If it was older than 1987, it would be a CJ. There are several kinds you likely would have seen including CJ-5, CJ-6, CJ-7 and CJ-8 (Scrambler).

If it was newer than 1987, that would be a Wrangler. There are three variants:

1987-1995 - YJ - most easily distinguished by the square headlights
1997-2006 - TJ - back to round lights but still with the vertical grille
2007-current - JK - slanted grille and wider plastic front fender flares

My best guess is that you saw a 1995 or older Jeep. Those have leaf springs front and rear for suspension. Especially if it was lifted or the suspension had been messed with. A lot of the cheaper aftermarket springs get you higher up, but are a lot stiffer than the factory springs. My first set on my Jeep were like that and I could get air going over a speed bump slowly they were so stiff.