Make an 96' Ride like an 03' ?

[Foo]

Well my parents just bought an 03 explorer and it rides a lot nicer/more stable/ less bumpy than my 96'. I know there is no real way can I make mine handle as well as our new 03' with independet rear suspension, lower height ect. But I am just trying to get close

So far on my list is the explorer express sway bar kit, new shocks (undecided maybe rancho 9000's).

So what else should/can I do?

Guidlines: Remain stock height, no redciulous prices.

This is not for off-road performance, I live in north eastern kentucky so it does see a little off-road ( grass, dirt and dirt roads usually, some heavy snow use and our roads are very uneven and pot hole ridden.

 

[jimbo74]

the ranchos are good... however they would more be for offroad in my opinion.... you might want to look for a shock made by kyb or the performance type shocks....... the swaybars are good.....
there is no way the 96 will come close to the 03.. sorry.... my mom has a 96 and it rides a lot smoother than my 94......but when i hit railroad tracks at 45, her X doesnt soak up the bumps like mine did......and its more jarring... although it is a lot firmer... and i can take turns faster in hers.....

 

[Foo]

I'm willing to work and pay the $ to get reasonably 'close' it will never be like an 03 but I figure with hard work I can get 'close'.

I won't be hitting any railroad tracks at 45mph maybe a couple cats/rabbits or whatever else seems to be in the middle of the road but no railroad tracks lol

 

[X~FACTOR]

For under $900 you could get the Explorer Express' X-pec complete package. It's supposed to turn your X to a Mustang-like ride and handling. It won't be like your mother's '03, it'll be better!

 

[Foo]

yes but it will also drop my ride 1 1/2 inches

 

[X~FACTOR]

Originally posted by Foo
yes but it will also drop my ride 1 1/2 inches

... and there's nothing wrong with that.

Don't mind me, I always try to get people to lower their truck. Heehee...

 

[Foo]

LOL I like my stock height. It's the only bragging right I have on the 03' right now hehe.

They do have the package (shocks and sway bars)without the lowering kit but I'm not sure if those are the right shocks for me ...

 

[Hartman]

Ok so you're looking more for ride quality than performance. First thing to do is replace your shocks. Gabriel VSTs have a very good reputation for quality and are very affordable. If you're looking to spend a little more, Monroe SensaTracs are also good. I have KYB shocks, and I wouldn't recommend them for improving ride quality. They are a performance shock, and are quite stiff. I like my suspension to be a little stiff, that's why I got them.

Other things to check are your bushings. Make sure none are broken down, cracked, etc. If they are, you might consider replacing those with polyurethane types. It's amazing what a little $5 bushing can do. Especially keep an eye on the front and rear sway bar bushings.

The last thing is often the most overlooked. Make sure your tires are aired up to the specified PSI, or a little lower than that. That will give you extra "cushion" while going over bumps.

 

[Foo]

I've read too many bad things about the sensa tracs, it seems you either lvoe them or hate them. I don't have the money or time to waste on soemthing I don't like.

The Gabriels would work ok I guess but are a little on the cheap side... the cheaper = the lower quality in most cases?

 

[jimbo74]

gabrieals are decent...... like the higher end more expensive shocks, but with more of a wholesale price at the local places.... they are good.......

to me, it seems like you want mixed things.... my moms 96 feels a lot more stable than my truck... but hers isnt as cushy going over bumps.... it is more responsive, and can fly through turns.... basically tight like a sports car.... whereas my 94 was more plush and less responsive... like a cushy turtle..... or the sly fox....

 

[Foo]

What I want: Less body roll (sway bars should do that). I would like a little more stiffer than stock so I can stop without the nose drop and handle better.

 

[Hartman]

I would get front and rear sway bars from Explorer Express and check out the Edelbrock IAS shocks for stock height Explorers.

 

[Foo]

ok , now is there anything else I can do to get a little better ride and performance except sway bars, bushings, and shocks? and hartman... very nice X.

 

[Rhett]

The Edelbrocks will ride stiff and tight, which is good for handling, BUT keep in mind that the trade-off is that they will give a rough ride too.