2009 KK Jeep scalloped driver front tire

[Hec In Omaha]

Howdy All!

I have been a lurker since Feb 2024. There is a lot of great information on this site and looking to hopefully be a contributor too!

I have a 2009 Jeep Liberty KK Rocky Mountain Edition that I purchased in Feb 2024 for my teenage daughter to drive. It is in very nice condition with 126K now on the clock. When I purchased it, it had 121K on it. I purchased it from the original owner who was elderly and had only driven it less than 5K on it since 2018. She had a liver transplant in 2018, and the Liberty was too hard for her to get in and out of after her surgery so it sat in her garage basically unused. Her husband would drive it around occasionally. I also received 18 pages of documented service records performed at the dealer! All the service was done at the dealership. This includes tires! I have since changed out the front and rear diff fluids, transfer case fluid, changed the spark plugs, back flushed the heater core, changed the accessory belt and belt tensioner, air filter and 2 oil/filter changes in the 6K miles my daughter has driven it. I ensured all 120k through 126k services needed were done on schedule. Oh yeah, the ****** fluid was replaced when the dealer replaced the trans pan at 117K. The ****** fluid is clear red! ****** fluid, front and rear diffs and transfer case fluids were changed at 60K! It runs like a top and does not use any oil! I also installed an Alpine Head ILX-W670 Head Unit and back up camera and remote start. So, my daughter is all set. So that is the background information on it.

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So now on to today. I recently noticed a slight vibration at 62 MPH and figured the tires could use balancing. The tires are 2018 and only have 6K miles on them. I took it into a tire shop to investigate the vibration and right away the tech noticed that the driver’s side front tire showed scalloping on the inside tire edge. It is definitely noticeable. He said that is causing the vibration. He also showed me the passenger side front tire which is just beginning to show scalloping as well. He says that I need new front shocks and that is the reason for the scalloping. I had the tires rotated and now the Liberty rides so much smoother and the vibration caused by the scalloped tires are now at the rear. I can imagine how it must ride with all new shocks and tires!

I am planning on installing all the new shocks myself. The ball joints and bushings are all good and were checked by the tire shop.

Here is my parts list:

• Front Right Shock KYB SR4199 – Complete Shock Assembly with spring and mounting plate.
• Front Right Shock KYB SR4200 – Complete Shock Assembly with spring and mounting plate.
• Rear Shocks KYB 344404

I want to retain the factory ride and not interested in lifting the Jeep. My daughter only drives 10 miles to and from High School and does not use it off road. There are certainly a lot of brands when it comes to shocks. I have read reviews, and Monroe seems to have mixed reviews. Do you all have any recommendations when it comes to shock brands? Are there any brands I should stay away from? I figured KYB is a trusted brand.

As always, I appreciate all comments.



Hec