Suspension - Spring Identification/Application
84amcjeep02FEBRUARY 1984 000 162
CHEROKEE/WAGONEER 70 SERIES
10E
SUSPENSION Attention: Workshop, Parts Department
SPRING IDENTIFICATION AND APPLICATION
Information
The suspension is available in three classifications; Standard; Soft Ride; and Heavy Duty.
The Standard suspension is designed for moderate off-road operation as well as normal everyday driving. The Soft Ride suspension offers a smoother ride on models operated principally on paved road surfaces. The Heavy Duty suspension is recommended for trailer towing, snow plowing and extended off-road operation along with normal everyday driving.
Vehicle Attitude
The slight forward rake is by design and is not to be misdiagnosed as a front or rear spring problem. In addition, a side-to-side body height variance of approximately 19 mm (3/4 in.) at the sills (measured from sill to ground) and 25 mm (1 in.) at the fender flares (measured from flare to ground), is acceptable.
Spring Identification
The front and rear springs are identified by a two letter alpha code.
- The front coil spring code is printed on a plastic tag attached to one of the spring coils.
- The rear leaf spring code is stamped on the bottom of the main leaf or the spring clip.
Spring codes and applications are outlined in the following spring application guides. Refer to the parts microfiche for spring part numbers (the codes/part numbers are cross referenced in the microfiche).
Spring Application
The spring application guides outline usage according to type of spring (i.e. Standard, Heavy Duty, Soft Ride) and front/rear gross axle weight rating (G.A.W.R.).
The weight ratings for the vehicle front and rear axles are printed on the safety certification label attached to the driver side door.
Adding Accessory Options
Suspension springs are factory selected to be compatible with regular production options. For example, a vehicle ordered with V-6 engine, automatic transmission, and air conditioning requires higher rate springs to accommodate the extra weight and maintain proper ride height and quality.
When additional weight is added to the front or rear axle such as installation of a winch, A/C kit, extra fuel tank, etc., it may be necessary to install springs with a higher weight rating. To determine spring requirements and selection, perform the following:
1. Determine if accessory weight will be on the front or rear axle.
2. Note and record the gross axle weight rating (G.A.W.R.) for the axle that will carry the added weight. The front and rear axle G.A.W.R. is printed on the Safety Certification Label attached to the drivers side door.
3. Determine the weight of the accessory and add that amount to the G.A.W.R.
FRONT COIL SPRINGS CHART:
4. Record the front or rear axle spring codes. Then refer to the chart to identify the type of spring (e.g. Standard, Soft Ride, Heavy Duty).
5. Compare the weight rating of the existing springs with the ratings indicated in the chart. A spring change is necessary only when the G.A.W.R. plus accessory weight exceeds the capacity of the existing springs.
Example:
1. Front axle will carry accessory weight.
2. Front axle G.A.W.R. is 1940 lbs.
3. Accessory weight is 95 lbs.
^ 1940 + 95 = combined total of 2035 lbs.
4. Vehicle has FH - FG Standard suspension front springs.
REAR LEAF SPRINGS CHART:
5. Refer to chart - FH - FG Standard spring maximum capacity is 1970 lbs. Installing accessory will exceed front spring capacity. Front springs should be upgraded to Standard FJ - FH front springs.
NOTE: Do not intermix springs. If a spring upgrade is required, use only the same type of spring (Standard, Soft Ride, or Heavy Duty).
Filing Instructions
Record this I.S. Note on pages J-1, J-11 and J-13 and file it in your M.R. 244 binder.