1989 Jeep XJ Parts: Suspension and Seats Guide

The 1989 Jeep XJ Cherokee is a legendary off-roader and daily driver. Whether you're restoring a classic or building a trail rig, knowing the right suspension and seat parts is crucial. This guide covers everything from leaf springs and shocks to replacement seats and mounts, helping you make smart upgrades for comfort and capability.

Upgrading the Suspension on a 1989 Jeep XJ

The factory suspension on a 1989 XJ was designed for on-road comfort, but it leaves much to be desired off-road. Over time, springs sag and shocks wear out. Replacing suspension components not only improves ride quality but also allows for larger tires and better articulation.

Leaf Springs for the Rear

The rear of the XJ uses leaf springs. For a 1989 model, you have two main options: stock replacement or lift springs. Stock replacement leaf springs restore factory ride height and load capacity. Brands like Crown Automotive offer direct replacements. For off-road use, consider aftermarket leaf springs from Old Man Emu or Rubicon Express. These provide 2 to 4 inches of lift, improving ground clearance and allowing 31-inch tires. When selecting leaf springs, pay attention to spring rate—softer springs ride better but may sag under heavy loads.

Coil Springs for the Front

The front suspension uses coil springs. For a stock rebuild, pick up a set of Moog or AC Delco coils. If you want a lift, aftermarket coils from Teraflex or Rough Country offer options from 1.5 to 6 inches. Lifted springs change the steering geometry, so you may also need adjustable control arms and track bars. For a budget-friendly upgrade, some owners use ZJ coils or Ford Ranger springs for a cheap lift.

Shocks and Struts

Shocks are critical for controlling spring movement. For a 1989 XJ, the front uses twin-tube shocks and the rear uses similar units. Bilstein 5100s are a popular upgrade for better off-road damping without a harsh ride. For extreme use, Fox 2.0 reservoir shocks provide superior heat dissipation. If you're on a budget, Monroe Gas-Magnum shocks work well for daily driving. Always match shock length to your lift height—measure from mount to mount at full droop and stuff.

Steering and Sway Bars

A lifted XJ needs attention to steering. The factory steering linkage can cause bump steer. Upgrading to a ZJ tie rod or an aftermarket heavy-duty setup improves stability. Sway bars can be disconnected for off-road articulation. Quick disconnect links from JKS or Rubicon Express make this easy. For on-road safety, keep the sway bar connected.

Bushings and Hardware

Over 30 years, rubber bushings crack and degrade. Replacing all control arm bushings, leaf spring bushings, and sway bar bushings restores precise handling. Polyurethane bushings from Energy Suspension provide firmer feedback but can be harsh on road. Rubber OEM-style bushings from Moog are quieter and more compliant.

Seats for the 1989 Jeep XJ

The stock seats in a 1989 XJ are flat, uncomfortable, and lack lumbar support. Replacing seats transforms the driving experience. Options range from direct replacement upholstery to aftermarket bucket seats.

Seat Upholstery and Foam

If your seat frames are good but the foam is collapsed, consider replacement foam and covers. Companies like Auto Custom Carpets sell pre-formed seat foam and vinyl or cloth covers. Expect about $200 per seat for foam and covers. This restores the original look without changing the seat structure.

Aftermarket Seats

For better support, swap in aftermarket bucket seats. Brands like Corbeau, PRP, and Mastercraft offer seats that bolt in with adapters. Corbeau's Baja XRS or PRP's Enduro seats provide harness cutouts and lateral support for off-road use. Measure the width—many aftermarket seats are wider than stock and may require trimming of the center console. Also check seat height; some aftermarket seats sit higher, which might be uncomfortable for tall drivers.

Seat Brackets and Sliders

To install aftermarket seats, you need adapter brackets. Most manufacturers sell vehicle-specific brackets that bolt to the factory floor mounts. Dual locking sliders are recommended for passenger access. If you're installing seats from another vehicle (like a Subaru or Honda), you may need to weld custom brackets. For a clean install, use grade 8 hardware and reinforce the floor if necessary.

Seat Belts

Don't forget seat belts. If your stock belt retractors are jammed, replace them with new OEM-style belts from Morris Classic Concepts. For aftermarket seats with harness slots, use 4-point or 5-point harnesses. Make sure harnesses are mountable to the roll bar or floor using proper hardware. For street use, a 3-point belt is required in most states.

Heated Seats and Accessories

You can add heated seat kits to any seat. Aftermarket carbon fiber heating pads install under the upholstery. Also consider seat storage bags that mount to the seat brackets for extra gear.

Final Recommendation

For a balanced upgrade on a 1989 Jeep XJ, start with the suspension. Replace worn coils and leaf springs with a mild 2-inch lift kit from Old Man Emu or Rubicon Express. Pair these with Bilstein 5100 shocks. Replace all bushings with Moog rubber units for daily comfort. For seats, if your stock frames are intact, order new foam and covers. If you need more support, go with Corbeau Baja XRS seats and their specific bracket kit. Keep seat belts functional—upgrade to retractable 3-point belts if the originals are worn. Always torque hardware to spec and get a professional alignment after suspension work.

These upgrades will make your 1989 XJ more comfortable, capable, and safer for years to come.