shock absorbers

[22306]

i just bought a 2001 ford explorer sport and when ever i hit a pot hole of a bump the back makes a loud sound and the car shakes so im assuming that i need to replace the shock absorbers..does that sound right? if yes can you recommend a good ones. i want something that would make the car very very smooth.

 

[SoNic67]

KYB monotubes ("Gas-A-Just" for smoother feel). They are better than OE ones.
If you have the V8 you have also a fifth shock, horizontal mounted at rear axle.

PS: In order to "make the car very very smooth" like you want - sell it and never buy an SUV anymore
It's a heavy piece of metal, it has strong springs to keep it above the road. It will never be as smooth as a car that weights 1/3 of that.
On the other hand, the weight is definitely helping in a direct crash with a lighter vehicle.

 

[just1me]

Shocks may help, but it could also be body mounts as well, common failure on the 01-03 Sport, and 01-05 Sport Trac.

 

[delexploder]

Also look at your swaybar links

 

[LONO100]

take a look at any and all mounts/bushings, sway bar bushings, body mounts, anything that is made of rubber to see if they arent cracked to hell while youre under there changing the shocks too.

 

[swshawaii]

i want something that would make the car very very smooth.

Because of their shorter wheelbase, two-door Sports tend to ride rougher than four door Explorers and Sport Tracs. If your priority is getting the smoothest, softest, "floaty" ride possible, look for the equivalent of a stock replacement. Keep in mind, you will be compromising control and handling for ride comfort. More front brake dive, body lean, generally a "boat like" feel. The Monroe OEM equivalent would be either the Monro-Matic Plus or the slightly firmer and more expensive Sensa-Trac. Very good suggestions above to check ALL bushings while you're under there. If you are planning to replace the shocks yourself, highly recommend using a 13mm flex head ratchet wrench to attack the PITA drivers side rear upper shock bolts and apply spray penetrant (PB Blaster, WD-40, etc.) prior to removal. GL

http://www.monroe.com/en-US/

http://www.gearwrench.com/wrenches/...-flex-head-combination-ratcheting-wrench.html