Need new shock absorbers? Just want to upgrade? We have a fine vendor right here.
Please post your questions and I am sure he'll get right back with you.

I think we even get a good discount--??

May Special Pricing for EF Members!!!

Just a reminder this shock and brake pad promo expires at the end of the month.
__________________
Online distributors for Bilstein, KYB, Edelbrock, Monroe, and Rancho.

Visit Shockwarehouse.com and use PromoCode explorer to receive your 5% discount upon checkout.

FREE SHIPPING for orders over $95!

ShockWareHouse.com
Phone: 800-245-7469

BrakePadWarehouse.com - PromoCodes and FREE SHIPPING rules apply here too!
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Online Since 1996


"Reminder this is the last weekend for the Monroe/Rancho brake pad and shock promotions."

And

"If you purchase a full set of shocks and brake pads in the same purchase you will receive 20% off the brake pads. Additionally, you can use the 5% forum discount toward the shocks. This can be done at Shockwarehouse.com."

Thank you in advance.

Yes you do!

When you order at www.shockwarehouse.com you get an extra 10% off.
Just use promo code "blazevoy" and obtain your discount.

We have been a proud sponsor for over a year and have helped many members and would be happy to help you as well.

Plus this month Monroe products are buy 3 get 1 free on top of that! Just see our promo on the site for information on that as well.

thanks,
Shockguys
www.Shockwarehouse.com

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaalright :cool: if there's one thing i like more than shocks, its discounts!

bump

I've seen a number of posts about the quality (or lack thereof) of the shocks that come with the K494 Superlift kit for the Gen2 Explorers.

Do you have a suggestion on better shocks? I'm going to be ordering/installing the lift kit soon, and if there's something better to be installed, I'd like to do it from the start, rather than have to pop the stuff later.

Thanks for the help!!

I've seen a number of posts about the quality (or lack thereof) of the shocks that come with the K494 Superlift kit for the Gen2 Explorers.

Do you have a suggestion on better shocks? I'm going to be ordering/installing the lift kit soon, and if there's something better to be installed, I'd like to do it from the start, rather than have to pop the stuff later.

Thanks for the help!!

I am curious about this as well, beings I am looking at this lift. I love rancho shocks but not sure I could use them? Or which ones I could use?

Is shockguys even still around?

Yes we still are, and going strong!

Let me do a bit of research on this question and get back to you guys shortly with some thoughts.

thanks,
Shockguys

Hi there! Over two weeks later - any luck? Do you folks not visit this forum all that often? Should I call you directly?

Sorry for the delay, was actually on vacation last week and still catching up.
Looks like you will have to check with the lift manufacturer what your options are. If they tell you a standard shock will work we have plenty of options, but many lifts will not work with a standard shock.

Let me know what happens.

Shockguys

Gah.

They were less than helpful. They claim that the shock they distribute in the kit is a custom deal that Gabriel builds for them...

My lift kit will be here this week, I think, so I'll unbox everything and see if I can find a part number, and post back here.

I just placed my order and was successful with the promo code. I'll post an update when my parts arrive. I ordered the KYB GR2 for both the front and rear. My total on the order was just over $106 shipped... the cheapest I've found anywhere.

Hi. I have a '98 EB and the website seems to only have stock for the hood and trunk struts. I looked at the other 2WD/4WD 2dr/4dr and you seem to have the shocks for them. Would they fit on my truck?

Heads up, we have New Year discounts use the phrase 'explorer' as a discount code and receive 5% off! Simply go to www.shockwarehouse.com (http://www.shockwarehouse.com/)

Hi. I have a '98 EB and the website seems to only have stock for the hood and trunk struts. I looked at the other 2WD/4WD 2dr/4dr and you seem to have the shocks for them. Would they fit on my truck?They will but your vehicle came with an Air-Ride system. Some people have done away with the Air-Ride and just installed regular shocks. If you need more info, please use the Search feature.

I just ordered some Bilstein HD's front and rear for my 01 Explorer 4x4.

