94 explorer front end

[Dan Smithwick]

I have a 94 explorer that I bought new and I was never very happy with
the way the front end rode . I know they did improve the ride on later ones .
What I am wondering is if there is some changes I could make to give it a better ride . I have changed shocks and put in new ball joints and I do have new tires with balanced wheels . The thing is there is always a slight shimmy when I hit a pot hole or
on rough roads . I don't know what else to check . Thanks

 

[mrboyle]

There isn't much of anything you can do that you haven't already done. The only thing you could try to help with the "shimmy" (its more commonly known as bump steer) is to install a steering dampenor. This MAY help some, but the bump steer is an inherent problem in the steering design on the 1st gen Explorer. It is not a safety issue, just a irritant.

 

[CDW6212R]

I'd say upgrade to a 98-01 model, all things will be better, other than serious off road abilities.

The value of the old trucks is very low, and the 98-01's are now cheap and plentiful. Find one with every option you want, in the right colors, with no corrosion. Look hard under the body, and on the bottom edges of the doors and hatch.

Find the right truck, and swap. The 98-01's have many upgrades over the 95-97's, and little else changed. Find a V8 model if you care about reliability, they are far easier to deal with, and last longer.