Shock replacement interval

[wallygetsit]

How often does everyone change their shocks? I am just asking about stock shocks to new stock shocks or slightly better shocks. This does not pertain to lifts or major upgrades or modifications.

 

[jimbo74]

test them... remove them and try to compress them, if they compress and do not rebound they are shot.... normally 60k is average

 

[aldive]

Originally posted by jimabena74
test them... remove them and try to compress them, if they compress and do not rebound they are shot.... normally 60k is average

If I went to the trouble of removing the shocks, I sure would replace wuth new ones,

 

[SWLathrop]

For my 97 Sport 4X4, I would have to say every 73,000 miles. This being as mine has 73,00 miles on it and I'm installing new MONROE REFLEX shocks on it Friday. They cost me a whole $39.20 each...

 

[wallygetsit]

If you would, since your Explorer is just like mine, let me know how much better it rides afterwards.

Thanks,
Justin

 

[SWLathrop]

Well, Friday wasn't a go. Am going to shoot for Sunday. Would also like to get the new spring packs in also. I bought a set of the "NEW" variable rate springs for the 2001-2001 Sport. Also bought the factory traction bars for the V-8 unit (just need to make axle brackets). Am pushing to get all installed shortly. However, free time is in short supply for me.

 

[SWLathrop]

UPDATE: Well, I put my shocks on Sunday afternoon. Wasn't too bad of a job. The rear drivers side was a small PITA, but that was overcome. A lift would make the job easier. And the spare tire needs to come out to get good access to the upper shock bolts. The upper bolt broke off on botht front shocks about 1/2 way off. No biggie though as it was all the less I had to unscrew. Good idea to spray the bolts for 2-3 days before removal if you're in a "SALT" paradise like me. Anyways, ride quality... Took the Sport for a drive. Shocks fixed the "TAPS" (TIGGER and PENGUIN SYNDROME) the Sport had had. Sticks to the road and very little body roll when going around curves. Haven't tried the high speed braking for nose dive reducion. The seams in the road were heard but not felt. The ride is a little firmer, however the bumps in the road are not transmitted through the X to your butt as much as before. I drive on a few roads that have that darn "SCRATCH/PATCH" paving all over them. Those were alot more civilized aslo. All in all, it's a definate improvement. Now if only I can get the spring packs and traction bars in place.

 

[wallygetsit]

Excellent. Thanks for the follow-up. Looks like I know what I'll be doing next weekend.

 

[jonny 5]

I'm doing mine at 50,000 or close enough! Edelbrock IAS.

 

[briantf]

When they need it and depending on where you drive

Gas charged shocks push back when new; hydraulic shocks do not. For example, Monroe SensaTracs are gas charged and come with plastic straps holding them closed, whereas Rancho RS9000's are a hydraulic variant and don't extend.

Shocks seem to be one of the few things automotive where you don't get what you pay for, at least in certain segments. The factory shocks on my wife's 98 were toast at 26.5, with the charitable notion they weren't crap when brand new. The Monroe SensaTrac's got broken about 30K later, and were replaced with Gabriel VST's. At half the cost, the Gabriels are a superior shock. They're at about 30K now and probably due for replacment - at $80 a set they're a bargain.

I'm sure Ex's driven solely on the street would have their shocks last longer - the pounding of off pavement/road driving isn't somthing consumer grade shocks are really built to withstand. 50K seems like a lot, even for a street shock. Can't imagine 100K.

Regards,
Brian in CA

 

[entinnovations]

I just installed a set of Rancho5000's(hydraulic), replacing my stock shocks at 96,000. What a difference, much better ride, I would recommend to everyone

 

[raginraj]

probably getting a set of bilstein's in the next month or so. i've heard a lot of good things and they have a lifetime warranty. just ordered an EE sway bar and a set of slotted rotors so it'll be at least a month before i have the cash.

 

[wolfman00]

i changed mine at 30k when i did the lift, the stock ones were all blown from offroading. The bilsteins are awesome though, i always recomend bilsteins, and , if you all are interested, you can use a class 11 7100 on the front of any torsion bar explorer or ranger. you just have to fabricate a lower mount and use limit straps, otherwise your cv's will bind up and hate you.

 

[Rhett]

I think 50,000 miles is too long for our trucks. There should be a 30,000-40,000 mile choice. Even the best shocks will not be as effective at 50,000 miles as they were at 20,000 miles. Most are worn out at 50,000 miles, but most people drive on them much longer, some as long as 100,000 + !

 

[Gcrop]

I think 50,000 miles is too long for our trucks. There should be a 30,000-40,000 mile choice. Even the best shocks will not be as effective at 50,000 miles as they were at 20,000 miles. Most are worn out at 50,000 miles, but most people drive on them much longer, some as long as 100,000 + !

I just bought my X with 80,000 on it and it now has 84,000 on it. I just made my trip down to southern Louisiana and for anyone who has driven down there, you know how their streets let you know your shocks are shot!

Where/what brand is recommended as a replacement? It is strictly a DD/rush hour warrior with an occassional (monthly) trip to southern Louisiana (from Memphis).

Thanks,
Geoff

 

[Paraphoe]

Edit: Nevermind...

 

[BBall_fan]

Has anyone used KYB GR2 struts. I heard they added alot of handling?

___________________________
03 Explorer Limited 100yr anniversary edition
Current mods: K&N FIPK, Magnaflow catback, 20"Helos rims, new deck - clarion 745mp, focal front speakers, 2 jl 10w6v2's box with jl amps.
Future mods: sct flasher, maf, throttle body, headers