Has anyone changed this ?

[shonoff]

I was changing the shocks on my 98 X when I saw a little shock located between the axle and the frame, forward of the rear end. I called the locale ford dealer and they informed me that it would be almost $70.00 to replace. Has anyone replaced this shock for cheaper ???

 

[Bronco638]

I have not replaced mine nor did I even think about it when I replaced all four shocks 18 months (3K miles) ago. Some people even remove it and the circular vibration weight/damper. Certainly not worth $70!

 

[davidmmm69]

what exactly is the name of it.. i wondered the same thing

 

[410Fortune]

5th shock
vibration damper
band aid
whatever you want to call it! hahaha

Ford put this sucker on the rear leaf sprung axle to help fight axle wrap up and vibrations. IMO its a band aid.
With properly balanced driveshafts and tires, keeping the engine and transmission mounts in good shape, good shocks on the rear end, urethane sway bar bushings, etc this little sucker is not needed. They wear out quickly so its probably not doing anything anymore anyways, Ford gets like $250 or some crap for a new one....

Pull it off, throw it away.
My BII is fitted with an Explorer drivetrain, large tires, and suspension lift.
I removed the dampers from the rear axle and transfer case and have no vibrations even at 90+ MPH.

 

[Albino 94LTD]

It is a vibration dempener. If you dont' have a vibration at freeway speeds, take it off, you don't need it.

The Freeway Vibrator option was most evedent on the Gen 1's. There is a small vibration somewhere in the drive train between the output of the tranny and the wheels that sets up a larger, harmonic vibration in the frame.

Ford tried to fix it, first with the weights (designed by Porsche or Mercedes Benz) but had limited success. When they came out twith the Gen 2's, thay added the transverse shock absorber, again with limited success.

I had the vibration until I put the James Duff 2.5" lift kit in. Now I can feel the source vibration, feels like humming, VERY faint but the harmonic vibe in the frame is gone.

In short, yank it you probably don't need it.


edit; argh! 410 types faster than I do

 

[aldive]

Mine has been of my street ( only ) driven Explorer, I did not notice any difference after its removal.

Good luck ...........