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From: lee@butler.UUCP (Kyu Lee)
Newsgroups: net.auto
Subject: Re: Load Leveling Suspension
Message-ID: <136@butler.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 26-Sep-85 14:53:47 EDT
Article-I.D.: butler.136
Posted: Thu Sep 26 14:53:47 1985
Date-Received: Sun, 29-Sep-85 06:39:47 EDT
References: <129@biomed.UUCP> <740@rduxb.UUCP>
Organization: Butler - Controls Div., Kirkland WA
Lines: 88

> > 
> >     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


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