it being empty. Big difference. It never bottoms out now with the air shocks