Do I need new shocks?

[LAWDOGKMS]

I have a 97 Eddie Bauer Explorer with the 302......in 2WD.

I also have a work truck, which is a 96 Explorer with the SOHC V6 and the full-time 4WD...and Police Package.

I notice everyday, that my Eddie Bauer rides a hell of a lot rougher than my work explorer.

I feel every grain in the road!

I have 62K on the work truck, and 68K on the Eddie Bauer.

The work truck has Eagle GT+4's I believe, and my Eddie Bauer has Dunlop LT Radial Rovers.

If I remember correctly, you can bounce on the corner of a vehicle to determine if it needs new shocks, but I can't hardly budge the Eddie Bauer, to determine...

How can I tell if I need new shocks??

I bought the Eddie Bauer used, with 45K, and I assume that it has the original shocks...

Any advice??

 

[IAMCDN]

Yeah, in theory the 2wd should ride smoother than the 4x4.

I have always just done the bounce test to see if shocks are bad. If it bounces more than a couple of times, replace them. If they don't bounce, and the ride is still too firm, you might want to get a softer shock. Other than that, sorry, I don't know why it would be so rough.