What's acceptable for spring sag on a KJ?

[slingworks]

I've kinda noticed a bit of front sagging on my 05 Liberty. It's one of those things that's kinda crept up lately, but didn't really notice until today.

What made me notice it was a quick look at the suspension, not much travel left! LOL

When I came home I measured it out, and front is 17-1/4 from the center of the CV to the flat underside of the fender flares. Rear sits at 18. (I changed rear shocks recently).

I don't remember when I last changed the front shocks, maybe 30k miles ago, but I drive lots of rough/gravel.

I kinda scrolled the net and some past topics here on the forum, but found things a bit conflicting. I did come across a measurement of 19" center hub to fender flare underside. Am I really sagging that badly or is that a measurement for the 2002 Liberty that was a bit higher?

Also, I looked at some shocks around and I see the market is flooded with cheap shock assemblies. $100 a pair for China's finest. I'd normally laugh at the thought, but I'm wondering if I could get 20k miles out of a set of those....I usually buy Monroe shocks, but the last pair I bought were "Assembled in China". Really left me wondering if I was just buying the same Chinese made shock assemblies everyone else sells with a premium "Monroe" sticker attached??

As an afterthought, i wonder if it's possible to attain a 2002 model "height". IF I had a bit more, think it would help dampen the ride in any extra way? Just wondering.

 

[lfhoward]

Yes, I think KJ's were 19" from the center of the wheel to the fender flare in the front end. That means your springs are sagged 1-3/4"! Whoa.

You'll need a spring replacement to regain height and functionality. It would be best to replace the shocks at the same time, as old shocks run on sagged springs are probably toast as well.

To get another half inch, which is about what the early model 2002's had, you could do a clevis lift for free or exchange your KJ clevis (strut forks) with KK ones, which are supposedly a little taller. Of course as soon as you change the geometry you will need to get an alignment, so nothing is actually free.

 

[mike]

exchange your KJ clevis (strut forks) with KK ones, which are supposedly a little taller.

Off topic, but I wonder if that works on a 2007?

 

[Gyro]

Off topic, but I wonder if that works on a 2007?

Yes it works for all years.

Gyro

 

[mike]

Thank you Gyro.

 

[HoosierJeeper]

None! LOL. Upgrade due for sure.

 

[slingworks]

None! LOL. Upgrade due for sure.

Oh come on, nobody is perfect! Today I ordered a pair of Monroe's that come complete w springs/mounts and a set of "Moog" rear springs. I could have maybe gotten by with just fronts...but didn't want to risk the back end sitting lower than the front. Nose down seems more acceptable? LOL.

I just put new tires on it (10ply) and I could by tell the way they rode, they had way too much air in them. Was somewhere north of 60lbs. When I let them down to 28 yesterday, I'd swear it sits lower still....

Got a little ambitious and bought a set of used tow hooks on Ebay as well....Might actually use them someday?