Dad Says I Need New Shocks, I'm clueless

[Gina]

Hello! I just got a 94 XLT yesterday and here's question number two. My Dad jumps up and down like a crazed banchee on my front/back bumpers and then says I need new shocks. (Well, at first, he couldn't even find the front ones...) I guess the trucks not supposed to bounce around after he jumps on it.

Well, anyways, I just wanted to get some information about where to get the best for the best price. I don't need any special ones, I'll be doing mostly city driving with occasional off road (4x4 yay!) I've seen a lot of 4x4s with yellow/red shocks that look fun. I like blue to match my interior! I don't know how many companies make color options. Just need some info so Dad doesn't just take it down to Ford and pay mucho $$$$$$$ for boringness. Thanks!

 

[Ru Dawg]

Hello Gina and welcome to the best board ever!!!

I just about 2 weeks ago replaced my spongy OEM shocks w/ 4 awesome Bilstiens. They kick much a-double-s!!! Brake dive and body roll are just about zilch now!! And to top it off they are yellow with blue boots!! Try going to http://www.performanceproducts.com . I got mine there for 65 bucks each and they have great customer service.

Enjoy your new Explorer...you'll love it!!

 

[JDraper]

If you're looking for a more 'cost effective' shock than Bilsteins (great shocks by the way!!), try the Gabriel VSX shocks from Pep Boys. $20 each and they work great! They are comparable to the Monroe Reflex and the Edlebrock IAS shocks for significantly less $$.

 

[SteveVB]

color them what you want.

If you dont like the color of the shock- just paint it! You can paint them to match just about anything. I have use the cans of touchup pait avail at Auto parts stores to color match a bunch of shocks to different vehicles . New shocks just need a wipe down with acetone or lacquer thinner and maybe a quick sand with some 400 grit paper or some steel wool. Compress them completely (so the chromed rod isnt showing, or exten them if they have the steel dust cover over the rod) and spray them a day or two (longer is better) before install. Easy 1/2hour job.

If they are gas shocks spray them with the shipping strap on.

 

[todd_c]

Are the Gabriels firmer than stock? I'd like to stiffen up the ride in my Sport Trac. I had the Edelbrocks on my '95 XLT, but they wore out way too fast.

-Todd

 

[mahughesnh]

Shocks

Your dad is bouncing up and down on your bumpers to check the rebound control of the shocks. After he stops it should not take more than about 1 stroke to stop.

As far as the shocks go, don't buy by the color. Buy by the references you get from the drivers here. I have found them to be a wealth of knowledge.

I just installed Monroe Reflexes on my '97. I don't offroad much so I have not tested them there yet. But on the street I find them to be great. Rancho RSX is the same shock.

When I had my Bronco II I installed Rancho 5000's. They were good but very stiff. Made for an interesting ride here in NH with the frost heaves in the winter! I couldn't even tune my radio!

Best of luck with your Explorer. I have two and love them both!

Mike