Monroe MA776 Max Air or Load Adjusting 58617 for towing

[manousos]

My current explorer is a 1999 2dr with monoleafs.

I recently got my hands on a 15ft camper trailer 2500lbs that brings the X's rear down when towing.

I'm considering switching the monoleafs for a 4dr leaf pack, and also want to replace the shocks at the same time

My 3 main decision making factors are:
A) cost
B) ride comfort
C) maintain stock height(-ish)

Both the Monroe #MA776 Max Air and Load Adjusting #58617 have good reviews but the max airs are cheaper

I want to maintain stock height, and I'm concerned that the Load Adjusting shocks (combined with the 4dr leafs) will force the truck's rear too high when not towing.

Can anyone confirm how the Max Air's handle when not towing? Too stiff?
Will the load adjusting shocks lift my truck's rear too high..?

thanks!

 

[thebrakeman]

This is precisely why you should use a WDH for towing.
When not towing, you use OEM or equivilent aftermarket suspension components to maintain stock ride height and comfort.
When towing, you use the WDH kit to transfer much of that pin weight off of the rear axle, and back onto the front axle (where it belongs).

Upgrading the suspension will only make non-towing duty suffer. You may correct the rig-leveling issue. But you would not have transferred any weight. The front wheels will still be under-loaded, giving you reduced steering ability in an emergency.

 

[turborich]

This is precisely why you should use a WDH for towing.
When not towing, you use OEM or equivilent aftermarket suspension components to maintain stock ride height and comfort.
When towing, you use the WDH kit to transfer much of that pin weight off of the rear axle, and back onto the front axle (where it belongs).

Upgrading the suspension will only make non-towing duty suffer. You may correct the rig-leveling issue. But you would not have transferred any weight. The front wheels will still be under-loaded, giving you reduced steering ability in an emergency.

Exactly what he said. This is the correct way of doing it.

 

[Anime]

Switching out the monoleafs, either to a regular 2-door or 4-door multi-leaf pack is a good idea anyway, monoleafs are stupid and dangerous, Ford never should have put them on the vehicle.

Using a WDH as suggested is a really good idea for towing.

Air shocks are just a band-aid and fix the level issue visually, but they are bad because they put the weight on the shocks and shock mounts, instead of the springs.

You are better off spending the money on multi-leafs, getting a WDH, and getting decent shocks like SensaTracs, Reflex, or perhaps even KYB GR-2's, Gas-a-just's, or their Monomax shocks.