Jeep will offer a redesigned Liberty in 2008. It will maintain use of its independent front suspension but feature a larger, boxier appearance like the Jeep Cherokee XJ and increased cargo capacity with more passenger comfort.
A: Shawn, we're happy to be different and will continue to do so for your pleasure as much as for our own. The Jeep Liberty KJ has gotten a bad rap from the start due to its independent front suspension as well as its reputation as the replacement for the much-beloved Cherokee XJ. Production of the Cherokee ended in 2001; the Liberty launched in 2002. I spent a lot of years in an '89 Cherokee and more recently acquired a '97, so I can attest to the durability and capability of these vehicles. However, the Liberty KJ has also proven to be a solid rig for many users as well. I've traveled to San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico, in a stock '02 Liberty on multiple occasions, as well as into the Sierra Nevada mountain range, each time without incident. I wasn't tackling anything impossible to most production 4x4s, but the Liberty continues to impress me nonetheless - even in stock form. Bolt on some suspension items and you're looking at a pretty good trail rig. It'll never be a hardcore rockcrawler, but it will rarely hold you back from enjoying the trails you want to explore.
Jeep Liberty fans can expect to see a more upsized Liberty in 2008, as a redesign of this model is being released. It will offer the 3.7L V-6 engine paired with a six-speed manual or four-speed auto trans. Other alterations include a larger, boxier appearance and a unique, fully opening, Sky Slider canvas roof. Cargo capacity also increases, and passengers can expect more seat comfort and added space. Thanks for reading, Shawn. We'll see you on the trail.
Range Rover Air-Suspension Woes
Q: I recently purchased a '98 Range Rover with 72,000 miles on it. Since then, I have had it into the dealership four times to have the air-suspension system repaired. Three times it was still covered under the extended warranty; the fourth time it cost me about $300. It recently went out again and I'm sure it will cost me $200 to $500 (or maybe more) to fix again, and I have no idea how long that repair will last. One of the mechanics at the dealership said that the vehicle could be retrofitted with leaf springs and shocks for $1,500. I think I will go ahead and have it converted, but I wanted to check with you and your readers first. If I am going to do this retrofit on the suspension, I want the best and strongest system I can get - I don't want to have to do this again. I will eventually use this Range Rover as a serious hunting and four-wheeling vehicle, so ground clearance is also important. What parts do you suggest I have them use to get this job done correctly?
Jay Johnson
Centerville, UT