This Newbie will not be fooled.

[VCOSH28]

I am now the proud owner of a '99 Ex EB. I've been cruising around this site taking in as much info as possible. Reading a thread about replacing shocks, a couple of members referenced the "5th" shock. I had previously owned an '05 Sport Trac and never heard of such a thing. Thought it was a joke the regulars played on the new guys. You know, check the blinker fluid when you check the 5th shock.

Well, I was under the truck today checking out the exhaust and there it was. Ok, it exists. Does anyone want to explain what it does or how it works? :roll:

 

[my98nnj]

It dampens axle wrap.

 

[corkey]

also calms driveline vibrations

 

[OffTrac]

The dampener and brackets are on my '01 Sport Trac. You can see them in this picture in the top left and bottom right of the photo.

 

[lilredex97]

are these shocks only on 4 door models? my 97 sport dont have one but my 4 door 99 does.

 

[1992fordgreen]

On my Explorer I replaced all shocks but those. Screw them. I have no need for a softer ride. Its a truck, not rolls royce.

 

[drdoom]

It makes people bicker on the net, and as a bonus brings out all the armchair engineers.

 

[chefduane]

When I did my 98 XLT4.0 4x I did Monroe SensaTracs at all 4 corners with coil overs on the rear. Also did the 5th shock. I figured it couldn't hurt.
Got everything from Rock Auto dirt cheap so what the heck.

Chef Duane

 

[bobflood]

It makes people bicker on the net, and as a bonus brings out all the armchair engineers.

+1 on this!!! It's like debating regular vs premium fuel on maxima.org!:scratch:

When I replaced the shocks on my '97 EB, I decided it was kind of foolish not to replace that one also for the $30 or so it costs. I figure even Ford engineers know more about the suspension than I do!! Good luck.

PS: The blinker fluid is a scam - but don't forget to check your muffler bearings!!

 

[VCOSH28]

The shocks on my truck feel fine so I won't need to replace them for awhile. I will replace the 5th at that time.
[MENTION=144418]bobflood[/MENTION]-I do need a new muffler. Can't find a rebuild kit anywhere!

 

[crunchie_frog]

+:

When I replaced the shocks on my '97 EB, I decided it was kind of foolish not to replace that one also for the $30 or so it costs. I figure even Ford engineers know more about the suspension than I do!! Good luck.

I am in the "while you are at crowd", and trying to keep it near original specs/performance.

Can I go with anything less than Timken bearings for my muffler bearings?

 

[drdoom]

Same here, its part of the truck, so I replaced the old rusty thing. I don't know what it does other than by name alone, the axle damper IIRC.

 

[Bobmbx]

I am in the "while you are at crowd", and trying to keep it near original specs/performance.

Can I go with anything less than Timken bearings for my muffler bearings?

Timken is fine. Its the spare tire filter thats hard to find.

 

[FR-425]

Does anyone know where I can get a can of Muzzle Flash so I can blow my head off?!