horrible stock suspension

[jeepgirl]

I have a stock 96 Explorer and the suspension just sucks. When I drive over a speed bump of any kind, or in a pavement dip, it rocks like crazy. It has done this since I purchased it in 1998 at 46,000 miles. The original shocks/struts are still on at 237,000 miles, but the ride is not noticeably different from when I got it. I am thinking about replacing the shocks/struts, but I don't want to replace unless the problem will be resolved. Anyone have any helpful advice?

 

[Gatorblazer]

conditioned response. you dont think that the ride has changed because you have gradually gotten used to it as it got worse. Change the shocks and it should help. Also, the springs will start wearing out over time. I'm not suggesting that you replace them yet, but its something to think about. I think that a new set of shocks will help, and then you can go from there.

 

[jeepgirl]

I understand about the conditioned response, however, it truly has been HORRIBLE going over speed bumps and hitting holes and dips since I got it a 48,000 miles, because that was the very first thing I had a mechanic check out. I was told at that time that all suspension components were fine, that my ride was "just how Explorers drive."

 

[Turdle]

Contact shockguys
they are a forum vendor. Try to get some Racho 5000 shocks. I will bet the truck will feel more secure for you.

 

[Ritsui]

I don't want to replace unless the problem will be resolved.

If they've really got 237K miles on them, the factory shocks are doing little if anything to smooth your ride. IIRC, the factory shocks were only smooth riding on my Explorer for 20-30K miles. Replacing them with better shocks WILL improve the ride.

That said, shocks alone probably won't entirely resolve your problem. "Rocks like crazy" probably means other things are worn out. It wouldn't hurt to have most of the rubber suspension bushings replaced. Those are cheap parts.

 

[hunterdan]

I agree with what everyone else has said and at that mileage, things are starting to wear. Springs are starting to get fatigued, even more so if the shocks are the originals as the shocks are unable to control the movement of the springs,and bushings are starting to deteriorate. Definitely get new shocks, Sensatracs are decent OEM upgrades, ranchos are well recommended. I'm sure 4 new shocks will help, but it may not solve the problem completely.

Dan

 

[Mbrooks420]

Does the rear end of your truck sag? A set of add-a-leafs will stiffen it up, and that will help with sway. There are also stiffer sway bars to help with body roll. Shocks will help, but Explorers don't ride "nice".

 

[jeepgirl]

Ok, so.....the consensus seems to be Rancho 5000's on the front and new bushings? I will try it and post back.
Thanks!

 

[Mbrooks420]

I'm sure your rear shocks are shot as well. I have the Rancho's and like them.

 

[ThePhoenix]

what about that 5th shock...it would help in times like this...is it bad?

also, bad say bar links worsen this too

 

[toypaseo]

What tires are you using?

When I switched from half worn Goodyear Wrangler RT/S to new Michelin LTX M/S, the ride improved ALOT. Pricey tires, but well worth the ride improvement.

 

[jeepgirl]

I have always run those Michelins....I LOVE them! I got 90,000+ on my first set.
um....what is a 5th shock?

 

[Mbrooks420]

It goes from the frame to the rear diff. Some members have taken them off completely. I don't think it would effect ride much, if at all.

 

[Turdle]

I just replaced my 5th shock, in my opinion it does help quite a bit.
I drove about a week and a half without one.

http://www.amazon.com/Monroe-SC2958-Steering-Stabilizer/dp/B000C55SV4

 

[35Remmy]

Jeepgirl...I've owned quite a few Wranglers myself (I'm assuming you own one by your screen name) and they have been the WORST riding vehicles by FAR that I have EVER owned.

I know the short wheelbase doesn't help, but my GOD are they bad!!!

Rough suspension IS good, though...it means it's STRONG.

 

[brianjwilson]

Jeepgirl,
Do replace the shocks as everyone says. It will help. However the suspension is stiff, and will "rock" as you put it over some speed bumps. If you hit both tires at the same time (head on) it's not bad, but at an angle it rocks back and forth pretty hard, right? It is normal for the explorer, because they have stiff (too stiff imo) anti-sway bars front and back. This makes the suspension try to stay level from side to side and results in a rough ride over bumps. Worn out shocks make that effect worse because they are unable to slow the suspension movement properly. So, new shocks, check the sway bar bushings and endlinks, make sure the tires aren't over inflated and learn to deal with the rest of it

 

[jeepgirl]

Jeepgirl,
If you hit both tires at the same time (head on) it's not bad, but at an angle it rocks back and forth pretty hard, right? It is normal for the explorer, because they have stiff (too stiff imo) anti-sway bars front and back.

Exactly! I definitely try to go over speed bumps head on. The tires I keep inflated at 32psi. There is a guy on this forum who says he uses 40psi in his efforts to get 30+mpg, but I just don't think I want to do that.

 

[jeepgirl]

Jeepgirl...I've owned quite a few Wranglers myself (I'm assuming you own one by your screen name) and they have been the WORST riding vehicles by FAR that I have EVER owned.

I know the short wheelbase doesn't help, but my GOD are they bad!!!

Rough suspension IS good, though...it means it's STRONG.

Oh yeah, the 93 Wrangler has a rough ride, but then I expected that. My Explorer is supposed to keep me wrapped in a cocoon of comfort! I do truly love this vehicle, I just feel guilty with the amount of gas it uses. It is expensive, but I would love to convert this to an electric vehicle someday because I just love the look and the comfortable ride.