1.Rear stepping out 2.Add a leaf for mono

[HATECHEVYS]

HELP. I just got back from the shop after getting a front end alignment. Actually, it was just checked because the guy said that it checked out fine (I saw him check it). My questions: After changing tires to the 265/75-16 BFG AT KO's, the rear end really steps out (to the right) when I hit a bump on the freeway. It happens most noticably when the freeway is curving to the left. Almost lost control a couple of times. My tire pressure is at the recommended 65psi for the KO's. Is that too much? I had them down to 57psi and it didn't help. I don't want to lose mpg by running them at a real low pressure. Should I go lower? Is there some shocks that will help keep the tires planted? The torsion twist was already done at the dealer, and I added 3" longer shackles to lift the rear 1.5" to cure the squat. The shackles are kind of wimpy, could that be flexing enough to UNplant the tires when going over a bump? One last question, with the monoleaf susp, what is the add-a-leaf that everyone is using and where is the cheapest place to get it (so I can ditch these cheap shackles). Thanks for you time and GOD BLESS AMERICA!

 

[Gary Steeber]

HATECHEVYS

Let some air out. The recommended pressure for the BFG's is 32 to 35 lbs. Any more and your ride is going to be miserable.
I don't know about the shackles, they shouldn't cause the drifting problem you're experiencing. You should get the full spring package from a 4 door model, they will help.

 

[TarHeel085]

ok what is the deal with the new leaf springs from a 4 door. what is the difference between the two. i also have a 99 Sport with some squat in the back. how much would new spring packs run me?

 

[HATECHEVYS]

Sorry, but recommended tire pressure as on the tire (and website) is 65psi for the BFG KO's 265/75-16. I know, it sounds outrageous. maybe I will go down to like 50psi and try driving down the freeway and check.

 

[Gary Steeber]

Originally posted by HATECHEVYS
Sorry, but recommended tire pressure as on the tire (and website) is 65psi for the BFG KO's 265/75-16. I know, it sounds outrageous. maybe I will go down to like 50psi and try driving down the freeway and check.

Do a search on tire pressure.
I believe you will find that the 65 lbs recommendation you find on the sidewall of your tire ia a maximun tire pressure range at maximun full load. That setting is not meant for everyday highway driving.

 

[COMMOCOZY]

Sounds like you need shocks to me. I had the same problem with my 98 sport, put on new shocks, and had no more problem.

 

[Robert]

Originally posted by HATECHEVYS
Sorry, but recommended tire pressure as on the tire (and website) is 65psi for the BFG KO's 265/75-16. I know, it sounds outrageous. maybe I will go down to like 50psi and try driving down the freeway and check.

I just checked their Web-site, the 65 PSI is for the maximum load. The last set of numbers is for the "Max Load Single (lbs@psi).

LT265/75R16/D 120Q RWL 43366 439-167 7.0 - 8.0 10.5 on 7.5 31.8 16.0 654 3042@65

You would be much better off at 30-35 PSI. I have LT265 75R16 Michelin LTX ATs on my '97 4x4 Sport and find that 35 PSI is just right. My sidewall also says 65 PSI Max. Let me put it another way. At BF Goodrich's published maximum weight of 3042 lbs @ 65 PSI, your four tires would be capable of carrying 12168. If your Explorer is anything like mine, it should weigh in the neighborhood of 4000 lbs. Unless you have seriously overloaded your Explorer, you have way too much air in your tires. Do a search for "chalk test" to find the optimal tire setting.

Also from BF Goodrich's tire faq: "Proper inflation is the single most important factor in tire care. The inflation pressure on the sidewall of the tire is the MAXIMUM operating pressure determined by the tire manufacturer. It is not necessarily the correct tire inflation for your vehicle."

 

[soupbone]

dude its really the shocks i think. try rancho 9000,OME,Bilstien,monroe,edelbrock or cheapo gabriel VST to tame the hop step. As far as butt sag i got a pair of 4dr leafs from a 95 - 97 XLT. try the chalk test also. I run 35 to 38 psi for best ride and gas mileage. and yes the tire shop who actually mounted these jacked the psi to 65 also. I got home and lowered it......

 

[rpenner54]

I run RS9000's that are set on 5 and my BFG-Muds are at 22-25psi in the rear and it doesn't "hop". If I put more then 25psi of of air in then I run into that. It really has nothing to do with the shocks and everything to do with overinflated tires. Your driving on tires that have zero give when you hit a bump so that gets moved through the whole suspension. If you deflated to what Ford recomends which is 26psi that probably would end your hopping.

 

[TarHeel085]

so how much do new spring packs from a 4 door lift the back, or do they not at all. how do i know which ones i need, just 95-up or the same year or newer than i have?

 

[soupbone]

didnt measure it but it did level it out. got them used for $80 off a 97 4dr.

 

[rockymntnhi]

65psi WOW

Thats Alot of air . try 35 psi , I run 35 in my 32 x 11.50 Ko's and they ride good , no bounce ....

 

[fordkrazy]

i run 40 in mine. and you need new shocks.

 

[SteveVB]

Tire Pressure,Tire Pressure

65PSI ? I just reinforce what everyone else already said;That is max load rate and pressure. Your problem IMO is tire pressure. NEVER go by the pressure rating on the sidewalls of tires they are for the tire not the vehicle. Look at the door sticker/gas door sticker. Youll get much better traction and ride with 30-35 psi. It will most certainly cut down on the axle hop over bumps.