Shock replacement option and tips

[hwydave]

Greetings,

I have done some reading and research in the forum (wonderful information, by the way ) but I am still a bid unsure about what to do and I’ll appreciate the input from the actual experience.

I have a 1999 Explorer XL with 63,400 miles on it. I bought it new and I think it is time to replace the shocks. I don’t do off road (but some of the road surface in mid-west make it feel like I am off roading ) and so I like to focus on road comfort but at the same time improve reasonable corning performance (wife drive it during the snow season). I am debating between Bilsten and KYB. Any input or suggestion from experience?

I admit that I am not very auto mechanic savvy and so I’ll leave the installation to the expert but I’ll like to know what suspension parts I should also replace since I have the truck up in the lift and what I should be watch out for during the installation. I like to arm myself with the information so I can talk intelligently with the repair shop.

I live in Chicago suburb and so if you have a shop that you can recommend it will be greately appreciated.

Thank you very much for your help

 

[ma96782]

Since you are having the shocks replaced, by a pro...........they will also (usually) check the frt end components........the problem starts when they start telling you to replace this or that.........are they telling you the, "truth".........I don't KNOW.

You could take it to two shops? Second opinion.......wouldn't hurt.

Finding a good.....honest......reliable shop.....is a problem many face.

That is one reason to DIY, if you have the equipment/tools and know how.

Aloha, Mark

PS..................shocks aren't that hard to do (it's a good first project):

http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiB..._us/0900823d/80/04/aa/32/0900823d8004aa32.jsp

 

[timleedude]

I'm looking to replace my shocks also on my 1999 5.0L AWD. It seems that people are installing alot of Rancho RSX or RS9000 shocks. Some are also installing Bilsteins. Some go a bit cheaper and go for KYB or Monroe's. I'm thinking more towards Rancho.. but not sure if I want or need the adjustability of the Rancho RS9000. Any comments would be aprreciated.

-Tim

 

[ma96782]

Hey Pineapple,

I used to get my shocks at the local NAPA store.....they had a "house brand"......lifetime warantee and good enough for the street.

As for off road.....I don't KNOW.

Aloha, Mark

PS.........I always asked for the "heavy duty" ones.

 

[celly]

I was split between Rancho 5000 (didn't see the need for adjustability of the 9000...overkill for me) and Bilstein. So glad I went with Bilstein. Nice shocks. I upgraded by rear swaybar at the same time and I love the way my Ex handles. Night and day better.

The thing I love about Bilstein is that they're firm, but not harsh. Something I couldn't say about the Monroe Reflex I had on my old Sport (they were firm, but a tad harsh).

 

[hwydave]

updated

I ordered the KYB GS-2 shocks and have a mechanic friend installed. The truck feel a lot better now. The cornering performance is definitely better than before. The road feeling is no sport car or BMW X5 but good enough for every day drive. Thanks everyone for the info.

 

[UtahX]

Get some 15x8 rims and at least -12 offset and you will feel a bigger difference on highway cornering.

 

[dads01dream]

I ordered the KYB GS-2 shocks and have a mechanic friend installed. The truck feel a lot better now. The cornering performance is definitely better than before. The road feeling is no sport car or BMW X5 but good enough for every day drive. Thanks everyone for the info.

Hey Dave,

Was that a mis-type.... I saw a listing for "GR-2", but not GS-2? Could you please confirm this for me, thanks!