1st gen suspension tuning

[hubbard]

As the owner of a 1994 4x4 Explorer, I am attempting to piece together all I have learned on this site to better the ride of my Explorer. I know there is a huge amount of info on shocks, leaf springs, coil springs, etc. My quest is to put together the combination of suspension improvements to improve my off-highway ride.
I live a mile on a slightly rough, washboard dirt road and the jarring ride of the Explorer is very discouraging. I imagine the ride improvement won't be accomplished with a one component fix, so I am asking for advice on the proper combination of suspension improvements to make for the best ride possible on my dirt road and anywhere else off-road I may go.
I am interested in only a mild amount of lift, say around 2 inches. What blend of shocks, springs, bushings, etc. would work together to give the best dirt road ride possible? The suspension is all original other than some Monroe Sensa-a-trac shocks which were installed quite a while ago by the original owner.

Thanks,
Paul

 

[little x]

Honestly, if you remove your rear sway bar and build a quick disconnect system for or completely remove the front sway bar, you may find that ride reasonable.

 

[IZwack]

Personally, I'd focus on the shocks. The Rancho 9000s (or whatever they are called now) come to mind because they are adjustable with a turn of a knob. If you do go with the 9000s, you probably want to aim for some low number (in other words, 'soft').

 

[4x4junkie]

I hated my 9000s, those things rattled like mad.

You want a good gas-charged shock if dirt-road performance is of concern.
Go with Bilsteins.

 

[hubbard]

So maybe with new Rancho 9000's or Bilstein shocks and a disconnected rear sway bar(the ride in rear is worse than the front) I should see a difference? And what about new bushings for the rear leaf springs. Have people noticed a better ride with new bushings and would rubber ones be preferred?

 

[hubbard]

I disconnected the rear anti-sway bar and took the Explorer for a test run and it does seem the rear ride is better than before. I now notice the front has the harsher ride but, from what I have read, disconnecting the front anti-sway bar should be approached with caution or not attempted at all if any street driving is part of the plan. Well, I am glad I took a first step toward this and my next move will be new shocks.