Suspension - Spring Identification
86amcjeep03AUGUST 1986 001 068
1986 CHEROKEE/ WAGONEER MODELS
20E
SUSPENSION Attention: Workshop, Parts Department
THIS I.S. NOTE HAS BEEN REVISED AS INDICATED BY THE REVISION BARS
SUSPENSION SPRING IDENTIFICATION AND APPLICATION
Information
The suspension is available in three classifications: Standard, Soft-Ride and Heavy Duty Off-Road.
The Standard suspension is designed for normal everyday driving and moderate off-road operation. The Soft-Ride suspension offers a smoother ride on models operated principally on paved roads. The Heavy Duty Off-Road suspension is recommended for trailer towing, snow plowing and extended off-road operation in addition to normal everyday driving.
Suspension Spring Identification
The front and rear suspension springs are identified by a two-lefter alpha code. The first lefter indicates spring type (e.g. Standard, SoftRide, Heavy Duty). The second letter indicates spring rate which progresses in alphabetical sequence from lowest to highest. Refer to the spring chart for front/rear spring codes, part numbers and classification.
^ The code for production and replacement front coil springs is printed on a plastic tag attached to one of the spring coils.
^ The code for production and replacement rear leaf springs is stamped on the bottom of the main leaf or on the spring clip.
Vehicle Altitude
The slight forward rake is by design and is not to be misdiagnosed as a front or rear spring problem. Normal variances in ride height between models is generally due to different options and suspension type.
Suspension Spring Selection
Spring selection is determined by suspension type and optional equipment such as type of engine and transmission, air conditioning, or towing package. The type of driveline (twoor four-wheel drive) is also taken into consideration. In addition, the left front spring may have a higher rate to accommodate driver weight when only one person is using the vehicle.
Vehicle Ride Height
Because of the wide range of optional equipment available on Cherokee/Wagoneer models, vehicle ride heights will vary. A side-toside variance of plus or minus 13 mm (1/2 inch) is considered normal. However, if height variance appears greater than this, front or rear ride height can be checked as follows.
Checking Front Ride Height
Measure front ride height with the vehicle unloaded (no luggage or passengers) and with the fuel tank full.
Fig. 1 - Driver Side of Axle Tube and Frame Sill Locations:
Fig. 2 - Passenger Side of Axle Tube andFrame Sill Locations:
Place the vehicle on a level surface and measure the vertical distance between the top of the axle tube (A) and the underside of the frame sill (B). Refer to Figure 1 for driver's side measurement and Figure 2 for passenger side measurement. Be sure each measurement is taken from the top of the tube and not from the axle or shift motor housings.
With Standard or Soft Ride Suspension, vertical distance should be 17 cm (6 3/4 inches) plus or minus 13 mm (1/2 inch). With Heavy Duty Suspension, vertical distance should be 20 cm (7-3/4 inches) plus or minus 13 mm (1/2 inch).
If height is not within specified limits, a spring change may be necessary. Changing spring rate by one letter code will generally increase/ decrease front height by 9.5 mm (3/8 inch).
NOTE: In cases where different rate front springs are required, the spring with the highest alpha code (spring rate) should always be on the left (driver's) side.
Fig. 3 - Checking Rear Ride Height:
Checking Rear Ride Height
Measure rear ride height with the vehicle unloaded (no luggage or passengers) and with the fuel tank full.
Place the vehicle on a level surface and measure the vertical distance between the top of the axle tube (C) and the underside of the frame sill (D) inboard of the jounce bumper (E).
With Standard or Soft Ride Suspension, vertical distance should be 15 cm (6 inches) plus or minus 13 mm (1/2 inch). With Heavy Duty Suspension, vertical distance should be 18 cm (7 inches) plus or minus 13 mm (1/2 inch).
If rear height is not within specified limits, a spring change may be necessary. Changing spring rate by one letter code will generally increase/decrease rear height by 13 mm (1/2 inch).
Adding Accessories To The Vehicle Front End
Measure ride height before and after installing accessories such as a winch, snow plow, or air conditioning kit. If ride height is not within limits after accessory installation, a spring change will be necessary.
NOTE: Front air shocks must also be added whenever a snow plow kit is installed on Cherokee/Wagoneer models.
An example of the spring selection process after adding an accessory is outlined in the following example.
Example:
Vehicle is a two-wheel drive Cherokee with Standard suspension. Front spring codes are FG (passenger side) and FH (driver's side).
Height specification for two-wheel drive models is 17 cm (6 3/4 inches) plus or minus 13 mm (1/2 inch).
Front ride height before installing the accessory is 16.5 cm (6 1/2 inches) at both sides.
Install the accessory and recheck front ride height.
Front ride height is now 15 cm (6.0 inches) which is below specified limits.
Correct ride height by installing code FH spring on the passenger side and installing code FK spring on the driver side. Increasing spring rate by one code letter will raise height by approximately 9.5 mm (3/8 inch).
FILING INSTRUCTIONS
Record this I.S. Note on page J-1 and file it in the M.R. 244 manual.
FRONT-REAR SPRING CHART - 1986 CHEROKEE/WAGONEER MODELS
Front Spring Alpha Classification
Part Number Code
8952 001 104 EC
8952 001 105 ED
8952 001 106 EE
8952 001 107 EF
8952 001 108 EG
8952 001 109 EH
Soft
8952 001 110 EJ
Ride
8952 001 111 EK
8952 001 784 EL
8952 001 785 EM
8952 001 786 EN
8952 001 787 EP
8952 001 788 ER
8952 001 112 FC
8952 001 113 FD
8952 001 114 FE
8952 001 115 FF
8952 001 116 FG
8952 001 117 FH
Standard
8952 001 118 FJ
8952 001 119 FK
8952 001 789 FL
8952 001 790 FM
8952 001 791 FN
8952 001 792 FP
8952 001 120 GD
8952 001 121 GE
8952 001 122 GF
8952 001 123 GG
8952 001 124 GH Heavy
8952 001 125 GJ Duty
8952 001 793 GK
8952 001 794 GL
8952 001 795 GM
8952 001 796 GN
Rear Spring Alpha Classification
Part Number Code
8952 000 047 LE
8952 000 048 LH Soft Ride
8952 001 191 LP
8952 000 050 LB
8952 000 051 LC Standard
8952 000 706 LN
8952 000 544 LK
8952 000 545 LL
8952 000 707 LM Heavy Duty
8952 002 390 LS
8952 002 392 LT