Lowering the Liberty; Jeep says ride quality, more than rollover concern, led to suspension changes.(Brief Article)

Jeep Liberty-the DaimlerChrysler sport/utility vehicle that rolled during performance testing last fall by AutoWeek (AW, Nov. 26, 2001)-now rides on a suspension that has been lowered by nearly an inch.

While DaimlerChrysler maintains the running production change instituted at the beginning of April is intended to placate consumer demands for a more refined on-road driving performance, the company acknowledges lowering the center of gravity could improve the popular SUV's federal rollover rating, an indicator of on-road rollover propensity.

DaimlerChrysler spokesman Rick Deneau said Liberty now rides on a suspension lowered by 22 millimeters (0.86 inch) in front and by 19 millimeters (0.75 inch) in the rear. The change coincided with the start of production of the Liberty Renegade trim package in early April.

An AutoWeek tester rolled a two-wheel-drive 2002 Liberty at about 40 mph during a slalom test on Oct. 16, 2001. Hundreds of cars and trucks have undergone the same test, with the same drivers and using the same method, since 1992, but the Liberty was the first vehicle that rolled. DaimlerChrysler officials questioned AutoWeek's test methodology.

A subsequent report in the German magazine AutoBild also reported a propensity by the Liberty (marketed in Europe as the Cherokee) to lift its wheels in cornering tests; however, that magazine's testers didn't roll the vehicle. The suspension modifications were instituted at the same time on the European model, which is built at the same Toledo, Ohio, assembly plant as the Liberty.

DaimlerChrysler maintains all Libertys are safe, with either suspension configuration, and the potential for rollover didn't prompt the suspension amendments (see box). Deneau said the change came after research showed few customers needed or were using the Liberty's off-road ability, but instead wanted a better on-road ride (similar research and internal reviews led to a steering modification last December to make the vehicle easier to drive at low speeds and to park). However, ``perceived safety concerns'' centering on published reports detailing the vehicle's potential to roll over also played a part in the suspension change, Deneau said.

``We're not trying to say that [AutoWeek's report] was not a factor,'' said Deneau. ``We did take a look at handling after those articles. This addresses ride quality and any perceived safety concerns as it relates to ...