buying a rough ride

[yglide123]

Hi everyone,

I'm looking at purchasing a used 2000 Explorer Limited V6 4x4. We test drove a couple vehicles yesterday and this one seems to have everything we want at the right price - only problem is that the ride is incredibly rough... to the point that it gets your stomach churning on the freeway. It's got 100k miles on it (on probably original shocks - 2nd owner, owned since 30k miles and hadn't replaced them). But if shocks are worn out isn't the ride usually smoother and it just handles worse?

I checked with my uncle afterwards and he thought that maybe the tires were over-rated for weight or over inflated. I'll check next time I drive by it (not too far away). Does anyone else have any other suggestions? Thanks!

 

[yglide123]

PS: forgot to mention, drove an XLT and an Eddie Bauer which were both MUCH smoother than this one

 

[ozzyfan319]

if the shocks are bad the truck would be bouncing after any bumps. the shocks dont actually spring at all, they just dampen the bumps. to check push down on each corner of the truck it should go down and return to the stock height in one bounce. if it bounces more i would say the shocks are bad

 

[rob17san]

Could need front end work, shocks, sway bar bushings, tire balance, rotation, or put the tires at 35psi. If it was not maintained, it needs all of the above. Mine is a 1999 Limited V-6 with 85k Miles, and I have done all of the above already.

If you dont know much about cars, take it to a shop. They can do a "pre purchase" inspection so you dont get stuck with a junker.

 

[yglide123]

I did try rocking it back and forth and it seemed to rock longer than it should after I stopped moving it myself... but so did the Eddie Bauer that also needed suspension work that wasn't nearly as rough.

I'm definitely planning on having a mechanic look at it before buying though - just to make sure there aren't any hidden problems.

 

[1996explorerxlt]

The shocks may be worn out and the fact it has a shorter wheelbase because its sport will definately give it a different ride than the 4 door models.


Not to get offtopic, but my girlfriend has a 00 Mountaineer and her truck rides sooooo much nicer than my 96 Explorer, would a shock change to Mountaineer shocks make the ride closer to hers or is their much more involved in the ride quality difference?

Just wanted to know for infomation purposes, im getting Skyjacker Hydro 2in lift shocks, 2 inch lift springs, 2inch TT, I have War shackles, 3 inch BL with 32in MT

 

[ThePhoenix]

are the tires cupped? that makes a hopping down the road...ask me how I know....

I bought mine knowing I need to replace stuff...shocks ball joints and tires,.,..atleast you know what it could be, unlike engine problem that just happen

 

[yglide123]

The Limited is a 4 door model, not a 2 door. From my memory the tire wear was pretty good - but I did get over and check the pressure... all down to 20-25. I didn't drive it again as it was late and just parked on the street - but am taking it to a mechanic tomorrow to get an opinion (overall and on this issue). I'll let you know what it ends up being! Thanks for all the input so far.

 

[aznboi3644]

I have a 98 XLT...with 140K miles one it. The shocks are most likely the factory ones.

The ride is pretty rough...I can feel everything on the road. The truck sways a lot through turns. I have gotten used to it. I'm sure new shocks and bushings will help.

 

[daffy]

The Limited is a 4 door model, not a 2 door. From my memory the tire wear was pretty good - but I did get over and check the pressure... all down to 20-25. I didn't drive it again as it was late and just parked on the street - but am taking it to a mechanic tomorrow to get an opinion (overall and on this issue). I'll let you know what it ends up being! Thanks for all the input so far.

Wow, that's too low...should be at least 30...I run mine at 32 in winter, 35-38 in summer, depending how I'm loading it. That makes it even rougher, but the mileage goes up.

 

[1996explorerxlt]

Sorry I saw it was a V6 and immediatly thought is was a sport, my girlfriend and I have V8 4doors and her sister has a V6 2dr Sport

 

[limited5]

lt has airride correct.There is a switch in the back hatch (where the jack is,its a L shaped box you open) the switch is for your airride that you shut off when lifting the truck.and flip on when truck is on all fours again.Check that switch make sure its on and if the ride still sucks lift up the truck to make sure the shock sleeves are in the shocks.l had that prob 2 with mine after i got it outta the shop for the lower ball joint and the ride was like sitting on no shocks very bouncy.so i took it back he lifted it up and guuided the shocks back to normal and boom prob fixed.Also check that the compressor is working and builds air for the ride.lts back buy the rear diff passenger side.it makes like a wierd grinding noise when its filling the shocks.p.s you sure its a v6 i thought all limiteds where awd 5litres.Hope this helps.

 

[Tom Brown]

I have a 2000 Limited 4x4 4.0l SOHC. It rides really rough too, like there is no suspension.

I assume the air suspension is over inflated in mine, perhaps yours is too. There is a switch on mine in the drivers side rear compartment (opposite of the sub) that will turn the air suspension on and off. I presume this will soften the ride but I haven't tried it yet.

 

[ThePhoenix]

was the air ride an option? only on limited? I have a 01 sport and have never heard of the air ride

 

[yglide123]

thanks limited5 - that's probably something I should have looked at. For some reason I thought they stopped doing the special air suspension on Limiteds in '98 though (I know the '95s - 97s did though.... they're fun to watch go up and down when you shift in and out of 4wd low).... anyway

The mechanic did suggest that it needed new shocks after all. He also noted transmission noises too..... so after getting a second opinion at Aamco we decided to pass. Too bad; as it was a nice looking car for the money - and I really like the SOHC engine (we're replacing one with an OHV.... so anything's better!)

I found a nicer 2000 V8 Limited about 3 hours away - so we're going to go check that one out instead. It supposedly has been maintained better; has just been serviced - and will hopefully be in good enough shape that we'll buy it. Thanks for all your help and suggestions!!!