rear diff shock absorber

[fowlwater1]

in front of the rear diff is a shock thats runs from the frame to the front of the diff. mine is bad. can you do away with this shock all together?

 

[my98nnj]

No, replace it.

 

[Flash]

It won't stop your truck from running but do replace it.

 

[swshawaii]

Interesting. The first two threads searching "Fifth Shock". GL

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=211094&highlight=steering+stabilizer
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=371432

 

[koda2000]

the "fifth shock" is actually called a differential damper. if it's worn replace it. it's there to help with lateral suspension control. Ford put it there for a reason. you can get a Monroe brand damper for < $30 (w/free shipping) on Amazon. best price i've found.

 

[fowlwater1]

good reads. thanx
started to notice a clunk in the rear little while ago. crawled under and found this shock to be bad. about the time of the clunking it would also shimmy above 65mph.
tomorrow she goes in for an alignment cause she pulls to the left. and after that i will have the new shock to replace it. will see if the alignment takes out the shimmy or replacing that shock does.
also noticed a balancer mounted on the diff next to that shock. the rest of you also have one?

 

[koda2000]

shimmy is usually a sign of needing to get your wheels/tires balanced or a bent wheel. i don't know what you're referring to in regard to "a balancer mounted on the diff next to that shock" (???) unless it's something that spins, it's not a balancer.

 

[swshawaii]

Vibration Damper (Axle)

4 Door (4A263)
http://www.fordpartsgiant.com/partl...00-ford-explorer-1898682-1900509-1939426.html


2 Door (4A263)
http://www.fordpartsgiant.com/partl...00-ford-explorer-1898682-1900509-1925911.html

 

[fowlwater1]

thanx hawaii. thats what i was talkin about.

 

[DeepEmissions]

I happen to see this same shock under my truck when I went to replace my rear shock, thought it was odd.
I only remember seeing something like this on Mustangs to keep "Wheel Hop" down.

Looks like I'm buying just one more Monroe shock this weekend, lol.

 

[mikepier]

The biggest PITA for me was removing the bolt off the shock by the diff. It was frozen to the shock. I had to use a sawzall to get the bolt out. Also I had to cut off the nut that is welded to the bracket. I used a new bolt and nut.

 

[koda2000]

the reason i replaced mine is that it had started leaking (the other shocks had already been replaced). when i got it off i noticed the upper bolt was a bit rusty, i greased it when i reinstalled it (i guess anti-seize would also work). doing this also got rid of a weird noise i had (kind of a groaning) when the truck rocked from side-to-side.

 

[fowlwater1]

just picked mine up and noticed they do not have positive pressure to them like the body shocks do.

 

[koda2000]

just picked mine up and noticed they do not have positive pressure to them like the body shocks do.

They're not a gas charged shock, if that's what you're saying. The way they work they don't need to be i guess. The gas is there to help prevent fluid foaming. Not really an issue for this function.

 

[SoNic67]

That is a shock designed to work horizontally. So yes, it is a different build:
"Micro-Cellular Gas Design: Allows unit to be mounted horizontally"

 

[ponkotsu]

$26 at Advanceauto if you use the 30% coupon code. At that price, I might just take the chance and see if it actually does anything.

 

[1996BLKBauer]

I think the hardest part about replacing this shock for me was buying it, It took maybe 5 minutes to take out, and replace, it also took me about 5 minutes to find out there was no torque spec for it on Alldata, or Shopkey 5.... I suggest using a impact. It does make a difference at highway speeds, less vibration.

 

[ponkotsu]

I think the hardest part about replacing this shock for me was buying it, It took maybe 5 minutes to take out, and replace, it also took me about 5 minutes to find out there was no torque spec for it on Alldata, or Shopkey 5.... I suggest using a impact. It does make a difference at highway speeds, less vibration.

Just get it good and tight. Torque specs on old rusty bolts are not very useful anyway. Its only accurate for new, un-lubricated bolts.

I do have some highway vibration. Pretty sure it's the tires but I'll try changing the damper.

 

[1996BLKBauer]

Just get it good and tight. Torque specs on old rusty bolts are not very useful anyway. Its only accurate for new, un-lubricated bolts.

I do have some highway vibration. Pretty sure it's the tires but I'll try changing the damper.

Yea I know, I simply buzzed it on real good with the impact. No issues, that was a cake walk after dealing with caster/camber bolts earlier that day.

 

[white_shadow]

$26 at Advanceauto if you use the 30% coupon code. At that price, I might just take the chance and see if it actually does anything.

whats the 30% code? i only know of, and regularly use the 20% code " P20 "