Cheapest I found. They beat Summit by like 30+$ The free shipping and 5% discount made it.

Hope the transaction goes well and I get the correct parts.

TB,

Glad we could help. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns. We look forward to being there for you!

I went and soaked down all the nuts/bolts with WD40, so i'm here....waiting.... ;)

Well, I have nothing but good things to say about my first purchase from shockwarehouse. Ordered on a Sunday night, got my parts handed to me by the FedEX guy at 4pm today. The packaging was good, the right parts were in the box and the Bilsteins look great.

I'm a big Bilstein fan. I run a set of race valved Bilstein's on my open track/autocross/time trial Mustang GT and they are some quality shocks in my opinion.

I'm glad I had a bunch of extensions and my air tools for this job. With only 75,000 miles on my Explorer, they must've been all in mud or whatever....some of those were just soo nasty I couldn't tell if the nut was a hexagon or just a rounded off one!!!

The front were done fairly quick but the back was a little painful working with those little mounting bolts/nuts on the top side.

The ride is TERRIFIC as expected. It doesn't lean or sway in the turns/sweeping turns and the crappy pavement is soaked up and really makes you feel like driving a whole different vehicle.

The shocks I took off would make good slide-rules.....thats about the compression/dampening they had. :lol: They were DONE.

So, thanks ShockWarehouse!

Sweet, just ordered two KYB GR-2 shocks for the front, saved $6.08 with the discount :thumbsup:

The price before discount was already ~$15 cheaper than any auto parts store around here. I am pleased. Can't wait to receive them!

Sweet, just ordered two KYB GR-2 shocks for the front, saved $6.08 with the discount :thumbsup:

The price before discount was already ~$15 cheaper than any auto parts store around here. I am pleased. Can't wait to receive them!

Well, I have nothing but good things to say about my first purchase from shockwarehouse. Ordered on a Sunday night, got my parts handed to me by the FedEX guy at 4pm today. The packaging was good, the right parts were in the box and the Bilsteins look great.

I'm a big Bilstein fan. I run a set of race valved Bilstein's on my open track/autocross/time trial Mustang GT and they are some quality shocks in my opinion.

I'm glad I had a bunch of extensions and my air tools for this job. With only 75,000 miles on my Explorer, they must've been all in mud or whatever....some of those were just soo nasty I couldn't tell if the nut was a hexagon or just a rounded off one!!!

The front were done fairly quick but the back was a little painful working with those little mounting bolts/nuts on the top side.

The ride is TERRIFIC as expected. It doesn't lean or sway in the turns/sweeping turns and the crappy pavement is soaked up and really makes you feel like driving a whole different vehicle.

The shocks I took off would make good slide-rules.....thats about the compression/dampening they had. :lol: They were DONE.

So, thanks ShockWarehouse!

Thank YOU! Yes, on top of the 5% discount to forum members, we offer FREE SHIPPING for purchases over $95!

Also, if you see a better deal elsewhere we'll match or beat it with the Shockwarehouse Price Match (http://www.shockwarehouse.com/site/pricematch.cfm) see site for details.

Lastly, we've also entered the brake pad business introducing Brakepadwarehouse.com (http://www.brakepadwarehouse.com) which also offers FREE SHIPPING for purchases over $95!

Glad we could help!

Monroe and Rancho has introduced their own Stimulus Plan. Starting today until May 31st 2009 you can receive mail in rebates for $20, $50, $80 or $125 on various shocks. Check out the ad for details here - http://www.shockwarehouse.com/news/monroe_special_2009.cfm.

