How Do You Change The Shocks On A Jeep Cherokee XJ?

The most ambitious Jeep ever undertaken, the XJ (said to mean eXperimental Jeep , although the veracity of this is not well substantiated) was revolutionary in design: it was the first SUV to use a bespoke unibody chassis for more car-like performance and design attributes.

What does XJ in Jeep stand for?

The most ambitious Jeep ever undertaken, the XJ (said to mean eXperimental Jeep , although the veracity of this is not well substantiated) was revolutionary in design: it was the first SUV to use a bespoke unibody chassis for more car-like performance and design attributes.

How can I make my Jeep Cherokee run smoother?

Best bet to keep a good ride is to keep the stock coils , buy the adjustable Acos spacers and use them for roughly 3′′ of lift up front. Use 2′′ steel blocks out back and longer shackles. Buy 3 longer shocks. Net about 3′′ of lift using stock springs all around.

Does a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee have struts or shocks?

The suspension system of your vehicle is vital for driving safety and ride quality. It’s a complex system consisting of dozens of components such as springs, shock absorbers , struts, control arms, sway bars, steering links, and other... Jeep Grand Cherokee 2004, Gas-a-JustTM Monotube Shock Absorber by KYB®.

Can you drive with bad shocks?

If your shocks and struts go bad, you shouldn’t drive your car for long . Driving with bad shocks and struts is a safety risk because the stability of your vehicle is compromised. You will experience poor handling, excessive body roll, a wobbly steering wheel, and poor traction.

What noise do bad shocks make?

If you experience similar vibrations on smooth roads, your shocks, struts, or steering stabilizer may be worn. Unusual noises – When shocks and struts are worn out you may hear a clunking or knocking sound . This sound is caused by metal-to-metal contact when the shock or strut bottoms out when hitting a bump.

Is the XJ a real Jeep?

The Jeep Cherokee (XJ) is a compact sport utility vehicle manufactured and marketed across a single generation by Jeep in the United States from 1983 to 2001 — and globally through 2014. It was available in three- or five-door, five passenger, front engine, rear- or four-wheel drive configurations.

Is Jeep 4.0 a good engine?

It’s a strong and reliable engine, however, the 4.0L straight-6 is also known for a lack of power. Regardless, the 4.0 is an excellent all around engine that many appreciate to this day. Good enough that Chrysler and Jeep kept it around for nearly 20 years.

How much horsepower does a 4.0 inline 6 have?

The Jeep’s 4.0-liter straight-six engine’s maximum of 190 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque made the Jeep famously reliable if a little slow.

Why does my Jeep Grand Cherokee ride so rough?

Too much air in the tires results in a bumpy and unstable ride , as the tires are unmalleable, and do not absorb any of the impact from the road. ... So you may have properly inflated tires that are exposing a suspension issue. Bulging tires: Tires can sometimes acquire bulges that make them very misshapen.

How long do shocks last on a Jeep?

Struts and shocks may need to be replaced anywhere between 50k and 100k miles . If at any time the struts or shocks are leaking, broken, or damaged, they should be replaced immediately.

How much should it cost to replace shocks?

The cost to replace shocks is going to be slightly less than struts since they are generally not as complicated as struts. The average total cost to replace a pair of shocks will run about $250 to $580 . An individual shock absorber will cost around $50 to $140 so parts alone will set you back between $100 and $280.

Do Jeep Grand Cherokees ride rough?

Drive a Grand Cherokee on the daily , and its truck-tough underpinnings shrug off America’s crumbling infrastructure. In terms of ride, this Jeep wafts and wobbles its way down the road, a performance punctuated by bouts of pummeling stiffness.

How do I know if I need new shocks?

Several common signs can warn you that shock absorbers or struts need replacing, such as when your vehicle bottoms out over railroad tracks, speed bumps or dips in the road, or it keeps bouncing well after the fact. ... If the vehicle continues to bounce after you let go , your shocks need replacing.

Do I need shocks or struts?

As a general rule, it’s recommended you replace your shocks every 12,000 miles , and replace your struts every 50,000 miles. Some signs of failing shocks or struts include taking potholes and speed bumps especially hard, a front-end nose-dive when braking, and any signs of leaking hydraulic shock fluid.

What does it sound like when you need new shocks?

When going over various bumps, speed bumps, or potholes and your hear a knocking sound , it likely means you have worn shock absorbers. ... All it would take is for a crack to form in the rubber bushing and it will result in a tapping or knocking sound that you can hear each time you hit a bump while driving.

Can you change shocks without a jack?

You can definitely do it. I just had my shocks rebuilt and watched him remove and install the rear ones without taking off the wheels. didnt really pay attention to the jacking the truck up part.

When should shocks be replaced?

Generally, shocks and struts wear out every 50,000-100,000 miles . If you’re a more aggressive driver and/or frequently drive on rough roads, they will wear out faster. Shocks and struts don’t go out all at once; they deteriorate slowly over time.

What is the difference between shocks and struts?

Even though they do the same thing, shocks and struts are completely different parts. A shock cannot be used to replace a strut and a strut cannot be used to replace a shock. ... The major difference between shocks and struts is that a strut is a structural part of the vehicles suspension system where a shock is not .

How long should shocks last?

On average, if your car has been “babied,” you can expect your shocks/struts to last about 10 years . If you have really used your car like a workhorse, 5 years is probably all you can expect. This means that for the average driver, 7 or 8 years is the maximum life expectancy of most shocks and struts.

Is the Jeep XJ fast?

It’s a four-wheel drive front-engined 5-door compact SUV with 5 seats. With 171 hp, the naturally aspirated 4 Liter 12v Inline 6 gasoline engine accelerates this Cherokee 4.0 Limited to 62 mph in 10.1 seconds and on to a maximum speed of 112 mph .

Which XJ is the best?

1999 and 1996 are known as the two “best” years to buy for an XJ.

Why do people love XJ?

Another reason why XJ Cherokee people love this car is for its simplicity . It has a design rooted in the 1980s with not much that can break or go wrong. ... These cars are simple in a way that other vehicles aren’t. It is just amazing how much in this car you can take apart with a screwdriver or a wrench!

What year 4.0 jeep motor was best?

* 258ci cranks from the 1972 to 1980 model years are often considered the best to use in 4.0L stroker motors because they are stronger and smoother.

How many miles does a jeep 4.0 last?

The numbers depend on how well you take care of it! An older, decently cared for Jeep Wrangler can last up to 200,000 miles meanwhile, a Jeep Wrangler in perfectly good condition with frequent maintenance can last up to 400,000 miles.

Are all Jeep 4.0 engines the same?

Not all 4.0 engines are the same even after 91 and up . You should be ok with the 99Cherokee to 99 Grand Cherokee swap though. Be careful, many people assume that they are the same but they are not.

How heavy is a Jeep 4.0 engine?

Is the Jeep Cherokee a smooth ride?

The Cherokee Limited is quite smooth in most on-road driving situations , plus it feels more refined than you might expect for a vehicle in this segment. ... In keeping with its silence and smoothness, the Cherokee is also mostly comfortable.

How much horsepower does a 4.0 Stroker have?

The result is a stroker motor with a total displacement of 4.58 liters that’s able to rev to 6200 rpm, make 395 horsepower , and 367 lb-ft of torque.

What compression should a jeep 4.0 have?

Typically a healthy engine will be in the 140-150 range . Anything below 100PSI and you should be very concerned.