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[ponkotsu]

Hi all,
In 2000 I bought a new Eddie Bauer 5.0 Explorer. It was one of the best vehicles I ever owned, but it was just a lease, so it's long gone. Last week I bought a used 2000 Mountaineer Premier, which is basically the same as the Explorer I had. Kind of intersting to drive the same vehicle after so many years...

Anyway, the truck is in pretty good shape. But it rides a little rough, and has a few rattles in the suspension. Looking for a little advice. I don't want to spend a fortune rebuilding it because it's just my second car.

Springs: Rear springs are definately sagging. I'm thinking I should just bite the bullet and put new springs in it. Never been a fan of helper springs because they don't really restore the same spring rate. I'm thinking I might want to raise it up just a little to make it look a little more agressive. Not more than 1-2 inches above stock though. Any thoughts on cheapest, easist way?

Shocks: I could just put cheap parts store shocks in it, or buy nicer KYB or Monroes. Not sure its worth the extra money.

Misc Suspension rattles: I wonder how much benefit there is to replacing the sway bar bushings, etc. Anyone ever done this? Any improvement unless they are totally trashed?

Hopefully this thing doesn't turn into a money pit!

Thanks!

 

[koda2000]

welcome. the front sway bar end links and bushings are a major source of front end rattles and clunks. parts are inexpensive and easy to change. also, if your truck still has it's original OE ball joints they're likely worn and the boots rot. check your tie rod ends too. the OE parts can't be greased and the OE upper ball joints can't be replaced w/out replacing the upper control arms (no big deal). check out RockAuto.com for prices and forum members get 5% discount. i usually find RA's prices to be much better than brick-and-mortar stores, even with shipping and they're fast. RA's prices on KYB and Monroe shocks are pretty low. i have the KYB's on my '01 5.0L Eddie Bauer and i find the ride to be very good. i also recently installed Moog front suspension parts from RA. Moog upper control arms, lower ball joints, and sway bar end links ran about $150. i'd just replace your rear springs, but i don't have any suggestions as to where to buy them. have fun

 

[ponkotsu]

Thanks for the advice. I kinda thought the sway bars were clunking. The condition of this truck is a mixed bag. It's got tons of new parts. Half shafts and upper control arms still have labels on them, but I think lower ball joints are original. And the rear looks like it's had no work at all. Pretty sure one of the leafs is broken.

 

[koda2000]

the lower ball joints are usually the first ones to go. they're pretty cheap (Moog about $25 a piece) and not has hard to change as they look. as far as your rear springs, sagging is very common complaint and i've heard that re-arching doesn't work very well.