Leaf Springs

[C. Poole]

My '88 Grand Wagoneer has 143,000 miles on it. The front and rear leaf springs do not appear to be sagging yet, however it does ride rough. I have put new Rancho 5000 shocks on it recently. How long should you expect leaf springs to last on a Grand Wagoneer? Do you think that I would see much ride improvement if I replaced them? I know the Wagoneer will never ride smooth, but I would like to see if it can be improved. Thanks.

[Jerk]

should ride smooth new, and get smoother with age, possibly you have a towing package and/or helper leaves? Did the old shocks ride smooth? Maybe you got a heavier duty shock. Most wags That I have driven or know of are (in)famous for gooshy rides.

[C. Poole]

It does have a towing package. Will this make that big of a difference? Before the shocks were replaced, it bouced around and did feel mushy. When I bought the shocks, I just went to the autoparts place and looked up a Rancho 5000 replacement part number for my year Wagoneer. I am wondering at what point would in be a good idea to replace the leaf springs.

[Jerk]

I wold say when they sag noticeably. I'v seen wags around for 25 years that still have good springs. My current "Family Truckster", a 76 wag has a really smoth ride, except for the rearend shaking from driveline or axle problems. It has new $10 shocks on all 4 corners, They're the cheapies at just about any parts store where you can get stock replacement shocks. the towing package will make some difference. I'm not sure how much though. You got a big tool box to put in the back to quite the ride? ;)