Rear 3rd shock?

[techboj]

I concur with Jonlax

There are 4 Explorer sports in my family (mine, a cousin and two uncles). Year models - 96, 98, 99, and 2001. None of them had the 5th shock and they were all bought new from the factory

Could somebody kindly post or show a picture of the actual location of this shock and how they are installed? Just curious.

 

[donlightbody]

My '95 XLT has one. I'll keep it right where it is...

 

[Glen4X4]

Good info Jonlax, never knew of it being optional on the sports and xls trims.

 

[jonlax]

Good info Jonlax, never knew of it being optional on the sports and xls trims.

It was never an option for the sports or the XLS.

Some XLS's had them since it was a TSB but some never got it. It all depended on if people complained about the wobble to the dealership.

The sport NEVER got it nor will the dealership install the it because the frame is shorter and ford never felt the need for it.

 

[Dark One]

I have a 93 EB with the same shock. Guys at the local parts dealer had no clue what it was, after some reading I determined it was for increased handling. When I did my lift I removed the shock, left the brakets and counter weights incase I decided to replace it. But I havn't yet as I noticed no difference in handling. Also removed the sway bar. I have a couple good pics of it, ill post another with a pic if I can figure out how to do it

 

[GRNMACHINE]

It was never an option for the sports or the XLS.

Some XLS's had them since it was a TSB but some never got it. It all depended on if people complained about the wobble to the dealership.

The sport NEVER got it nor will the dealership install the it because the frame is shorter and ford never felt the need for it.

Definitely good info, I have a Sport and have never seen this shock on any Explorer before. Not that I have to worry about it, but would like to see where it is installed. Before I ordered Edelbrock shocks, the rep said I needed a 5th shock... Told them there isnt a 5th shock... Makes sense now.

 

[Carguy3J]

It was never an option for the sports or the XLS.

Some XLS's had them since it was a TSB but some never got it. It all depended on if people complained about the wobble to the dealership.

The sport NEVER got it nor will the dealership install the it because the frame is shorter and ford never felt the need for it.

That is not correct. I had a '97 Sport about 6 months ago. It had the 5th shock. I'm also pretty sure it was the original factory part, given the Ford lableing, and the amount of "gunk" on it.

My '99 4dr XLT also has it. As someone else said, I could only find a "listing" for it by looking it up as a steering stabilizer; but then the description would show it as a 5th/rear shock.

 

[Carguy3J]

Definitely good info, I have a Sport and have never seen this shock on any Explorer before. Not that I have to worry about it, but would like to see where it is installed. Before I ordered Edelbrock shocks, the rep said I needed a 5th shock... Told them there isnt a 5th shock... Makes sense now.

This thread, 3rd post down, has a photo showing the location of this shock, on the passenger side of the rear axle.:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=81716&highlight=5th+shock+pic

 

[GRNMACHINE]

If memory serves me correctly, that is what the Edelbrock rep called it, a "steering stabilizer". Assumed it was a shock mounted on the front diff based on the name they used. Now I really want to see this 5th shock on a Sport.

 

[jonlax]

That is not correct. I had a '97 Sport about 6 months ago. It had the 5th shock. I'm also pretty sure it was the original factory part, given the Ford lableing, and the amount of "gunk" on it.

My '99 4dr XLT also has it. As someone else said, I could only find a "listing" for it by looking it up as a steering stabilizer; but then the description would show it as a 5th/rear shock.

If your 97 sport had it, its because the owner put it on or a 2nd party shop.

Ford never intended this to be used on any sport. If you look up the part numbers they do not show for the sport. I am sure they fit but ford never intended this TSB for the sport.

Your truck is from 97 so its 13 years old and just a year or two in some areas gunk builds up quick.

If you look at the other thread it also states this. If you think i am making it up call your local dealer.

 

[GopherBaroque]

Augmenting the previous post, my Ford shop manual for 1995 states that the lateral damper was only fitted on 4dr models. My 1995 2dr "sport" has no bracket on the frame to receive the damper.

 

[GRNMACHINE]

Augmenting the previous post, my Ford shop manual for 1995 states that the lateral damper was only fitted on 4dr models. My 1995 2dr "sport" has no bracket on the frame to receive the damper.

None I kind find either....

 

[BK_89iX]

I used the same part/source. I was a little weirded out by the description and packaging indicating a "steering stabilizer" but it fit/worked fine. I suppose it has multiple applications. Feels kinda cheap, but seems to get the job done! Install is a breeze.

BK

Just a follow-up on this. 3-4 months later I developed a clunk in the rear. The cheapo 5th shock is leaking oil and making noise. Damn POS part. I'm going with the $$ Bilstein unit next time around. Too bad I already tossed the Ford part, which seemed to be mostly OK after 94k miles.

BK

 

[ahodges]

Yeah after hearing about the cheap feeling shock from amazon I decided to go with a stock Ford Motorcraft replacement.. no problems and the only reason i replaced it was the original one was rusted pretty good.

 

[BK_89iX]

Yeah after hearing about the cheap feeling shock from amazon I decided to go with a stock Ford Motorcraft replacement.. no problems and the only reason i replaced it was the original one was rusted pretty good.

Here's the irony of my situation, or silver lining, depending on how you look at it. I recently needed to remove a rear Reflex shock with about 25k miles on it to install some EE poly swaybar bushings. Shorty after that I became aware of a clunk in the rear. Checked my bushing work and all was good. Seemed to be coming from the shock I removed after feeling around, so I ordered up a full set of Bilstein assuming the Reflex had run their course. Had I looked a little closer I would have seen the real problem. Any excuse is a good excuse to install some Bilstein!

BK

 

[ash98fordexp]

i have a 98 ex xlt 4 dr with this said shock.. i replaced the other 4 shocks and if this one goes its comming out. dont think i will replace it tho

 

[ahodges]

Here's the irony of my situation, or silver lining, depending on how you look at it. I recently needed to remove a rear Reflex shock with about 25k miles on it to install some EE poly swaybar bushings. Shorty after that I became aware of a clunk in the rear. Checked my bushing work and all was good. Seemed to be coming from the shock I removed after feeling around, so I ordered up a full set of Bilstein assuming the Reflex had run their course. Had I looked a little closer I would have seen the real problem. Any excuse is a good excuse to install some Bilstein!

BK

Do those Bilstein shocks really help handling and are they worth the money?

 

[BK_89iX]

Do those Bilstein shocks really help handling and are they worth the money?

I'll let you know in a few days. Did the rears tonight, fronts will happen this weekend. Ride quality/handling is a very personal thing, and is also affected by tires, road surfaces, etc. I am very partial to Bilstein from fixing up many older BMWs over the years. I will say that removing the shocks from their boxes gave me a tingly feeling...perfect finish, no fingerprints, nice welds, quality bushings, butter smooth operation, sturdy hardware...first class all the way. Not much more $$ than the Reflex.

BK

 

[ddarko]

Interesting... my rear end vibrates like a biatch once I get up to 115 - 120 km/h. Buddy of mine said my rear tire looked like it was wobbling. I figured one or both wheels were out of balance or that a lug might be loose since I recently had Crappy Tire patch a nail hole for me (I know, I know but I needed to get back on the road and they were right there! ).

But reading about this 5th shock has me intrigued. I'll check the usual suspects first but if that doesn't solve it I'll try a stubby shock. Presuming my Sport even has bolt holes to mount them in. I'll have to crawl under tomorrow and check it out.

Thanks for bringing up the topic!

 

[ahodges]

All of the rear axles used on explorers have a place to mount one, I'm just not sure if Sport frames have the place to accept one..