Leaf springs and shocks

[rollinstone]

Started towing a small camping trailer. The tongue weight is about 350-400 lbs, which is well within limits for my Ex. I've noticed that the truck squats about 2" when I hitch up the trailer. I've done a pretty good job balancing the trailer's load and also anything I'm carrying in the truck and she still squats more than I think it should.

I've got 162,000 miles on the Ex and about 90,000 on the Monroe Sensa-Trac shocks. I'm sure the shocks could stand replacement, but what about the rear leaf springs?

1. What's a good curbside test (manual and visual) that I can do on the springs? I don't want to replace them if they check out OK...$$$ y' know.

2. What would you recommend for replacement shocks...suitable for occasional towing?

 

[my98nnj]

Get a set of the Monroe load leveler shocks for the rear. The have a coil spring wrapped around them and will help maintain the ride height.

 

[swshawaii]

May be the perfect solution for your application. Search 58617, MANY happy buyers. ^ See what I mean? LOL

Price is for a pair.
http://www.amazon.com/Monroe-58617-...sorber/dp/B000C53RXK/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

 

[Attacking Mid]

I put F150 junkyard leaf springs on my 98. Worked great. There's a long thread if you search for it.

 

[rollinstone]

I put F150 junkyard leaf springs on my 98. Worked great. There's a long thread if you search for it.

Was it this one:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=378523&highlight=leaf+springs...

...way above my skill and tools level...

 

[2000SportDennis]

Get a set of the Monroe load leveler shocks for the rear. The have a coil spring wrapped around them and will help maintain the ride height.

May be the perfect solution for your application. Search 58617, MANY happy buyers. ^ See what I mean? LOL

Price is for a pair.
http://www.amazon.com/Monroe-58617-...sorber/dp/B000C53RXK/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

+1 I have these on my 2000 Sport, they definitly help it sit nicer

 

[Maniak]

Was it this one:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=378523&highlight=leaf+springs...

...way above my skill and tools level...

That's the most recent thread about using f-150 leaves to freshen up an explorer leaf set.

Its really not that hard BUT an impact wrench, and some c-clamps makes it much easier. A 2nd set of hands really helps too.

I rebuilt my pack (changed leaves etc) a few times in the last month trying to get the leaves to the right spring rate and height for me. Once I had the springs out of the truck it took me 30 minutes or less to re-pack them to a different configuration.

~Mark