Here are the qualifying products/series:
- Monroe Reflex Shocks 911000, 911500 Series
- Monroe Reflex Struts 931000, 932000, 941000 Series
- Monroe Sensa-Trac Shocks 5600, 5700, 5800, 5900, 37000, 39000, 58000 Series
- Monroe Sensa-Trac Struts and Cartridges 71000, 72000, 73000, 171000, 172000, 271000 Series
- Monroe Gas-Magnum Shocks 34000 Series
- Rancho RS5000 Shock Absorbers RS5000 Series
- Rancho RSX Shock and Struts RSX17000 Series
- Rancho RS9000XL Shocks 999000, 999700 Series
- Rancho RS9000XL ProSeries 19000 Series (excludes Coil-Over Shocks; RS19500–RS19600 Series)
- Rancho quickLIFT RS999700 Series

How it works is you come to Shockwarehouse.com (http://www.shockwarehouse.com/discounts/goto/167) and look up your vehicle and look for the product that suits your needs.


Additionally, Monroe is having a mail in rebate special for their brake pads. From now through May 31st 2009 you can receive the following rebates:

* Consumers can receive a $30 rebate check with the purchase of 2 sets of Monroe Brake Pads

* Consumers can receive a $15 rebate check with the purchase of 1 set of Monroe Brake Pads

* Customer needs to submit:

1) Dates sales receipt
2) Rebate form found at http://www.monroebrakes.com/promo/promotions.asp
3) Rebate forms must be submitted by July 1 ,2009.

You also receive a 5% discount and free shipping for orders of $95 or more at Brakepadwarehouse.com (http://www.Brakepadwarehouse.com).

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Just a reminder this 1st of it's kind promotion runs for 3 more days!

Just a reminder this shock and brake pad promo expires at the end of the month.

I will edit my first post with your info--to keep it in order. please inform me when you have special deals, and I will edit again accordingly

Ok, thanks!

does anyone know if there are any upgradeable shocks available for a lincoln aviator? I have an 04 and would like to get some bilsteins but cannot find them.

There aren't any available for an Aviator (aftermarket).

First post edited with info

My 97 explorer has factory shocks (that may be shot) and rides really bouncy

I want to put new shocks on

I have no plans to go off road but i will be carrying my dirt bike (300lbs) on a hitch carrier

The truck does not have a lift but I am thinking about putting a shackle on the back and raising the front an inch with a torsion bar twist

I guess - if possible id like to have shocks that would work with or without the lift

Thanks

Gary

Gary,

The Bilstein HD's or the KYB Monomax's should be sufficient for your truck with that amount of towing load.

is there any new promo code or deals going on at the moment? i ask because im in need of new shocks and im looking for something that is good for off-roading and street use since this is my DD

is there any new promo code or deals going on at the moment? i ask because im in need of new shocks and im looking for something that is good for off-roading and street use since this is my DD

Yes, you can get 5% off shocks using promo code explorer.

Additionally if you purchase a full set of shocks, you can get 20% off a full set of brake pads. The 5% promo code can be used towards shocks with this promotion as well.

Can you get me some info on the Bilstien 9100 off road shocks, like do they come in a 16" travel shock, and if you can specify the valving in them. I looked on the site, and all the pdf technical documents showed the parts, but didn't really say the sizes available.

Can you get me some info on the Bilstien 9100 off road shocks, like do they come in a 16" travel shock, and if you can specify the valving in them. I looked on the site, and all the pdf technical documents showed the parts, but didn't really say the sizes available.

Wow, going for the BIG guns eh? They have 2 types, regular and rock crawler. Neither come in a 16" travel. Both come in 14" or 17".

The valving is custom, so you would need to let us know the intentions you are using the vehicle for (rock crawling, mud racing, etc) and they will custom valve them based on that info.

Hope that helps.

I'm just curious if there are any new offers available to forum members. I ordered some KYB shocks from ShockWarehouse.com (actually posted earlier in the thread about the purchase) and was very pleased. I now have another Explorer that is currently sitting on 128k mile original shocks and is in dire need of some replacements to say the least.

I'm just curious if there are any new offers available to forum members. I ordered some KYB shocks from ShockWarehouse.com (actually posted earlier in the thread about the purchase) and was very pleased. I now have another Explorer that is currently sitting on 128k mile original shocks and is in dire need of some replacements to say the least.

