Since I plan to add a roof rack plus the step rails, all the line-x, larger tires, extra equipment, etc. I think all that weight will negate the majority of the 2" lift I added. Anybody have any before/after measurements of a 2" lift after fully loading the vehicle and/or with max tongue weight?
sqenixs
Well tires aren't a factor in your question. The only variables would be weight that rests on top of the suspension, but yes a loaded down roof rack would be a factor. You would have to add fairly substantial weight to fully negate the two inch lift though. You can read posts on here about people using HD springs when they don't have enough constant weight having issues. The items you reference adding that actually matter probably will only equal 200 to 250 pounds maybe. That's like having a person or two in the back seat. That will hardly negate the lift. Now if you are talking about a fully loaded vehicle with gear and a loaded roof rack, which most are only supposed to hold around 150 pounds, that could add another 400 to 500 pounds totaling around 700 to 800 additional pounds and could become a factor. This is a very subjective question though. It depends on the type of struts/shocks you have, how much wear they have, how much weight you are adding in gear, etc.
Bilstien B6 struts and shocks would be a tremendous help for what you want to do. Not as much as holding the suspension up, but for overall handling, both on, and offroad. As long as you're not going to be hauling boulders up on the Gobi, you'll be fine.
It's not the shocks/struts that determine sprung height (they are just dampers to motion), but stronger damping may be required with increased weight
It's the springs/torsion bars that will determine the resting height under load. It is fairly easy to accommodate a fixed/stable change in weight with different springs, but more challenging when you want to have a range of the sprung weight (think of an old rear heavy overloaded station wagon).
That is where features such as 'load leveling', or in a Jeep term, the Grand Cherokee's 'Quadra-Lift Air Suspension', these typically use air springs to vary the characteristics due to current demands/loads, and don't make you feel like you're a bobble head when the load is removed.
For the KL (I've not needed it on mine, but have had numerous cars that had a factory system), you may want to start here: Air Helper Spring Kit for KL? , if you find the suspension straining or bottoming out.
It's the springs/torsion bars that will determine the resting height under load. It is fairly easy to accommodate a fixed/stable change in weight with different springs, but more challenging when you want to have a range of the sprung weight (think of an old rear heavy overloaded station wagon).
That is where features such as 'load leveling', or in a Jeep term, the Grand Cherokee's 'Quadra-Lift Air Suspension', these typically use air springs to vary the characteristics due to current demands/loads, and don't make you feel like you're a bobble head when the load is removed.
For the KL (I've not needed it on mine, but have had numerous cars that had a factory system), you may want to start here: Air Helper Spring Kit for KL? , if you find the suspension straining or bottoming out.
Very true! LOL, just noticed that my statement should have said 'It's not the shocks/struts that determine sprung weight height' !
Imagine how compressed the stock suspension would be with the added loads, you might still be 2" higher than that would be. 
I've got a 2" spacer lift with the Rocky Road Outfitters rock rails, rack, RoofNest roof-top tent, and a few extra lights. For normal day to day it doesn't impact the lift at all. When my wife and I load up the Cherokee for a weekend trip with wheeling, camping, etc it definitely squats a bit but that's with 5 gallons of water, 90 lb dog, camp gear, wood, etc.
As far as daily you'll be good but when fully loaded down you'll see a difference. Not sure if it totally negates but you can tell.
As far as daily you'll be good but when fully loaded down you'll see a difference. Not sure if it totally negates but you can tell.
Something to keep in mind when adding heavy things to the Cherokee is the Max Payload. It is 1000lb (at least on my AD1 Sport trim, Trailhawks might be less due to its' additional weight).
If you add a heavy roof rack and other things you are constantly carrying with you, you need to be mindful to stay under the payload limit.
As it is, the payload only allows 5 passengers if everyone is <200lb and you bring zero cargo.
If you add a heavy roof rack and other things you are constantly carrying with you, you need to be mindful to stay under the payload limit.
As it is, the payload only allows 5 passengers if everyone is <200lb and you bring zero cargo.
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