Factory Load Leveling Suspension

[Limited '95]

Does anyone have a suggestion for replacement shocks for an Explorer with automatic load leveling suspension?

I've done a little research and found that the prices for the replacements are a little salty---$185 each!!

 

[Alec]

Your other option is to disable the system and install normal shocks.

 

[Limited '95]

Absolutely. That's probably what I was going to do anyway. With 150k on the explorer, I'm not in a position to invest loads of cash into shocks when other things will need attention sooner or later.

 

[tonga3]

If you take out the air shocks and replace them with regular shocks you will need to beef your springs up or you will sag.

 

[Limited '95]

That's important information. I'll replace the shocks with a good quality item and see what happens next as far as the sagging goes. I'll record some reference measurements at all four corners and go from there. Any recommendation for s quality shock.? I'm not trying to make a mountain racer out of it, I just want to improve the ride, the handling and save the wear and tear on the rest of the suspension.

 

[Alec]

What's your budget?

I usually recommend Gabriel VSTs on the cheap end and Rancho 9000s on the other end.

 

[tonga3]

I just put a set of KYB monomax in front, so far so good. As far as the back goes I havent upgraded the springs yet. Your truck may not sag just sitting in the driveway but with any sort of load in it incl. people in the back seat it will sag. If you can get a set of springs from a regular 4 door explorer they will work fine.

 

[Alec]

Or get nice comfy shocks in front and air adjustable (not airbag) shocks in back. I mean the ones you can fill up like a tire (not on the fly like the stockers) to compensate for load and a bit for height.

 

[Limited '95]

Budget is not much of an issue for shocks. But keep in mind, it's important to be reasonable when doing any work on an eight and a half year old vehicle with 150000 miles on the ticker. I had the transmission rebuilt at about 135k, but the stock 4.0 OHV runs strong and gets 18 mpg. It's the little things on an older car that drive one nuts. The climate control display is no longer visible and the radio won't turn off with the push button radio knob. But those are other threads........
I don't think that shocks in the neighborhood of fifty dollars each are too much to spend.