SHOCK- Replacement ideas!

[Roadking]

Hi All you Bouncers and Shakers,

I have a "97 with 55K and the shocks are in need of replacement.
Can any one recommend a good set of after-market shock for everyday driving? (75% on road, 20% mild offroad, 5% lost off road.)
I've been quoted so many different brand that I can't make a decision.
They all are about the same price. One offers this and on offers that.
Is there a good overall everyday type shock?

BTW - they were all about the same price except the dealer installed (I think Motorcraft) they were about $100 more per front and rear.
Are they worth it? They keep telling me that they were made for the truck and the after markets are all a cheaper version of the OEM replacement.

Any brand names or models stick out?

Is there (3) shock in the rear? I thought he had me going.
(they did say the one rear shock is leaking)

Or are the sway bar bushings the area to focus on?

Any advice
I would appreciate it!!

RoadKing

 

[Alec]

Gabriel VST shocks. Inexpensive and great. Don't worry about the 3rd "differential" shock in the rear, just remove it.

 

[Roadking]

Rear differential Shock? Just remove it. does it serve a purpose?

Does this sound like an afternoon job for the shade tree mechanic?

Any words of wisdom?

Does 55K sound premature for shocks to be going out?


RoadKing

 

[Robert]

The third shock on your rear differential is there to dampen vibrations. Most people don't notice it when it is removed. Don't let the dealer lead you astray. They are salesmen also. Their primary goal is to sell. They will tell you whatever they can to get you to buy in to the "nothing beats a Motorcraft" mentality. Even my worn out Edelbrocks are better than my Motorcraft shocks ever were on their best day. There are much better alternatives to the dealer shocks. They are not a cheaper version of the OEM shocks. Many are manufactured and valved specifically for your Explorer. A shock manufacturer is in a much better position to design shocks than the Ford is. Ford designs vehicls, shock manufacturers design shocks.

Since I do a lot of off-roading, I won't be getting Edelbrocks again since they seemed to go away. For a mostly street Explorer they would be fine. When mine were new, they road excellent. Besides my originals, they are the only shocks I have experince with on my Explorer. I have heard good things about OME shocks for off-roading and will probably be switching to them soon. I have also heard good things about Bilstein for mostly street use. Some of the cheaper shocks that are made by reputable shock manufacturers are undoubtably better than your originals like the ones that Alec mentions. I replaced mine at 50K, so no 55K is not premature. Most people figure on about 50K for shocks.

 

[jjue]

I have enjoyed my Bilsteins for the last year for approximately what driving you do. Since I'm 2wd, I tend to do more like 90% on-road (a lot of highway milesfor the time being), 7% off-road, 3% extreme off-road. However, in MS the Yazoo clay almost qualifies about 25% of the roads as off-road. Seriously, they are good for removing the slushiness when driving, even when loaded down. Well, airbag rear-end helps with the loading down as well, but even before the airbags, the shocks wouldn't give up to the bumps in the road like the OEM and Gabriel VST shocks did. After both mods, I enjoy driving with the vehicle loaded down.

 

[Roadking]

Besides a leak, which looks minor, what are some of the noticable signs to replace the shocks.

Plus, should I do front and rear at the same time?

Is this a job for a $$PRO$$ or can I do it in the garage in a day?

I think I have all the normal tools to tackle the job, but's that's what I thought when I went to replace the lower ball joints!

"Never touch a ball joint - Never touch a ball joint"!!!

Thanks
Roadking

 

[Roadking]

How does Sears rate? They install for free.
(I know there is NO fee lunch!)
Are their shocks made by Monroe?


Othe choice NAPA and I have to do it my self.

Any words of wisdom!

Please!!

 

[MrMatt]

Hey,

I am by no means a mechanic, the shocks were actually the first major thing I did to my explorer and to any vehicle for that matter.

I went with the Rancho RS5000s for their good price and the fact they have been around for a while and everyone that has them seemed to have liked them. I think I paid $150 for 4 of them shipped to my door.

I think it took me about 4 hours to do them, most of that was on the rear shocks as the bolts were frozen in (91 with many hard MN Winters) but none of it was really 'Hard' just a little time consuming, a few different sized wrenches and you should be set.

As for shocks I dont have much expereince with them other than the fact that I love my RS5000s, they are good on the road and really smooth for the off roading I have done so far, soak up the bumps with ease.

The RS9000 Adjustables are sweet, I just didn't have the money for them at the time, from everyone I have talked to they love them.

Good luck on whatever you choose.

-Matt

 

[Roadking]

Just wondering?

How about Sears, they install for free.
I know there's no free lunch!
Does Monroe make the Sears brand shocks? Anygood?

Ohterwise how about NAPA. I got a good quote but have to install the myself.

Anybody have a opinion, either way.

Thanks
Roadking

 

[becker69]

Road king; Depending on the shocks you have in mind, Sears is obviously not a bad deal if they do install it for free, although they might try and tell you that your brakes will need work soon, rear drivers tire is balding, or a bunch of other crap to make more of a sale... look at this post, Jeff gave really simple instructions that I used for my first time.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=57219

I used these directions almost verbatim and they helped me (I just installed new front Old Man Emu shocks last weekend), and I am a complete novice mechanic with not many tools. It was easy, and at least I feel like I did something by myself to my truck I don't know about Napa, although I wouldn't limit shock purchases to local shops... you may get a better deal on the web. How much do you plan on spending and start there. If you want a bombproof shock, I am sold on the OME's... They drive great on the street too.

 

[Roadking]

How do the prices of the Ford OEM shocks compare with the after markets?
I hear lots of good things about Ford OEM shocks.
Do they really perform better then the after markets for mostly street use?

Curious minds want to know!

Thanks

 

[becker69]

Roadking, I don't know how much OEM (you do mean Original Equipment Manufacturer; Ford right?) shocks are... and contrary to many on this board, I didn't think my OEM shocks were that bad.... BUT, I was really happy with the change to my new ones. Some of this could be because I replaced my new OEM ford shocks when they only had 10K miles on them; so I don't think they were starting to get fried yet. I wouldn't be surprised if OEM shocks were $30-35 a pop, but that is just a guess. For this cost you buy Gabriels, sensatracs, or Rancho 5000's. I totally agree with the idea to trust a quality aftermarket maker, because their livelyhood revolves around making a good shock. Look at it this way, the Ford off-road packaged trucks use Rancho shocks, Toyota TRD trucks use Billstein's.... manufacturers know that they don't produce a good shock on mass produced trucks. Just my modest opinion.

 

[Roadking]

I was shock shopping today. (shocking!)
Thought I could do it in a hour at the most.
I spent all day and came home empty handed. (the wife had a good laugh!)
I can't find a auto parts store that carries Billstein's, are they mail order only?
What are some reputable car/truck internet part stores?

Help!

 

[becker69]

Roadking try www.truckperformanceparts.com if you are looking for Billstein's specifically. They seemed to have the best prices. You can also try summit, www.eshocks.com or other similar vendors good luck. truckperformanceproducts.com had them for about $52 or so, and www.performanceproducts.com has them for around $69 so shopping a little could save you $20 or so a shock.