Little butt sag

[pcam13]

I have a 98 explorer limited v8. Getting the x ready to go fishing this summer and there are a few threads on this but I have a few questions in regards to each ones decision.

1. Monroe air bag shocks. I had these before on my 99 F-150 they were nice until I cracked a line in -40 and after a trip of not realizing this flexed my back end a can opened the top of the shock... Anyone else running these? Should I get them one more time? I like the idea because they can be adjusted for load but the reliability in the cold is a downside.

2. Coil over shocks
Few people have these but I am about a half inch lower than level on my v8. Was wondering how much they actually lift the back end. I don't want the back end to be half a foot up or something crazy. I usually run with a tool box in the back being it I do a lot of roadside repairs.

3. Lift shackles
Never tried this option I did my stock shackles to new dorman ones (same size) as the olds were rotted out. My leafs being bagged out as is, I presume this would just worsen whats already there?

4. Lift block
Can also get these as they are fairly reasonably priced from summit.

I am not looking to purchase new leafs as it has 160k miles on it and it gets me from point a to b pretty cheaply. Was curious to see what you guys are running to fix your butt sag. Money is a little tight so please be reasonable with your suggestions... Thanks

 

[koda2000]

lots of people use the Monroe Load Levelers (coil over) shocks and like the lift they give. ask jremington59 how much lift he got out of his.

 

[pcam13]

lots of people use the Monroe Load Levelers (coil over) shocks and like the lift they give.

Will be getting those then thanks.

 

[rkh58]

I did the Monroe Sensa-Trac Load Adjust coil-over shocks on my '98 XLT. I was about a half inch lower in the back and they brought it up about 1 1/2" to 1 3/4". Nothing crazy just enough, with your tools in the back you should sit pretty nice.

 

[SoHK_alumni]

Gotta admit, under those circumstances, I'd be tempted to simply dial down the front torsion bars and call it good.

 

[bats]

My vote is for the coilover shocks. They should make it just about normal height with a load.

Airbags aren't worth the hassle unless you are towing a lot and often. Lift shackles might make you too high, even with saggy springs, and then you'll have to play with the torsion bars to even it out.

 

[swshawaii]

Ditto. I don't have them because I'm lowered, but after reading rave reviews here and on other sources, the Monroe 58617 Load Adjusting Shocks seem like a no brainer for $85 pair shipped. Do a search here and on other forums, most get a minimum of 1/2" rear lift while retaining firm but decent ride quality. And they look cool too.

http://www.amazon.com/Monroe-58617-Sensa-Trac-Adjusting-Absorber/dp/B000C53RXK#customerReviews

 

[MurderedSport]

Gotta admit, under those circumstances, I'd be tempted to simply dial down the front torsion bars and call it good.

Back when I didn't know much about cars I had my mechanic do this for mine because you could tell it was saggy badly and my steering wheel has been ****ed to steer straight ever since.

 

[kevinspann]

Back when I didn't know much about cars I had my mechanic do this for mine because you could tell it was saggy badly and my steering wheel has been ****ed to steer straight ever since.

Needed to be aligned after lowering...unless you've had that done. Check camber too after lowering.

 

[J_C]

Monroe Load-Adjust coilover shocks. Yes they make the ride firmer, reminding me of what it rode like when it was new, plus a little extra that helps reduce side to side sway, tho' a rear sway bar would help there too. If you want a really soft ride instead then you need the leaf springs rebuilt or replaced.