advice needed - 96 xj sport for towing boat

[ogre]

Hi All,

First post here and would love some advice.
I have a 96 xj sport with stock rear leafs (sagging a lot) and intend to tow a 1500kg boat (100kg down on tow ball) 20km every 2 weeks, other driving is maybe 150km/week. wondering what people reccomend for replacement rear leafs for the least cost? i have seen efs for around $425 and some from 4x4point for $370 (delivered). Located in wollongong if anyone has used leafs in good condition?

Cheers.

[AJP]

Hi mate.
I added an extra leaf (many years ago) then changed to Pedder's Track Riders with little (positive) results. While checked and found to be within maker's tolerance, the slight change in the pinion angle did introduce a vibration in some conditions. Later in 2008 I added some Polyair airbags and towed a 2000kg (ATM) around Australia for a year over 32,000km and the rig stayed perfectly flat. They were not that expensive...from memory $450 approx in Dec 2008. I do have the original springs with extra leaf but I am in Hobart. Still have the old girl with bags permanently at 25-30 psi with no problems.Good luck.

[amlav]

Cost me $350 to have an extra leaf installed on both sides by a truck suspension company in Brooklyn (Melbourne) . My boat is about 900kg's . It doesn't sag anymore but the ride is a bit bumpier when not towing .

[alexbrown64]

I think everyone has done some sort of mod to their rear suspension on their XJ's.

I found a low k's set of Sport leaf packs for about $150. I wanted extra height so i added an aftermarket leaf to each pack.. about $100. That has given me a nice set of well arched leaves. For more height i also have a set of adjustable height shackles fitted.
For even more ride height adjustability, such as for towing, i also have a set of airbags fitted. These are simple to fit and do a really good job of getting the ride height you want. I usually leave mine at about 20-30 psi.

https://www.airliftcompany.com/shop/59507/ but they are not cheap.

One of the better options may be the EFS new spring packs.. may have to add spacers to the front springs though.. http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/JEEP-CHER.../181703028473?

Cheers,

[Squirejames359]

I installed Ironman 4x4 leaf packs in the rear about 18 months or so ago. From memory they were $416 for the set delivered. They lifted my very saggy rear end about 30ish mm over stock. Firm ride when empty, no probs when loaded for camping with kids, trailer etc. All new bushes as well, straight swap and did it myself without too many problems. Prior to that I had already installed new 41mm shocks all round, will do new front springs one day.

[awg]

Originally Posted by ogre

Hi All,

reccomend for replacement rear leafs for the least cost?

Cheers.

google the gojeep website he shows how to do this mod using old leaf set
(as u asked least cost)

[junglejuice]

I use Old Man Emu springs which give a better ride and better load carrying then the stock packs, for towing duties I find that the airbags are great for maintaining ride height but new springs are the first step, adding an extra main leaf will help to a degree but you're trying to bend all the leafs with an extra, most likely already sagged leaf.
Buy a new set of leaf packs from a reputable brand, you'll be much happier with the result...