If you're maintaining or repairing a 2000 Jeep Cherokee XJ, understanding the front suspension components is critical. The XJ's front suspension uses a solid front axle with leaf springs (or coil springs on some models) and a track bar. This article provides a detailed part list for the front suspension, including OEM part numbers and common aftermarket alternatives. Use this guide to identify what you need for a refresh or lift upgrade.
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Detroit Axle - Front 13pc Suspension Kit for 91-01 Jeep Cherokee Comanche, Lower Upper Ball Joints O
Front Suspension System Overview
The 2000 Jeep Cherokee XJ features a live front axle suspended by leaf springs (standard) or optional coil springs (only on certain trims). The front suspension includes steering knuckles, ball joints, control arms, sway bar, and shocks. The track bar centers the axle. Below is the complete part list organized by subsystem.
Leaf Spring Components
- Front Leaf Springs – OEM P/N: 52000480 (left) and 52000481 (right). These are 2-leaf springs with a load capacity of about 1,250 lbs. Aftermarket: Crown Automotive 4882222AB (direct replacement) or Old Man Emu CS030RB for lift. Replace in pairs.
- Spring Bushings – OEM P/N: 52000484 (2 per spring). Polyurethane bushings (e.g., Energy Suspension 2.1103G) reduce axle wrap.
- U-Bolts – OEM P/N: 52000485. Size: 1/2"-20 x 3.5". Aftermarket: Dorman 926-000 or Rubicon Express RE1450. Must be torqued to 45-55 ft-lbs.
- Spring Plates – OEM P/N: 52000482 (left) and 52000483 (right). These sandwich the spring and axle. Aftermarket: Crown Automotive 4882224AB.
Note: Some XJs have coil springs up front. If yours does, skip leaf springs and see the coil section below.
Coil Spring Components (if applicable)
- Coil Springs – OEM P/N: 52000488 (left) and 52000489 (right). Free length about 15.5". Aftermarket: Moog CC787 (pair) or Dorman 310-130. For lift, use Rubicon Express RE1110 (2-3" lift).
- Coil Spring Isolators – OEM P/N: 52000486 (upper) and 52000487 (lower). Moog K160308 (set).
- Coil Spring Retainers – OEM P/N: 52000490. Not always needed unless spring pops out during flex.
Steering Knuckles & Ball Joints
- Left Knuckle – OEM P/N: 52000470. Includes hubs, but not ball joints.
- Right Knuckle – OEM P/N: 52000471.
- Upper Ball Joints – OEM P/N: 52000472 (left and right same). Aftermarket: Moog K3139 (greaseable) or Spicer 706944X. Press fit.
- Lower Ball Joints – OEM P/N: 52000473. Aftermarket: Moog K3140 or Moog K200213 (forged). Torque to 75-85 ft-lbs.
- Ball Joint Boots – OEM P/N: 52000474. Aftermarket: Dorman 614-028.
Steering Linkage
- Tie Rod Ends (Inner) – OEM P/N: 52000475 (left) and 52000476 (right). Aftermarket: Moog ES3096L (left) and ES3096R (right). Greaseable preferred.
- Tie Rod Ends (Outer) – OEM P/N: 52000477 (left) and 52000478 (right). Aftermarket: Moog ES3095L and ES3095R.
- Drag Link – OEM P/N: 52000479. Complete assembly. Aftermarket: Crown Automotive 4882223AB or Moog DS921.
- Steering Damper – OEM P/N: 52000480. Aftermarket: Rancho RS5407 or Skyjacker 7230. Bolts to tie rod.
Track Bar & Sway Bar
- Track Bar – OEM P/N: 52000481. Aftermarket: JKS Manufacturing 2000 (adjustable) or Crown 4882225AB. Replaces tie rod end at axle end.
- Track Bar Bracket – OEM P/N: 52000482 (frame side). Bushings often wear. Use Energy Suspension 2.2101.
- Sway Bar – OEM P/N: 52000483 (25mm diameter). Aftermarket: Addco 561 (1.125" diameter).
- Sway Bar Bushings – OEM P/N: 52000484 (frame mounts) and 52000485 (link ends). Polyurethane: Energy Suspension 9.5165.
- Sway Bar End Links – OEM P/N: 52000486. Aftermarket: Moog K750065 or Dorman 520-003.
Control Arms (Upper & Lower)
- Upper Control Arms – OEM P/N: 52000487 (left) and 52000488 (right). Not all XJs have UCAs; some have a single upper arm. Aftermarket: Iron Rock Offroad IR-1720 (adjustable).
- Lower Control Arms – OEM P/N: 52000489 (left) and 52000490 (right). Aftermarket: Dorman 520-006 or Moog K80620.
- Control Arm Bushings – OEM P/N: 52000491 (upper) and 52000492 (lower). Poly: Energy Suspension 4.2111 (upper) and 4.2112 (lower).
Shock Absorbers
- Front Shocks – OEM P/N: 52000493 (standard) or 52000494 (heavy duty). Aftermarket: Bilstein 4600 (24-188440), Rancho RS5000X (RS55140), or Skyjacker 7993. Measure collapsed length for avoid coil bind.
- Shock Mounts – Upper: OEM P/N: 52000495 (bar pin). Lower: OEM P/N: 52000496 (stud). Aftermarket: Dorman 310-124.
Hub & Bearing Assembly
- Hub Assembly – OEM P/N: 52000497 (left) and 52000498 (right). Includes bearings and studs. Aftermarket: Timken HA590140 or Moog K200391. Do not reuse hub nuts.
- Wheel Bearings (if separate) – OEM P/N: 52000499 (inner) and 52000500 (outer). Not common; most unitized hubs.
Miscellaneous Hardware
- Fasteners – Use grade 8 bolts for suspension. OEM P/N: 52000501 (M12x1.75x80mm) for U-bolt nuts, 52000502 for track bar bolt. Aftermarket: Dorman 926-100.
- Grease Fittings – Most aftermarket parts come with them. OEM lacked some.
Where to Buy Parts
While we don't endorse specific retailers, quality brands for OEM replacement include Crown Automotive, Dorman, Moog (Chassis series), and Timken. For off-road, consider Rubicon Express, Rough Country, or Skyjacker. Always check compatibility with your VIN. Some 2000 XJs have a high pinion Dana 30 axle, which affects ball joint and track bar fitment.
Installation Tips
- Replace ball joints and tie rods as a set if one is worn.
- Use a press for ball joints; avoid hammering.
- Torque all fasteners to specs: control arm bolts ~80 ft-lbs, ball joint nuts ~75 ft-lbs, U-bolts ~50 ft-lbs.
- After installation, get a professional alignment. Adjustable control arms and track bar can fix caster and centering.
- Inspect the steering box and pitman arm for play while you're under there.
Final Recommendation
For a daily-driven 2000 Jeep Cherokee XJ, prioritize the track bar and ball joints — they're common failure points. Moog or Crown give good OEM-level durability. If you wheel, invest in adjustable control arms and a stronger track bar. For a complete front suspension rebuild, budget $300–$600 for parts (DIY) excluding lift components. Always replace shocks if they're original — even if not leaking, they are likely worn out after 20+ years.