Rear springs on 2002 XLS

[ohiodisneydad]

Anyone ever have to replace BOTH rear springs? I replaced the driver's side spring a couple of years ago with the help of a friend. If anyone is curious it was about an 8 hour job. A year or so later the passenger side started to rust but I didn't replace it. I had new tires put on it this week and the repair tech said both rear springs are broken. I'm going to have the shocks replaced at the same time but this is getting annoying. The springs I installed weren't Ford parts so I'm wondering if that had something to do with it. I plan on buying Ford parts this time.

 

[BigRondo]

I recommend getting the "quickstrut", The spring and shock are one unit. Makes it a lot easier. I am running the StrutTEK's from www.primechoiceautoparts.com and have no complaints. Here are some threads to read over:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=273688

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=309630

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=312137

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=296221

Good luck with whatever you decide on! :biggthump

 

[JoshMcMadMac]

I replaced all four coil springs and struts yesterday, in about 8 hours taking my time. That includes all the time I spent pulling the old strut assemblies apart to reuse the mounts and reassembling the new assemblies. Doing it with replacing assemblies with new ones from somewhere like Struttek can be done in an evening. Monroe has a buy three, get one free going right now that should be competitive in pricing, if you are will to wait on the rebate.

Doing the rears is relatively straightforward. It helps a ton to have a ratcheting 13mm combination wrench to get the top nuts off. Disconnect the bolt on the front of the control arm, the sway bar, and just loosen the rear bolt of the control arm. The assembly can then be pulled out.

 

[ohiodisneydad]

I've emailed Silver State and asked if the Ford replacement part comes in a two pack like the after market ones did. I only replaced one spring, which is probably why the second one broke, so I have one left. I hate to mix parts but economics are playing a part in this too. I'm not opposed to waiting on a rebate if I have too.

I'll do some research and see what is going to be the most cost effective way of doing this.

 

[ohiodisneydad]

Rondo,

Looks like your suggestion is going to be the most economical option for me. Silverstate has each individual spring listed at $120.16 each. Shocks are going to run me another $200 just for the rear. I think I'll give the quikstrut a shot.

 

[BigRondo]

Like I said, I'm running the struttek's from prime choice on the rear and love 'em. I will be putting them on the front as soon as I raise the cash.

Good luck.
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[ohiodisneydad]

This Explorer is the family truckster and never used for off roading. These aren't overkill are they?

 

[BigRondo]

These are standard replace strut assemblies. The reason they raise the truck is because the old springs will sag over time, or they are broken so the new ones will have more height.

 

[ohiodisneydad]

Thanks Rondo! I'm buying them this week for the rear end and getting them put on ASAP.

 

[ohiodisneydad]

Out of stock for two months. Any other options?

 

[guilateen]

monroe now has econo struts almost same price as stuttecks rock auto has them but they charge shipping my local pep boys has them for 89 a set 91 a set check your local brick n morter and make sure u ask for econostrut by monroe. they wont offer them up front they would prefer u buy the other one. imo there probably very similiar and might be the same product.

 

[ohiodisneydad]

monroe now has econo struts almost same price as stuttecks rock auto has them but they charge shipping my local pep boys has them for 89 a set 91 a set check your local brick n morter and make sure u ask for econostrut by monroe. they wont offer them up front they would prefer u buy the other one. imo there probably very similiar and might be the same product.

Picked these exact ones up from Pep Boys. Got them for $190 thanks to an internet coupon I found. They have been installed and are doing great!

Explorer is now ready for our family vacation to Florida. New tires, front brakes/rotors, the shock assemblies and serpentine belt.

 

[BigRondo]

Have fun on the family vacation.

Oh we needs pics of Florida or the vacation never happened! :