No More Major Mods For Me This Summer, Here's Why...

[kstrayhorn]

So I can't go through with the long list of mods that I had planned out for the rest of the summer mainly for two reasons:
1. I have to buy new tires now, which in all will cost a little over $500.
2. I discovered that some of my shocks have started leaking.

#1 isn't really that big of a deal, as I have picked the tires I will get, it's just a matter of time.

#2 is my current problem. Since the shocks are leaking, I am going to go ahead and replace them. Since I am doing that, I was thinking about getting shocks, struts, springs, and sway bars. Also, my brakes have started to squeak real bad, so I might have to bust out some cash on those. I will inspect them when I return to town.

As for the tires, I have picked the 265/75-R16 Kumho Road Venture KL78 A/Ts.

On the shocks, I have not yet decided, but I have been looking at some Rancho RS5000 shocks, so I can get a little lift while I'm at it.

What is the mileage that shocks/struts should be replaced?
Also, does anyone have any thoughts on shocks, struts, springs, swaybars, or brakes?

Thanks,
kstrayhorn

 

[n2epv]

If your shocks are leaking, they are shot. Replace the shocks before the tires - bad shocks will wear the new tires quickly. I've had good luck with Rancho shocks on several 4X4 GM pickups (forgot the model of Rancho's, but they were significantly fatter than the factory shocks and held up great).

Brakes - ceramic pads are the only way to go. They leave almost no dust on your wheels and have great stopping power. I've been getting the 'top of the line' Napa ceramics, probably paying too much, but they work great and are very quiet.

Also check all the brake rotor surfaces - turn or replace anything that isn't smooth. A loud squeak is probably caused by a grooved rotor.

 

[zerodevil]

Shocks = KYB
Sway bars = Eibach
Springs = stock replacement if you want lift.
Breaks = Powerstop drilled. (got mine off ebay with ceramic pads for about 350, HUGE improvement)

 

[kstrayhorn]

Thanks for the help, guys. On the shocks, I have a junk ex I can get some of the stockers off of, but it was in a hurricane and was flooded, water was everywhere. Would that affect the shocks? Should I replace them with the junk parts or go ahead and upgrade? I was thinking about going ahead and getting some coilovers, but all of that might be too much for right now. Thanks again,
kstrayhorn

 

[Squirrelmaster]

Replacing shocks on these trucks is not the easiest thing to do, so I would recommend doing it right the first time as you probably won't want to do them over again later, so skip the used shocks if possible.

Tom

 

[alexk]

Tires you can save a lot by going on ebay. I only needed 2 tires on my X and didnt want to pay $150 for matching Michelin Cross Terrains. I hopped on ebay and found a set of 2 with 95% tread life remaining for $50. If you dont mind semi pre owned tires thats definatly a money saving way to go.

 

[kstrayhorn]

Yeah, the kumhos are not that much, 90 on tire rack (I can get a wholesale discount and also tax-free!) or I think 93 from discount tire with free shipping. I think that between the free shipping and tax compared to the wholesale price and tax-free and shipping price, Discount Tire is the way to go. However, most of the pre-owneds that I have found are either too little tread or more expensive than a new set.

 

[stanger67]

Thanks for the help, guys. On the shocks, I have a junk ex I can get some of the stockers off of, but it was in a hurricane and was flooded, water was everywhere. Would that affect the shocks? Should I replace them with the junk parts or go ahead and upgrade? I was thinking about going ahead and getting some coilovers, but all of that might be too much for right now. Thanks again,
kstrayhorn

all 3rd gens have coilovers on both the front and rear

 

[alexk]

Yeah, the kumhos are not that much, 90 on tire rack (I can get a wholesale discount and also tax-free!) or I think 93 from discount tire with free shipping. I think that between the free shipping and tax compared to the wholesale price and tax-free and shipping price, Discount Tire is the way to go. However, most of the pre-owneds that I have found are either too little tread or more expensive than a new set.

Assuming you had the same size tires I had:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/4-NI...350373751515QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fTires

set of 4. These tires lasted 95K on my explorer before I replaced them and they could have went longer I just wanted to replace them before the winter.

 

[zerodevil]

not true coilovers stanger. Ours are in no way tunable or adjustable. and have VERY little travel room.