New shocks time - yet again (long)

[daxb]

I just spent the last hour reading through various posts on shocks. Now I need some more specific advice.

I live in Boston and rarely, if ever go offroad. I do drive in lots of snow in the winter in town and when on snowboarding trips. When the resorts get lots of snow, parking becomes inventive and I drive where I normally might not. Anyway, my main driving is highway (fine) and local Boston roads. Worst roads in America I think. Terrible potholes. Atrocious even.

I just failed my MA inspection today as my rear tires need replacing and thanks to tirerack.com, NTB is matching their price on two Goodyear Wrangler RT/S 235/75SR15's. I just bought two a 8K ago, so that's what I'm sticking with. I guess I should do that first and see if it improves the bouncing.

I bought my 96 AWD Explorer with 80K miles on December 31, 1999. 6-8 months later the rear shocks died, so I had them replaced with OEM's by Ford. Yes I know. Fast forward to a few months back (actually August 2002) when I bought two tires and was told that one of the rears was leaking. It wasn't shaking or bouncing much, so I let it be. Now, it can jump 1/2 way across the lane on any sizable pothole (well, that's a little out of line, but ...).

Now, I read the thread about replacing shocks and I may or may not be able to do it by myself. I don't even have a driveway, so that makes it more interesting. NTB is having a free installation sale on purchased shocks for another month (8/16/03). Unfortunately, their pricing sucks.

Monroe Sensatracks $40 each.
Monroe Reflex $58 each.
Rancho 5K $80 each.

So basically the "free" install = jacked up price on shocks.

Questions/comments:

1) What am I looking for? Driving in Boston is terrible, I want something a little bit softer (than OEM) and that don't feel like I'm driving a dumptruck around. I realize it's an Explorer and I expect some bumps, but not to the extent I'm driving a hoopty that bounces like a cheap hooker.

2) Are the Reflexes that much better than the Sensatracks? Are either of them worth that or are they both POS shocks?

3) That price on the Ranchos is high, compared with the pricing I saw in my searches here, and especially for the non-adjustable 5ks. Thoughts?

4) Anyone know if NTB price matches on shocks?

thanks in advance,

Dax

 

[Felix]

They should price match for you, but I have no clue how much their install price is for stuff like that. I would just purchase the shocks myself and go home and put them on. All you really need is a few basic tools you get in a small tool box that has a rachet and socket set. I ran the AutoZone Gabrial Gas Ryder LT VST for around a year until I lifted my truck and was very pleased with them. They sell for around $24 - 34 each, depending on which application.

I hope some of this helps and my spelling and bad gramer does not offened.

 

[daxb]

Thanks for the help. Install is currently "free" at NTB. And I also just noticed the following rebates from Monroe.

http://www.monroe.com/promo/promotions.asp

Hmmm. Any info on Sensatrack vs. reflex would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Dax

 

[JasonF]

I put Reflex's on my 96 last thanksgiving. I wouldn't say the ride is any cushier than stock shocks, but what happens is you get a lot less bouncing after hitting bumps. With the olds you'd hit a bump and oscillate 2 or 3 times (not that noticeable until you get new shocks) then you realize how shot the old ones were, the new ones damp out the hit really fast. So the ride with the reflex's is 'firmer' but MUCH more pleasant. You almost find yourself aiming for holes just because you cant believe how well it takes them. I paid about $45 a piece for the Reflex and installed myself. It wasn't hard but you need the right tools and a chunk of time. There is minimal clearance at the upper rear shock mount so it's tricky. I would say pay a few extra bucks for them to install if you trust they will do good work.

Search for reflex install, i did a big writeup with pics you may want to skim over.

Jason

 

[X~FACTOR]

If you can't do the install yourself, those prices with the sensatracs for $40 installed looks pretty good.

For the price, Gabriel VST are hard to beat but they do ride rough, I heard.

 

[sncwfo99]

I just put the Gabriel Gas Ryder LT's with the VST on my '94' Sport yesterday. I gotta say I love 'em' so far. It is a night and day difference from the oem shocks that were on it. Much firmer but also a much nicer ride. No bouncing or rolling when hitting bumps or potholes and has also improved the handling

 

[DonE]

I just put Sensa Tracks on my 2000. Sears had them for $160 installed and that comes to $40 each. Really like them - ride is much better than the OEM and it handles much better.

Don

 

[daxb]

As a follow-up, short of pushing down the bumpers to measure the bounce or removing the shocks to test their pressure, are there other ways to determine if you need new shocks? I know my rears likely need replacing as at least one was leaking 6 months ago and probably wore out, thus putting more pressure on the other side and possibly wearing that one out too. However, I'm not sure about the front ones. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance for everyone's help!

 

[X~FACTOR]

I knew I needed new shocks when I hit a big bump it bounces more than one time once I land. Also, it doesn't take the regular bump on the road easily.

If you have one bad shock in the back, more than likely the other need replacing. Hope this helps.

 

[daxb]

It helps, but I know I need suspension work. My question is how do I know if I need both the front and the back shocks replaced?

 

[WillieTD]

I don't know if you replaced them yet, but I have Monroe SensaTrac's. I would definitely recommend them. The ride is MUCH better than stock and if you aren't doing any offroading, they're about the best thing going. I would also think that the Reflex's are pretty good, too. Sears has the SensaTrac's for $36.99 w/ free install every couple weeks. I would get them there because that's about the best price you're going to find.

 

[jimbo74]

does it make noise and harshness from the front and the back? if yes, then replace all 4 if no, replace the 2 that are bad...

 

[raw92378]

I know that the Monroes seem to give a good ride, but what about the Edelbrocks. In other threads I have seen where people talk about them better than any of the others. What do you think?

 

[KPT]

I put four Rancho RSX's on my 95 and it made a HUGE difference. I had bad body roll in turns with the OEM's, none at all now with the rancho's.

Put them on yourself if you can.... I only paid like $200 for all four a couple years back.