lagasse@biomed.UUCP (Robert C. Lagasse) (09/17/85)
I am interested in a little Jeep Cherokee, and as I review the option list I notice something called "load leveling suspension". I checked with several (6) dealers and they all said the option costs $185.00 and they have never ordered it and why would I want it? I then say I want it for the times that I load the rear end with a 2000 lb. trailer with a tongue weight of about 250 pounds, and I don't want the harsh ride of optional heavy duty suspension(more leaf spring leafs). Some say the system uses "variable-rate springs in the rear which are just fancy variable convoluted coils wrapped around the shocks. Others say it is a pair of air shocks that get pumped up automatically by a little compressor under the hood whenever you load the rear end. Does anyone know *exactly* what it is, what it physically consists of for $185.00, and how it works??? I understand Ford uses a system they call "automatic load leveling" on their big station wagons which may or may not be the same thing. Thank You in advance for any postings or mail. Bob Lagasse
notes@harpo.UUCP (09/20/85)
The 85 Buick full size has a load leveling system. It is an air pump with two shocks that inflate. For about $70 you can buy a rear set of shocks. I used these one full size station wagon to adjust for load. This arrangement had a tire valve mounted on the rear bumper that I inflated or deflated depending upon the load. Irv McNair
daw1@rduxb.UUCP (WILLIAMS) (09/20/85)
> > I am interested in a little Jeep Cherokee, and as I review the option > list I notice something called "load leveling suspension". I checked with > several (6) dealers and they all said the option costs $185.00 and they have > never ordered it and why would I want it? > When you find out what it really is, don't buy from the jackass dealer(s) who didn't know or "never ordered it before." If you really want to know, call the Jeep factory in Toledo, Ohio! Seriously. Too bad the stupid dealers don't read the option list where all options are described in full detail. Doug Williams AT&T Bell Labs Reading, PA mhuxt!rduxb!daw1
lee@butler.UUCP (Kyu Lee) (09/26/85)
> > > > I am interested in a little Jeep Cherokee, and as I review the option > > list I notice something called "load leveling suspension". I checked with > > several (6) dealers and they all said the option costs $185.00 and they have > > never ordered it and why would I want it? > > > > When you find out what it really is, don't buy from the > jackass dealer(s) who didn't know or "never ordered it before." > If you really want to know, call the Jeep factory in > Toledo, Ohio! Seriously. > Too bad the stupid dealers don't read the option list where > all options are described in full detail. > > > Doug Williams > AT&T Bell Labs > Reading, PA > mhuxt!rduxb!daw1 Cherokee load leveling suspension: From the tone of your statement it appears that you are talking about load equalizing hitch or automatic load-leveling suspension. If the latter, it is a switch-controlled fancy shock-absorber mechanism, which you may find handy if your load varies a lot. It does not necessarily give you better ride, but may give you some convenience. This, however, may not help you much in the trailer-towing applications. You might check with the trailer hitch installers. If the former case, read on. I just bought a cherokee myself, with the load equalizing hitch. The purpose of this type of hitch is to distribute the strain of the pulling weight throughout all four wheels. Do not pay attention to the dealer/sales people. They can barely spell the word "car." Remember their job function is to sell cars at maximum profit, not to help solve customer's problems. Their job performance is based on how many cars at how much profit they sold today, not how many return business they will bring in. This explains why you do not see the same faces in one place for any prolonged period of time. Furthermore, most of them do not understand what "promise" or "commitment" is. My experience (Eastside AMC/Jeep/Renault in Bellevue, WA) is that, well, I would rather listen to a Florida swampland pedlers. In a nutshell, I did not get what I thought I was buying (and paid for), but what the dealer wanted to unload to me. After the cost/benefit analysis over suing them, thereby joining the American mainstream lifestyle, I grudgingly succumbed, but I am not happy about it. Now, my two penny's worth advice. Get a spec from AMC or even a dealer if he has one. There is a technical spec, which you should get, but the dealer may try to keep it from you. At the least get hold of a copy of Only in a Jeep Cherokee & Wagoneer Sportwagons. You should be able to get it at the dealer's showroom. Page 21 of that brochure lists what comes with different towing packages(A or B) and also what additional (of course!) options they require (presumably for warranty) and or recommend. If you intend to pull 2000 lbs, with 250 lbs of tomgue weight, a trailer towing package 'A' and standard suspension will suffice. If you expect to pull up to 4200 lbs with 500 lbs of tongue weight, you will need a package 'B'which includes load equalizing hitch recepticle, 7-wire relays (instead of 5), and heavy duty(?) flashers. For 'B' they require 2.8L/V6, auto-trans, heavy-duty battery, power steering, and maximum cooling; the dealers are either confused on this issue or they are very deceptive about it. There are 3 levels of radiators: standard, heavy-duty, and max. cooling. You need heavy-duty for package 'A' or air-conditioning, but max. cooling for package 'B'. Due to this minor confusion, the dealers are likely to deceive you here if s/he does not have proper radiator on the car s/he wishes to unload to you. He will insist that there will be no problem, you are a paranoid, and so on. It is ironic that the AMC (and presumably others as well) advises you to consult your dealer for proper options and equipment. They are the last people I would seek advise from. You will also need to have axel ratio at least 3.73, and heavy-duty suspension may be worth consideration, although not required. To protect your $16000-plus investment, I would strongly advise you that these jobs be done at the factory, not at the dealership, unless of course your confidence level on your dealer is higher than mine. If you wish to hear more about my experience and opinions on this matter, please write to me directly, lest we may offend other busy folks out there. Good luck, you will need it! Kyu Y. Lee Butler Controls Kirkland, WA ...uw-beaver!+ikal!daio!butler!lee