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2000 Explorer 5th shock

Whitfield

Member
Joined
August 30, 2017
Messages
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City, State
Troup Texas
Year, Model & Trim Level
2000 Explorer XLT
What is the fifth shock "called" on my explorer. The one that is on the passenger side rear. I purchased what I thought was the right one but when they installed my new tires yesterday they said that this shock/strut wasn't the right one. The correct one bolts on with two large bolts. I purchased it at autozone and want to return it on the way to work today and get the correct one but can't seem to find what it is actually called - 2000 Explorer XLS
 



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There is/was a Bilstein unit available, part number B36-2135-H0
 






How do you know when to replace the 5th shock? Any symptoms?
 






In my cause it started making noise and IIRC started leaking. In any event I'd say by 75k-100k (on the outside) the 5th shock/AKA the rear axle damper, like the other 4 shocks, are needing to be changed. The previous owner had installed 4 new shocks, but didn't do the 5th shock. I installed a Monroe damper. Seems to do the job.
 






Right now Amazon has the Monroe SC2958 as an open box (reboxed) warehouse deal for $17.50... probably only one of them though, but I've seen several listed as warehouse deals in the past so just keep checking back there if they don't have any at a given moment.

A lot of non-automotive items I don't like to buy as warehouse deals but I've had pretty good luck with warehouse deal auto parts over the years... providing it's not a show-stopper if it doesn't come with some miscellaneous bolt or something but those don't come with new bolts.

Amazon.com: Buying Choices: Monroe SC2958 Magnum Axle Shaft Damper
 






Right now Amazon has the Monroe SC2958 as an open box (reboxed) warehouse deal for $17.50... probably only one of them though, but I've seem several listed as warehouse deals in the past so just keep checking back there if they don't have any at a given moment.

A lot of non-automotive items I don't like to buy as warehouse deals but I've had pretty good luck with warehouse deal auto parts over the years... providing it's not a show-stopper if it doesn't come with some miscellaneous bolt or something but those don't come with new bolts.

Amazon.com: Buying Choices: Monroe SC2958 Magnum Axle Shaft Damper

I think I paid around $24 for mine from Amazon. I wouldn't be to concerned about one being "re-boxed" Unless it's dented there's not that could happen to it. As I recall all you get is the damper, no hardware, Besides, Amazon's return policy is great.
 






I think I paid around $24 for mine from Amazon. I wouldn't be to concerned about one being "re-boxed" Unless it's dented there's not that could happen to it. As I recall all you get is the damper, no hardware, Besides, Amazon's return policy is great.

I replaced mine due to it being dented from my Gibson exhaust hitting it. The replacement is dented now from it.

Does it still function correctly :dunno:
Is the dented replacement better than the OEM dented unit, probably, but still :dunno:
 






The Bilstein model is probably the best, being very very stiff. That helps a good bit with handling, that shock only works much when the suspension is forced up or to the side. But the Bilstein shock is expensive, I got all five for around $55 each, about ten years back.

That fifth shock doesn't see the kind of wear as normal shocks, so they don't need to be special, and can last 20 years if the driver is smooth/calm etc.
 






For what it's worth, our 2000 Mountaineer 5.0L 2WD has almost 250,000 miles and the 5th shock has never been changed. It's also the nicest riding vehicle we own, maybe because it's the only one that doesn't have the towing pkg.
 






How do you know when to replace the 5th shock? Any symptoms?

I can say without it, on rougher but paved roads, I noticed a resonance, vibration which was most evident by trying to view a following vehicle in the rear view mirror.
 






Sounds like I ought to get busy replacing the one on the EB. :)
 






!! I was able to decipher the OEM part number: F77Z-4A489-AA * F77Z4A489AA. "Made in USA." I've a Bilstein on the way (ordered prior to decipherment). But the original part is still readily available, and only about $90. Wish that I had done the detective work first. But the Bilstein will be okay! M
 












I changed mine after 150,000 miles a couple years ago and didn’t notice a difference. I’m not sure what it affects exactly.
 






I always remove them
Also remove the weight on the T case and the weight on the 8.8 axle
No vibrations or strange handling for me, lifted or stock height I see these things as band aids and without them if everything is in good working order, there are no ill effects from removing them
 



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Hi, a couple comments:

--I believe I saw on a different thread that the stabilizer helps ensure the whole rear axle doesn't drift too far left or right, esp when cornering, climbing over rocks, etc. Without it, the only thing holding the axle in position is the leaf springs. Probably not a big problem, but ...

--I replaced my stabilizer a few months ago and had to cut off one of the mounting bolts with an angle grinder, after PB Blaster, heat from a propane torch and an air impact wrench all failed to do the job. Man, that nut was fused -- and I mean FUSED -- to the bolt.

--If you do that, you'll need a replacement bolt that's graded, not a hardware store replacement. I found one at Fastenal (bolt and nut). As I recall, a non-metric bolt will also fit on at least one of the mountings.
 






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