basic suspension questions

[carrotcloud]

I currently have a Navajo with 31" BFG's and stock suspension. The ride seems sort of stiffer that what I'm used to. I was wondering what I could do (financially reasonable) to "loosen" the ride. I understand that shocks stiffen the ride? I don't do much off-roading, mostly 4x4 in snow and camp roads. How hard is it to replace the stock coils and what has to be down to the radius arms if anything? Soon I'm having the upper and lower balljoints replaced, and poly bushings installed, any suggestions? I'm new to whole 4x4 world and becoming quite addicted. However, much to my wife's dismay (he he he). Although she has been real cool.

Thanks
CC

 

[leebo]

You're on the right track. The additation of new shocks and new bushings will help out a ton. If after you finish those the ride is too harsh then give another yell, but I'll bet after that is done you'll like the ride a ton.

 

[Maniak]

The first and cheapest thing to check is your tire pressure. I've seen quite a few explorers running BFG's with 40psi in them. Thats way too much and personally hurts me when I tried it. I have found that 32psi works very well. We are headed for 40k miles on this set of 32" BFG and they handle well on the road.

If your tire pressure isn't too high then it is time to look at springs (unless you have really stiff shocks like the rs5000's). You can get a set of progressive springs for the front. These springs will ride softer in the beginning of their travel and then stiffen up as then go down. As for the rear, you don't have much choice there. You can get a custom spring made (softer/more progressive) but that isn't cheap. You could also remove a leaf but that will also lower your explorer which I don't thing will be good. Our biggest improvement in ride quality came from the OME rear springs but that is a 2" lift spring.

Now keep in mind this is for a first generation explorer. If you have the IFS suspension (95+ suspension) you have a torsion bar suspension instead of coil springs. The only thing I can thing of that you can do the that type of front end is to go to a different stiffness bar, but that may effect your ride height...

Someone with a 2nd gen explorer can problably give you more info about that..

 

[carrotcloud]

Could I get some more information on the progressive spring, maybe a part number or something. If it's not to bad of a price I'll have them installed when the balljoints and bushings are done.