Help with 1st suspension upgrade?

[91MazdaNava]

So my 91' navajo is running good currently, but I'm pretty sure it is due for some suspension help since I don't think it's ever had any shocks replaced or anything. It rolls a little too much when cornering and bounces a little too much over bumps and the rear end is starting to get that sad sag that you see some old explorers with. So, I was thinking new shocks would be the thing that would help out most. You guys agree? If so, what do you recommend for a balance between good performance and cost effectiveness? KYBs? Ranchos? Please chime in. I'd love to hear opinions. Also, the last time I bought shocks for a vehicle (Ranchos for a Yota), I think it used the same shock (part #, length etc.) for all 4 corners. But is that not the case for Explorers? Thanks guys. Your help is greatly appreciated.

 

[Anime]

The Explorer / Navajo uses different shocks for the front and rear, but both shocks for the front are the same and both shocks for the rear are the same. You can use the same shocks on a Navajo as on the 4-door Explorer, and the slightly lower weight will make the shocks perform a little better.

Price/performance depends what you're looking for. Bilsteins are the best of the best if you want to spend the money and don't mind a firm ride. They are actually the "best" deal since they come with a lifetime replacement warranty. You blow a shock, exchange it for a new one.

KYB makes good products, their MonoMax shock is a good monotube but costs about what a Bilstein does. Their Gas-a-Just line are "budget" monotubes but not exactly cheap. Their GR-2 shocks are good twin-tubes for stock replacement, good price/performance and ride.

Monroe Sensa-Tracs are really good if you want decent performance and a better than stock, comfortable ride. Monroe Reflex shocks are good if you want something a little sporty you can buy at the parts store.

Ranchos are ok if you can get them for a deal. Rancho 3000's are just rebadged Monroes, get at least Rancho 5000's if you must have them. Most other shocks are just regular twin tube shocks with a sticker on them.

Check out prices on sites like Rockauto.com and through our forum vendor AutoAnything.com. AutoAnything has coupons or will match a lower price if you find one. Great way to get Bilsteins for a bargain.

 

[91MazdaNava]

Awesome comprehensive reply, Anime. That tells me and confirms a lot. I've heard good things about the monroe sensa-tracs as well, especially that the ones for the rear have like a built in 1.5" lift that helps that sag on older explorers where the leaf springs have given out a bit. And yes, I like rockauto. I got a good fuel pump from them for a great price. Thanks again, man. And if anyone else has anything to add I would love to hear it. As of right now I am leaning towards the sensa-tracs if I can find set(s) for a decent price. Due to front and rear differences I am assuming that sets are likely pairs of fronts that are sold together and pairs of rears that are sold together, yes? The sensa-tracs are coil over shocks, yes?

 

[LUVITLO]

Quick easy fix for the sag in the old Explorers is:

1) ofcourse new springs
2) overload bags, bolt on and run the air valve where it is easy to access incase you need to add little air when u pull a trailer or haul a load

My fix is gonna be best lol, 4-link with full Slamm bags all around, don't care for layin frame but I love the ride of air ride suspension plus I can drop it when I park and it looks badass lol.

 

[swshawaii]

Should you decide on the rear Monroe 58617 Load Adjusting shocks, avoid using the standard SensaTrac's for the front.
The spring assisted rears are known to be firm and the regular SensaTrac is a very soft comfort shock. Total mismatch.
I would opt for the stiffer Rancho 5000/9000 Series, or Monroe Reflex if still available. Search Monroe 58617 threads. GL

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,carcode,1191653,parttype,7556

 

[Anime]

There is no built-in 1.5" lift on Sensa-Tracs or any other shocks. Shocks don't lift except for air shocks or load adjusting ones with the springs. I advise against these as lifting with shocks is a bad idea. Sensa-Tracs are not coilovers, at least not in the stock application for the Explorer/Navajo, though Monroe does make coilover load-adjusting type shocks for other applications.

The sag on older Explorers is usually from the weight of the fuel tank on the drivers side, and it's a little more apparent on 2-doors and Navajos due to the slightly softer 2-pack leaf springs rather than the 3-pack on the 4-doors.

The fix is to swap the leaf springs from left to right, which sounds easier than it is, it can be quite a task to remove the shackle bolts and even harder to remove them from the front spring hanger, sometimes those front bolts must be cut, new bushings used, and new bolts as well.

 

[IAmTodd]

The fix is to swap the leaf springs from left to right, which sounds easier than it is, it can be quite a task to remove the shackle bolts and even harder to remove them from the front spring hanger, sometimes those front bolts must be cut, new bushings used, and new bolts as well.

I'd also suggest if you're going as far as swapping side to side it would be advisable to get the 4 door leaf packs from a truck as new as you can with as few miles as you can. It's a great improvement to any sport.

I had intentions of swapping mine side to side when I installed add a leafs and extended shackles but as mentioned above I couldn't budge the front mounting bolts so they stayed in place.