Has anybody noticed that almost all the older 3rd gens Sag?

[hawks06]

Why do almost all the older 3rd gens Sag in the front?

I always thought that my 2002 explorer looked like the rear was higher about 1.5 or 2 inches than the front. But now i definately know it is. I parked next to the exact same truck as mine. V8 xlt with the same towing package and everything. But this one wasnt sagging i think it was an 05.

So does anybody have a clue what makes the front of the older ones sag. Is it the springs just getting older? If so thats all the more reason to go ahead and the lowering springs for the better handling.

Also has anybody else noticed that the x handling is horrible.

 

[CaptainObvious]

Usually front ends sit lower the the rear. This is because of preplanning when people get it or throw in grocerys, it'll lower the rear. Don't want the front end 6" higher then the back.
Horrible? Really? I had a 98 Mountaineer and that thing handled worse then the 04 I have. Odd. I like the ride.

 

[SuRrEaLNJ]

the back end is intended to be higher, but i think my front has been setleing noticably more as of late.

as for the ride i like it.

 

[hawks06]

Captain Obvious: Usually front ends sit lower the the rear. This is because of preplanning when people get it or throw in grocerys, it'll lower the rear. Don't want the front end 6" higher then the back.
Horrible? Really? I had a 98 Mountaineer and that thing handled worse then the 04 I have. Odd. I like the ride.

Well im used to driving a v10 touareg and im used to the way that can take 45mph curves at 75. I tried that in the x a going about 55 not thinking about it and wow it was scary. The X sits too high and the suspension isnt firm enough.
I dont think thats the case because not all explorers sag in the front like that. The older ones like the 02's did it but most newer 3rd gens dont have the sag. Why would they make some sag in the front and not others. I think its some part thats giving over time.

 

[FordLover]

Well im used to driving a v10 touareg and im used to the way that can take 45mph curves at 75. I tried that in the x a going about 55 not thinking about it and wow it was scary. The X sits too high and the suspension isnt firm enough.
I dont think thats the case because not all explorers sag in the front like that. The older ones like the 02's did it but most newer 3rd gens dont have the sag. Why would they make some sag in the front and not others. I think its some part thats giving over time.

I have an 02 and I don't think it's sagging, my mothers 00 mountaineer is sagging a bit in the rear, but it almost always has a bunch of papers in the rear (files).

The explorer isn't a handling machine...how much did your V10 touareg cost? and how much was the explorer? Ya...I thought so.

MY explorer handles really well, other than a bit of tire complaining when you really start folding the tires over, it's very competent for sub 30K dollar SUV with 16 inch wheels and high profile 100 dollar tires. Oh, and it can also hook up to a 7,000 lb. trailer, try that with the VW.

 

[Brandons]

Well im used to driving a v10 touareg and im used to the way that can take 45mph curves at 75. I tried that in the x a going about 55 not thinking about it and wow it was scary. The X sits too high and the suspension isnt firm enough.
I dont think thats the case because not all explorers sag in the front like that. The older ones like the 02's did it but most newer 3rd gens dont have the sag. Why would they make some sag in the front and not others. I think its some part thats giving over time.

theres no such thing as too high

 

[Creech]

I think for an SUV, my 04 handles extremely well. It's no sports car by any means, but it's a heck of a lot better than other SUV's I've owned.

 

[biggs92EB]

theres no such thing as too high


i agree

 

[CaptainObvious]

Well im used to driving a v10 touareg and im used to the way that can take 45mph curves at 75. I tried that in the x a going about 55 not thinking about it and wow it was scary. The X sits too high and the suspension isnt firm enough.
I dont think thats the case because not all explorers sag in the front like that. The older ones like the 02's did it but most newer 3rd gens dont have the sag. Why would they make some sag in the front and not others. I think its some part thats giving over time.

Yeah, that's like comparing apples and oranges. I'd sure as hell hope the Toureg would ride better. I'd bet even Henry Ford would think so.

 

[Dan Whitaker]

theres no such thing as too high

Amen to that!

 

[DCFireMedic]

I said several months back that my 02 sits down farther than my moms 05... i hope it dont look like CRAP when I put my 255/70/16 BFG AT's on next week... that'll be disappointing for $650 worth of tires...

 

[P. doggy]

Dude, take the extra size. Go fo the 265/75/16. They will not rub.
Jared G.

 

[hawks06]

FordLover The explorer isn't a handling machine...how much did your V10 touareg cost? and how much was the explorer? Ya...I thought so.

Yeah that was pretty retarted comparing a 70k suvs handling to a 30k one.

But it still would of been a better idea to make the ride at least about an inch lower and more refined from factory since most people arent even going to be taking it off road and its not exactly the most off road capable truck out there with that rear axle being the way it is. So its not like it would be taking away any kind of ability.

 

[DCFireMedic]

a little more on the subject: Do you think if I ordered a set of 05 front springs and installed them on my 02 if itll raise the front up a little? I just want it a little more level than it is. I want to replace my struts/shocks soon anyway, but after a little research, nobody is really making them aftermarket (bilstein isnt anyway)

 

[the x factor]

sagging sucks

It sucks when u see a explorer sagging on the back end!!!! Take care of your SUV. Make it look mean not limpy