Replacing air ride shocks?

[95limited]

I have a 95 Limited with Air Ride Control. It has 130K and still has the original shocks. The shocks are not losing air but I can tell by the ride that the shocks are not doing thier job.

I have decided to replace the shocks myself. I have checked the manual and this really looks easy. Now I just need help picking the right shocks.

Monroe now makes a replacement for the Motorcraft that came on the Explorer. Rockauto has the Monroe for $160 and the Motorcraft for $192. I believe the only difference is the Monroe does not have the dynamic damping. I have read the manual and this seems like something I want.

My questions: Is the dynamic damping worth the extra $128? If you have installed the Monroe replacement, are you happy with them? Anything I should know before starting this?

thanks

 

[chadb]

Is that price a piece?

Dang I hope not..

 

[95limited]

Yes, that is the 'each' price. Total for 4 will be either $640 or $768 plus shipping. I'm willing to pay the extra $128 if the dynamic shock damping does give a better ride.

 

[95limited]

I have searched the internet and the only info I can find on the ARC system is on the Ford service CD. I have also posted this question on other sites and still have not receive any kind of answer. I know others must have this system. Please help. I want to order the shocks this week.

 

[daniel cauchon]

Hi ! I have the exact same Ex as you ....I`m curious on how to change them too..I know they are very expensive too...I don t have to replae them now ( thak god) but I know that eventualy I will...I have 83,000 miles on it now. any pic of your Ex ?

 

[etc]

Most everybody's response would be to disengage the air control system and just put regular shocks in place. Even going with the high end regular shocks it comes out cheaper.

 

[daniel cauchon]

Yeah I would say the same but you loose that 2 inches when switching it in 4wd the systems raise it up 2 inches for extra clearence..

 

[95limited]

The only reason I can see to disable the ARC would be to save money. That is not the problem or the question. I really don't mind paying for the Motocraft shocks if they give a better ride.

I have gone through the service manual for the ARC and from a tech stand point, I want the dynamic shock damping. The problem is sometimes real world is not the same as you would expect from looking at the specs.

 

[daniel cauchon]

Any pics of your Ex ?

 

[95limited]

Sorry Daniel, no pics online. It is a stock 95 Limited with every option expect the baby seat and snow plow. White outside and gray inside. It was garaged from day one and looks almost perfect.

The service manual on CD from e-bay gives a step by step for replacing the shocks on the ARC system. If you need them, I have printed them and can put them in a acrobat file and e-mail them to you. If I'm having a good day when I replace mine, I will take pictures and post them.

 

[daniel cauchon]

Great ...it would be appreciated very much ..thanks for the info...

dcauchon@mobility.com

thank you.

 

[daniel cauchon]

byt the way if you want to see mine just follow the link below.

 

[95limited]

One more thing, Explorers with the ARC system have different springs and depend on the air spring in the air shocks to take up part of the load. Without this the Explorer rides lower than designed.

 

[etc]

Well alright, I guess if money isn't an issue.