SHOCK NOT CONNECTED!!!!

[jar2187]

First thing I can't find the shock the is supposed to be ahead of the rear axle and on the rightside. Maybe I am not supposed to have it? But my hanyes manual says I am supposed too. I crawl under the truck at transmission pan and reach over to the right front shock. Wait a minute something doesnt look right. The shock is extend below the front axle. I look over at the front and its connected near the top of the axle. The right one isnt even connected to the axle!!!!!!! It was connected at the top but not at the bottom. A hole is also worn into the side of it. The thing is, it didnt break free, cause the washer thing is attache to the bolt still, and the whole in the frame is smaller then the washer. What someone forgot to reconnect it. it wasnt anyone I had work on the truck cause I didnt send it anywhere, me and my dad have worked on it since I bought it in Jan. I dont know why I didnt notice it while driving, that wheel actually feels gentler when going over bumps then the rest of the truck. I guess my shocks are really that shot, they really rusty, and when I push on the truck it keeps bouncing.

 

[Premier]

HAHA yup, sounds like your in need of new suspension.

 

[Telford Weister]

Since your explorer is a first gen like mine, I think I can help. The "bolt" attached to the bottom of the shock is actually a stud that is supposed to be permanently attached to the radius arm. It is not removable. The repair is to replace the radius arm (about $63 for the part). I have to replace my right one, because the threaded end broke off when I replaced the front shocks. If you need shocks, really consider Bilsteins. They are lifetime guaranteed, ride great, and can be purchased fairly inexpensively, compared to a lot of the others. When you replace the radius arm, you will need new bushings also, as well as new bolts and some hardware. I hope this helps a little.

 

[Sir Robin]

You guys should consider buying an aftermarket replacement stud. Follow this link - I outlined how I replaced mine. (Or do a search for "front shock stud broke".

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=29997