Allen Posted December 30, 2014 Share Posted December 30, 2014 I'm getting my 89 lwb 4.0 2wd back this week from some engine work and think its time for suspension work, I would like to be able to haul more weight in bed of truck without so much sag. It's still got original suspension on 160k+ miles, how can I increase the amount of weight the truck can haul? A little lift (3" or less) is ok, but this is my farm/work truck and doesn't get wheeled, so I'm not concerned about flex. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dando Posted December 30, 2014 Share Posted December 30, 2014 Here is a thread where I essentially asked the same question. I still haven't tried any if them yet though. http://comancheclub.com/topic/44543-making-a-standard-leaf-pack-into-a-metric-ton/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeep Driver Posted December 30, 2014 Share Posted December 30, 2014 http://www.generalspringkc.com/SearchResults.asp?searching=Y&custom=1&show=50&page=1&f-Comanche=2531&f-Jeep=2143&f-1988=2907 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allen Posted December 30, 2014 Author Share Posted December 30, 2014 Thanks, that's a good starting place. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benjy_26 Posted December 30, 2014 Share Posted December 30, 2014 Metric ton springs, air shocks/air bags, or helper springs would all work; each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted December 30, 2014 Share Posted December 30, 2014 I'm getting my 89 lwb 4.0 2wd back this week from some engine work and think its time for suspension work, I would like to be able to haul more weight in bed of truck without so much sag. It's still got original suspension on 160k+ miles, how can I increase the amount of weight the truck can haul? A little lift (3" or less) is ok, but this is my farm/work truck and doesn't get wheeled, so I'm not concerned about flex. Install metric ton springs. The LWB Comanche with the metric ton package was rated to carry 2,200 pounds (which happens to be a metric ton). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dadinator Posted December 30, 2014 Share Posted December 30, 2014 Yep. That is more than most 1/2 ton full size trucks can haul. love my big ton! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ftpiercecracker1 Posted December 30, 2014 Share Posted December 30, 2014 Also, a set of Sensa Trac load leveling shocks compliment metric ton springs very nicely. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnj92131 Posted December 30, 2014 Share Posted December 30, 2014 My truck was owned by a guy who did drywall for a living. The truck has a factory installed "MetricTon/BigTon" package, he installed 2 (yes, two) overload springs on each side and installed a set of air shocks for extra measure. Now the air shocks are gone but I have personally put a pallet of 60 54 pound blocks in the truck and taken them home. That is something like 3300 lbs of cargo, Other times I have put 2800 plus pounds in the bed. My suggestion: Install the MetricTon springs from Hells Creek and a set of air shocks or air bags. The air shocks/air bags will let you adjust the rear end level, if you ever need to. Lastly, make sure your rear tires are up to the load and properly inflated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bobolink Posted December 30, 2014 Share Posted December 30, 2014 I have AirLift bags on the rear of my M/T. The 350# tongue wt of my boat trailer squats the rear about 2-3" before the heavier springs come into play, and I installed the air bags so the truck would sit level when towing. It was not quite the bolt-on installation that it is advertised to be (is it ever?), but with a couple work-arounds, it all works very well. I would suggest the M/T springs are more appropriate for heavy loads, with the air bags to adjust ride height, maintaining the same suspension geometry on all four wheels whether loaded or unloaded. And definitely pay attention to what johnj92131 said about tires. With a heavy load on the highway, it's critical. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted December 30, 2014 Share Posted December 30, 2014 don't forget that for towing the upper half of the MJ's capability, the factory expects you to have installed a weight-equalizing hitch. :thumbsup: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shelbyluvv Posted December 30, 2014 Share Posted December 30, 2014 These are Hellcreek 4.5" standard leaf packs. In the bed is a 4.0L, a stupid heavy engine hoist and some other crap. All total I would guess 900 pounds or so. As you can see there is barely any squat at all. The metric ton packs would be even better for your application. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bobolink Posted December 31, 2014 Share Posted December 31, 2014 Uh-huh, Eagle, I know (I would have quoted you, but that still doesn't work on my computer for whatever reason). But the boat tows so nice, even without it. But you are correct, since the boat/trailer combo weighs a bit over 4000#. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allen Posted December 31, 2014 Author Share Posted December 31, 2014 Metric ton springs in the back seem like a good place to start, what do we do about the fronts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
COMJNUT Posted December 31, 2014 Share Posted December 31, 2014 Metric ton springs in the back seem like a good place to start, what do we do about the fronts? That made me think of something, yes get the metric ton or get alcan to make up a set. Also do the zj v8 track bar, steering linkages, and 4 bolt the steering box with the box brace. I noticed that when I was towing, it put more stress on the steering components but luckily I had the zj stuff already installed...but blew the old age steering pressure line to the box. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted December 31, 2014 Share Posted December 31, 2014 Metric ton springs in the back seem like a good place to start, what do we do about the fronts? ZJ V8 coils (which are the same part number as 2000 XJ Up Country coils). Or, NAPA (and I think Carquest) sell variable rate "cargo coils" for the XJ/MJ. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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