Question on shocks.... | Ford Explorer Forums

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Question on shocks....

Afboy143

Explorer Addict
Joined
September 23, 2003
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City, State
Tampa,FL
Year, Model & Trim Level
1999 Ford Explorer Sport
I need to change the ball joints/tie rod ends and wondered if I should change the shocks as well. JC Whitney has a 90 deferred payment plan plus Gabriel shocks are buy 3 get 1 free. I have 75k miles, should I change the shocks? is it worth it?
 



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depends. some shock companys recomend every 55k. Are they weak? are they leaking? If they pass those tests and you dont really wana spend the extra money i wouldn't. or if you want to upgrade to a better shock. Its all up to you. if you are wanting to replace them just cause you are doing all the other stuff while you have it all apart and they are fine seems like a watse of money to me. Shocks are easy to replace.
 






Joe93 said:
depends. some shock companys recomend every 55k. Are they weak? are they leaking? If they pass those tests and you dont really wana spend the extra money i wouldn't. or if you want to upgrade to a better shock. Its all up to you. if you are wanting to replace them just cause you are doing all the other stuff while you have it all apart and they are fine seems like a watse of money to me. Shocks are easy to replace.

I see, the other reason I would want to change is because on the highway above at 65 or above I have a vibration in the truck. Sometimes it gets so back, my passenger seat is shaking like crazy. Could this be worn shocks or something else? I know my balljoints are going bad (rubber boot is torn) but could that be causing the shaking?
 






Afboy143 said:
I see, the other reason I would want to change is because on the highway above at 65 or above I have a vibration in the truck. Sometimes it gets so back, my passenger seat is shaking like crazy. Could this be worn shocks or something else? I know my balljoints are going bad (rubber boot is torn) but could that be causing the shaking?


afboy143 - This sounds like either your tires need to be balanced, Or the drive train. Maybe U-joints.
 






shocks are easy to replace and you probably will need them, i just took mine off at 79k and they were worn out. Also I heard the gabriel ones weren't good. I know don't get the procomp ones, i had them on for a few days and thought they were pretty close to the boot for the cv joint and the strap for the boot started grinding in to the shock.

-Rich
 






Yeah a read a lot that worn U joints cause vibrations at high speeds. How can you tell if a shock is worn?

Churd, a lot of the lexuses, and new ford trucks have the Gabriel Max Control shocks stock....
 






you can tell by bouncing the corners one at a time. if bounce on it and let go and it stops bouncing then they are ok. If they keep on bouncing they are worn. Also check for any oil leaking out of the shock.
 






I do not know if you drive off-road or not, but I really like my Rancho RS5000, geared more for off-roading.
 












im replacing minetoo

im replacing my shocks too... i like off roading but dont get to go that much so i have to stick with my road driving.... i was going to go with eddlebrock but desided not too... then i was gonna go with KYB's but then i found Gabriel leveloaders..... with me doing alot of moving around these are perfect... they are like a regular shock but then they have the addition of a coil spring on them too... i mistook them for a strut but they arent... i cant wait to get them ... about 170 for all 4 .... i actually got to drive a X that had them on and they handling and support was impecable... a little stiff on the off road but more than worth it for the money.... the coil springs allow for up to 500lbs more of hauling cappacity and also make towing easier... the shop that im getting them from has been in business for over 60 years... and they customize them.... so just wanted to put that out there...
 






Anyone heard anything good about the Max Controls? Whats a good cheap shock I can use for replacement for street use? I also plan on lowing my expo 2"
 






if you are going for shocks then don`t look for cheap ones.

i love the rancho rs9000 with the adjustability, but the rancho 5000 are very good also.

if you are looking for cheap ones i think is better to keep the excisting ones and as the others said is very easy to change them at any time.
 






would you consider max control cheap shocks?
 






Afboy143 said:
would you consider max control cheap shocks?

Monroe sense-a-trac are the best "Cheap" shocks, but remember, you get what you pay for. I would save the money and buy the edelbrock shocks. I've heard good things from that product from multiple sites, and people. Gabriel? Not for me, but that's my opinion only. Our sports ride sucks so we need the best in the way of shocks. Just my opinion.
 






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