Hi,

I've recently acquired a 2002 KJ Cherokee (Liberty) 2.5 CRD Ltd which needs a bit of TLC. The rear end was clonking and on inspection I found the ball joint and bushes on the rear upper control arm were shot, so replaced the whole unit. This solved that problem. But I'm now left with the rear feeling rather squirmy and feels like it rolls a bit under cornering slow or fast(ish) - the rear wheel bearings are fine.

The front propshaft had been removed (replacement now bought from Driveshaft Parts) and I was wondering whether this was causing torque-steer given it is currently only driven by the rear wheels?

Or is this squirmy sensation normal given the KJ's soft suspension?

Any advice welcome……….

Thanks
Andrew

Surrey, England

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2002 Cherokee (Liberty) 2.5 CRD Ltd in need of a little TLC!

........if it ain't broke, then fiddle with it until it is.............

As far as I know, glanced at the 05 and 03 parts fiche on Sir Sam's NOOB site, the suspension didn't change any to speak of. On that basis I'd consider:
1. rear lower control arms
2. rear shocks and springs
3. tire type, age and pressure

I would not think torque steer for rear end feeling squirmy or that the KJ suspension is all that soft although age could certainly make it soft. Best I can say is mine feels fine although I don't push it that hard on cornering; gave that up when I got "taller" vehicles than an MGA.

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Sold to LOST member my 05 Ltd, GDE Stg II turbo + TCM tune, SunCoast TC w. Transgo kit, Steiger window regulators, Samcos, Fumoto valve, 2nd gen filter head with Lub. Spec. bleeder, Hayden clutch & 11 blade fan, inverted spare, P-1 battery, BF Goodrich Long Trail TAs, Etecno1 glow plugs, timing belt at 50K miles/8 yrs

Probably the bushes in the rear lower control arms, when they get loose it feels like the rear axle is steering itself. There has been at least on case of death wobbles that I know about due to sloppy bushes in those arms. Make sure you buy the original Mopar ones because the Crown ones fail very quickly down here if used offroad.

Thanks chaps,

I'll look into replacing the lower rear control arms (as units) and other symptoms.

Cheers
Andrew

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2002 Cherokee (Liberty) 2.5 CRD Ltd in need of a little TLC!

........if it ain't broke, then fiddle with it until it is.............