Glad to hear the KYBs are working out for you, how does the ride compare to stock? There is still a 5% discount for any forum member, just use the discount code "explorer" at the page of the checkout process where you enter your credit card information.

I think the KYBs are probably the best value out there. I think buyers would be discouraged if they expected them to perform like Bilsteins or Ranchos, but if you're looking for a good stock replacement, the KYBs are the way to go.

Hi, any news about the Monroe Quick Struts for explorers for the front end? Everyone that has any is only for the rear.

Orlando

Glad to hear the KYBs are working out for you, how does the ride compare to stock? There is still a 5% discount for any forum member, just use the discount code "explorer" at the page of the checkout process where you enter your credit card information.
I ordered the Monroe shocks but the checkout page did not have a place for me to enter "explorer".

I ordered the Monroe shocks but the checkout page did not have a place for me to enter "explorer".

PM me with your order number and I'll get the 5% discount taken off.

Hi, any news about the Monroe Quick Struts for explorers for the front end? Everyone that has any is only for the rear.

Orlando

Monroe doesn't have any news about front Quickstruts for the Explorer.

so whats a good replacement for my 95 exploder ???

was thinking about those edelbrock shocks

so whats a good replacement for my 95 exploder ???

was thinking about those edelbrock shocks

The Edelbrocks are a great choice, they're a really high quality, American made shock that will be a huge upgrade over your stock shocks. You can check those out here:
Front (part # 3309) http://www.shockwarehouse.com/site/product.cfm/id/12559/name/3309-Edelbrock-Red-IAS-Performer-Ford-Explorer-and-Mountaineer
Rear (part # 3409) http://www.shockwarehouse.com/site/product.cfm/id/12610/name/3409-Edelbrock-Red-IAS-Performer-Ford-Explorer-and-Mountaineer
Your price with the 5% forum discount will be $328.02, just use the discount code "explorer" at checkout.

I have them and would not recommend them.

I have them and would not recommend them.

Really? What's wrong with them? What have you had in the past?

Really? What's wrong with them? What have you had in the past? x2 elaborate please send me a pm if ya dont wanna say in his thread ??

Q- why are over kill on a stock 4.0 ohv 4X4 ??

looking to buy in a couple weeks

Hi,

I'm a complete n00b to all this [car repair/overhauling]. Some of the electrical stuff I feel somewhat comfortable with and taking apart things as long as I have real instructions (had someone here provide instructions for dissassembling the dash, and I used that to guide me in replacing one of my tach lights).

Given the economy and such, as much as I have 'new car lust', I'm probably going to be using my 01 Explorer Sport for quite awhile. That being the case, I know that aside from brakes and tires, not much has been replaced since the assembly line (~112k ago).

One of the things I'd like to look at is the suspension- I just had the sway bar links and bushings replaced after one of them broke off, and I know that there are probably other parts that need to be replaced too.

In terms of 'ride quality', the things I notice are that when taking a turn and there is a 'bump' in the turn, the car seems to 'skip' or 'stutter'....not exactly confidence inspiring. Also, when I hit bumps in the road (think mattress sized), I notice a lot of travel, and come close to hitting my head on the roof.

Also, like many, the roads out here are terrible and hitting potholes etc 'throws' me a bit around the car.

I've been following the 'soft ride' thread, shockguy's faq and myths, as well as some of the points in this one, and I'd love some advice on what I can do to improve the ride of my vehicle.

I'm usually on highways/side streets, but I do on occasion take service roads in the mountains with 'washboarding' or just very large potholes.


I've seen the KYB Monomax and Bilstein Heavy Duty listed frequently. Are these my best options? Are they close to 'apples and apples'? From the posts it sounds like new shocks may help things a lot, but what else might I want to look at/consider to improve my overall ride quality?

Thanks!

EDIT: Also, is replacing the shocks a reasonable task for a 'n00b'? What equipment would I need? How much should labor be 'approximately' if I take it somewhere to install the parts I order?

Really? What's wrong with them? What have you had in the past?

I can't speak for JCat. But I can speak from the experience of having run a set of Edelbrock IAS on a 1st generation (1991-94) Explorer for about 2 years.

