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| North American Grand Cherokee Association | ||
| Your one stop source for Jeep Grand Cherokee Information | ||
There are advantages and disadvantages to almost every vehicle modification. Naturally, a big-deal modification such as a lift kit intensifies the good-versus-bad scenario. Then some qualities, like a stiff ride, can be both better and worse depending on the current driving situation. The problems I encountered may have as much to do with lifting a Grand Cherokee as with this particular kit, so I went into detail. Besides, being a software quality assurance analyst by trade makes me just a tad overly critical. Overall, I am quite pleased with the Teraflex lift kit.
For product information, check the Teraflex web page at http://www.teraflx.com A good dealer (distributor), should give you about 10% off of list price and charge 6-8 hours of labor for installation. Having installed leaf spring suspensions on other vehicles, and done some under carriage work on my ZJ, I was happy to have the dealer do the install.
Problems encountered
Re-alignment is mandatory. I’ve had 3 occurrences of a scary alignment-related
problem. Each time, it happened on the freeway at about 65 mph, once with a trailer and
twice when empty. It felt like the front wheels were oscillating violently (up and down in
opposition). Each time, I was able to calmly maneuver the Jeep to the side of the road and
change my shorts.
The alignment was re-checked and nothing in the system was out of order. Consultations with the dealer and Tera Manufacturing were inconclusive. Step one of the remedy was to replace the stock steering stabilizer with a Pro Comp unit. I have not been able to reproduce the problem. I’m not convinced that it’s fixed, since no further adjustments were made to the suspension or alignment, but I think the big damper is doing its job. Inherently there is a compromise between caster and pinion angle with any suspension lift, so beware.
The other problem I’ve had with this lift is a "clunking" noise in the front left of the vehicle. When the left spring compresses more than 1.5 inches, it contacts the frame. The static clearance is about 3/8 inches, apparently it flexes inward. The thing about the left side frame, at least on my ‘96, is a bracket that mounts the track bar. This makes for much less clearance than the right side. Actually, my wife didn’t notice the noise until I pointed it out and now I’m getting used to it.
The good points
The main reasons I bought a lift are to increase chassis height and wheel articulation.
Suspension travel is excellent. I did 3+ and 4 rated trails on the 1998 Moab Jeep Safari
and received some nice compliments like - "that was boring" or "no photo
op" because I just drove through obstacles - no bounce, no wheel spin, no air time.
The spectators may be disappointed but I’m not. I go by the Granville King philosophy
- drive elegantly in the rough.
This kit delivers a genuine 3.5 inches of lift and is very flexible with the sway bar disconnected. This is as high as you can reasonably go. By reasonable, I mean that once you lift over 3.5 inches, you increase the cost and complexity by having to stretch drive shafts, brake lines and steering components.
On the subject of ride quality - not only is it highly subjective, but it’s also conditional. I find this kit, with Pro Comp shocks, to be much stiffer than the stock (Up Country) ride. I miss the smoothness when cruising, on the other hand it corners better, even with the higher center of gravity. I also tow a big heavy trailer and the increased stiffness provides better tow handling.
The Teraflex kit is well-engineered and well-made. The sway bar disconnects and locating arm bushings deliver a quiet ride. This is big factor in daily ride quality. Over all, I’m quite satisfied with the suspension. A lifted Grand Cherokee stands out from the SUV crowd - it looks cool. Now I have to save up for bigger tires!
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