Old Man Emu

[JohnnyS]

Hi,
I have 2001 sport trac.
I bought it 2 year ago used, but i know that the truck had old man emu shock absorbers since 2001. I have been wondering if its time to change them. I have about 40,000 miles on the truck.
Also, I have been noticing that the truck rocks like a boat when i get on/off steeper ramps (e.g. driveway bumps). And the truck seems to ride harder over irregular road surface (whereas my car goes over them very smoothly). Also rat-tat-tat-tat of the tires when driving (but this might just be the oversized tires).
Any suggestions as to how to really know if I need to change them or not? It's expensive, and i really don't want to change them unless necessary.
Thanks.

 

[JohnnyO]

Shocks last longer than they used to, but at 40,000 miles if it's rocking and riding hard then it's time for new ones. If you buy your own and change them yourself it should only cost between $100 to $150. After my misadventure attempting to install Pro Comp shocks* myself I went to Sears and got Monroe Sensa Tracs, installed, for a little over $200.

*The Pro Comps arrived missing a number of small parts of mounting hardware, a common complaint. So swap the OE hardware over. After much cussing, hammering, and torching, I got one front shock installed. Then the second one was obviously defective right out of the box. Didn't bother trying the rears. Gave up and drove to Sears on three shocks. Patience is not one of my virtues. Sent the Pro Comps back for a refund.

 

[IZwack]

Ahah this is just scary! Your user names only differ by one letter -- almost looks like the same person talking to himself!

 

[JohnnyS]

Haha that is indeed scary.
I guess I will be changing the shocks. Thanks for the info!

 

[JohnnyS]

And can anyone recommend good front shock absorber brand/model? And online supplier?
Thank you.

 

[sporttractuner]

I switched out all four with monroe sensi-trac....the front is a piece of cake, took about a half an hour, the back was kind of a *****, because you need a really small wrench, and a little patience getting the top 2 bolts. out. kind of up side down if you ask me. any how, on the rear, I had to re-use the top mounting bolt(not really a bolt, more like a rod or a pin that gets bolted to the chassis through a bushing in the shock.) any how, put a little bit of oil on it, and get a good grip witha pair of pliers, and it shouldn't give you too much trouble. The ride is great, much stiffer that it was when I got it, but not soo much that it's uncompfortable. also noticed better breaking due to reduced body roll.