I ran them around 2001, 2002, 2003 or so. Maybe they have changed the valving since then?

I'll make it short. In my opin, IAS are too stiff for a 1st gen Explorer. Maybe ok for 2nd gen and later. Rancho 9000X is a far more suitable shock than an Edelbrock IAS for a 1st generation Explorer.

Good to see a vendor in the forums here. I'd like to hear from other 1st gen owners who can compare IAS's to another shock they've run. I'm not knocking the IAS's. They are a performance shock and you'll know it when you drive the vehicle and turn a corner. You'll also get the heck knocked out of you on a routine basis. :D

I can't speak for JCat. But I can speak from the experience of having run a set of Edelbrock IAS on a 1st generation (1991-94) Explorer for about 2 years.

I ran them around 2001, 2002, 2003 or so. Maybe they have changed the valving since then?

I'll make it short. In my opin, IAS are too stiff for a 1st gen Explorer. Maybe ok for 2nd gen and later. Rancho 9000X is a far more suitable shock than an Edelbrock IAS for a 1st generation Explorer.

Good to see a vendor in the forums here. I'd like to hear from other 1st gen owners who can compare IAS's to another shock they've run. I'm not knocking the IAS's. They are a performance shock and you'll know it when you drive the vehicle and turn a corner. You'll also get the heck knocked out of you on a routine basis. :D

Thanks, it really helps us to hear our customers' opinions of the shocks we sell. We obviously can't daily drive every shock we sell on every vehicle, so your feedback is invaluable so that we can help new customers get the best shocks possible.

Hi,

I'm a complete n00b to all this [car repair/overhauling]. Some of the electrical stuff I feel somewhat comfortable with and taking apart things as long as I have real instructions (had someone here provide instructions for dissassembling the dash, and I used that to guide me in replacing one of my tach lights).

Given the economy and such, as much as I have 'new car lust', I'm probably going to be using my 01 Explorer Sport for quite awhile. That being the case, I know that aside from brakes and tires, not much has been replaced since the assembly line (~112k ago).

One of the things I'd like to look at is the suspension- I just had the sway bar links and bushings replaced after one of them broke off, and I know that there are probably other parts that need to be replaced too.

In terms of 'ride quality', the things I notice are that when taking a turn and there is a 'bump' in the turn, the car seems to 'skip' or 'stutter'....not exactly confidence inspiring. Also, when I hit bumps in the road (think mattress sized), I notice a lot of travel, and come close to hitting my head on the roof.

Also, like many, the roads out here are terrible and hitting potholes etc 'throws' me a bit around the car.

I've been following the 'soft ride' thread, shockguy's faq and myths, as well as some of the points in this one, and I'd love some advice on what I can do to improve the ride of my vehicle.

I'm usually on highways/side streets, but I do on occasion take service roads in the mountains with 'washboarding' or just very large potholes.


I've seen the KYB Monomax and Bilstein Heavy Duty listed frequently. Are these my best options? Are they close to 'apples and apples'? From the posts it sounds like new shocks may help things a lot, but what else might I want to look at/consider to improve my overall ride quality?

Thanks!

EDIT: Also, is replacing the shocks a reasonable task for a 'n00b'? What equipment would I need? How much should labor be 'approximately' if I take it somewhere to install the parts I order?

It sounds like new shocks will probably help your ride problems. The KYB Monomax and Bilstein Heavy Duty are both great choices, we never hear bad things about them from customers.

Installing shocks is a pretty straightforward affair, if you've got a set of tools you should be able to tackle it in an afternoon. I'm sure someone here can chime in with the specific tools needed for an Explorer as well as any tricks they've figured out by doing it. The only advice I can give you is that monotube shocks can be tough to compress, so eat your wheaties.

As far as labor goes, your best bet is to just call up a few local garages and get quotes. Anything I or anyone else estimates for you is going to be pure speculation. Any gas station garage should be able to do it for you, so call a bunch and go with the cheapest.

