02 XLT needs new shocks. What kind?

[dogginfox]

Now that my tranny problem is fixed its time to tackle a few more things. Im going to start with new shocks, with 138000 on my factories its time for a change/upgrade. Im looking to replace all 4 with something better than factory as i do a fair amount of driving on forest service roads. My EX is stock except for a soon to be replaced set of 265/75/16 Yokohoma Geolanders. Does anyone have any suggestions on what shocks i should be looking at?

 

[aldive]

I am fond of the Rancho 9000x shocks on my '99.

 

[E.B. Cornburner]

On the Gen III Explorers, your choices are quite limited. Monroe and Gabriel make them, but one of my favorite brands, KYB, doesn't offer any for them (yet).

If I had to choose between Gabriel and Monroe, I'd probably go with Monroe.

Shocks on these are a coil-over design like a strut more than a shock like you'd typically think of when you think about shock absorbers. They're also much more expensive than typical shock absorbers. Best price I've found on them is in the neighborhood of ~$80 each from Advance Auto Parts.

If Bilstein made shocks (struts?) for our vehicles, I'd buy them in a heartbeat. Rancho are also excellent, but if memory serves correct, they didn't offer any for an Explorer newer than '01.

 

[jrford]

On my '04 I replaced mine at 15k. No Warranty nothing visibly wrong with them so they wouldn't replace. Anyways I only had one option at the time for the fronts where OEM Factory, rears there where two other options Monroe's and Gabriel’s. Now I think Monroe makes f/r Sensatracs which I have put on two jeeps with light off roading. Great Major improvement over the Jeep OEM's. If i had a choice when I did mine I go with Monroe's.
Jim