I'm assuming you have a 4WD Explorer so here are the parts for that, let me know if you need help finding parts for a 2WD model.

Bilstein Heavy Duty Front (http://www.shockwarehouse.com/site/product.cfm/id/14654/name/F4-B46-2133-H0-Bilstein-Ford-Explorer-and-Mercury-Mountaineer)
Bilstein Heavy Duty Rear (http://www.shockwarehouse.com/site/product.cfm/id/14655/name/B46-2134-Bilstein-Ford-Explorer-and-Mercury-Mountaineer)

KYB Monomax Front (http://www.shockwarehouse.com/site/product.cfm/id/16476/name/561001-KYB-Monomax-Ford-and-Mercury)
KYB Monomax Rear (http://www.shockwarehouse.com/site/product.cfm/id/16481/name/565003-KYB-Monomax-Ford,-Mazda-and-Mercury)

Hope that helps!

It sounds like new shocks will probably help your ride problems. The KYB Monomax and Bilstein Heavy Duty are both great choices, we never hear bad things about them from customers.

Installing shocks is a pretty straightforward affair, if you've got a set of tools you should be able to tackle it in an afternoon. I'm sure someone here can chime in with the specific tools needed for an Explorer as well as any tricks they've figured out by doing it. The only advice I can give you is that monotube shocks can be tough to compress, so eat your wheaties.

As far as labor goes, your best bet is to just call up a few local garages and get quotes. Anything I or anyone else estimates for you is going to be pure speculation. Any gas station garage should be able to do it for you, so call a bunch and go with the cheapest.

I'm assuming you have a 4WD Explorer so here are the parts for that, let me know if you need help finding parts for a 2WD model.

Bilstein Heavy Duty Front (http://www.shockwarehouse.com/site/product.cfm/id/14654/name/F4-B46-2133-H0-Bilstein-Ford-Explorer-and-Mercury-Mountaineer)
Bilstein Heavy Duty Rear (http://www.shockwarehouse.com/site/product.cfm/id/14655/name/B46-2134-Bilstein-Ford-Explorer-and-Mercury-Mountaineer)

KYB Monomax Front (http://www.shockwarehouse.com/site/product.cfm/id/16476/name/561001-KYB-Monomax-Ford-and-Mercury)
KYB Monomax Rear (http://www.shockwarehouse.com/site/product.cfm/id/16481/name/565003-KYB-Monomax-Ford,-Mazda-and-Mercury)

Hope that helps!

Thanks! Any comment between the KYB and the Bilstein? Any differences between the two? If they largely perform the same, is there a difference in customer service/warranty from the company and/or reliability?

Thanks! Any comment between the KYB and the Bilstein? Any differences between the two? If they largely perform the same, is there a difference in customer service/warranty from the company and/or reliability?

They both come with a lifetime warranty against defects (a shock that breaks after you jump over a creek isn't defective, but if it springs a leak during normal use, they'll replace it.). The Bilstein Heavy Dutys are our most popular shocks, and we hear all the time customers who say they'll never put anything else on a truck, so the circumstantial evidence points towards those.

They both come with a lifetime warranty against defects (a shock that breaks after you jump over a creek isn't defective, but if it springs a leak during normal use, they'll replace it.). The Bilstein Heavy Dutys are our most popular shocks, and we hear all the time customers who say they'll never put anything else on a truck, so the circumstantial evidence points towards those.

Awesome!

Do you know definitively which Explorers have a '5th' shock? Mine is a 2001 2 Door Explorer Sport 4wd. And is that the same as the axle dampner?

The 5th shock is the axle dampener as far as I know. The easiest way to be 100% sure is to crawl under the truck and take a look. Check out this thread for a picture: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=223149

The 5th shock is the axle dampener as far as I know. The easiest way to be 100% sure is to crawl under the truck and take a look. Check out this thread for a picture: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=223149

Thanks- crawled under, and unless I'm blind there's only 4 =) Ordered a set of 4 Bilstein's tonight!