Shock Upgrade for Better Ride

[Free_Lunch]

Is there an upgrade to the stock shocks - adjustable shocks?
The roads here are horrible.

 

[bluevolume]

There are a few different types of shocks you can get to try and improve the ride, but you need to figure out exactly what you are looking for first. Adjustable shocks are only really useful if you do a lot of towing or hauling (changing the overall weight of the vehicle significantly), or for lower speed off-roading.

Explorers ride kinda rough, I've had 4 of them and they're all about the same. Ford hasn't jumped on the "kinder, gentler SUV" bandwagon and still builds its Explorers like trucks -- with truck frames and suspensions. You can put some Monroe Sensa-Tracks on and get a little bit nicer ride, but it isn't going to make a huge difference. When you're tooling down a rough road you're still going to hear every bump and the resulting rattle of everything in the truck. Sometimes its easier to handle a bad aspect of a vechile when you know that they are all that way, and there isn't anything wrong with yours.

Blue

 

[Alec]

Rancho 9000!

 

[Arnie897]

I just put Bilstein's on mine....much better than the stock ones I took off.

 

[terdrocket]

Rancho 9000!

I love mine

 

[00XLS]

I have to say my X takes the bigger bumps better than my blazer ever did. I like the way the X rides way better than the chev.

 

[beau]

I was thinking about doing this too b/c my 97 sport rides like absolute crap. However, I'm not entirely sure its the shocks. It just kinda feels loose over bumps. Like you feel each one and the wheels kind of wiggle and jump around a bit. My Mountaineer with 1/2 the miles does not feel like this at all. Is it shocks? Or is it some other suspension component? Or both?

 

[EliteConcept]

beau,
explorers ride ruff to begin with then to add more insult for ya, since the sports have a shorter wheel base will make it ride even more ruff. I suggest to you getting some new shocks, don't expect toooooo much improvement, its gonna ride like a truck more than a 4 door expo or mounty does

 

[Roadking]

I just put a set of Reflex shocks on last weekend...I can't believe the difference.
At 69K it was ready for something new. The OEM shocks were gone. They weren't leaking, just worn out.
Now at highway speeds it doesn't drift and wander like it use to. The really made a BIG difference.
I think I should have replaced them at 50K!
It only took about 2.5 hours and a handful of tools.

 

[llknowlesll]

What about Edelbrock IAS Shocks? I have seen a lot of places that offer them.

 

[pjm]

If you're looking for a low-buck option, check out Gabriel Ultra's (latest model of the old VST, Gas Ryder). I recently installed these and saw a major improvement over the previous ride. Firmer ride without being harsh, no more wandering on the highway, flatter cornering. They're 23.99 at Autozone, lifetime guarantee.

 

[glfredrick]

I'm running the Gabriel shocks on my 97 - quite firm and better than stock, but not what I would call a smooth shock.

I am running the Rancho 9000's (Adjustable) on my 92 and they rock! If I go to the lowest setting the truck rides like granpa's old Buick. If I go to the max setting it handles like a Porche (well, it is a lifted Ex with out a rear sway bar ... ). Around #3 it smooths out the road really well. There is a price however - those things are around $90 a pop.

 

[J. Kennedy]

I have the Edelbrok IAS all around. Very stiff, but not worth the big $$$.

 

[alphabets13]

i've replaced kyb's with edelbrocks, and edelbrocks with monroe sensatracs and i am finally happy. the monroes a real nice riding shock. with these and lower psi in my tires, i am riding in comfort. yes, a comfortable explorer.

 

[karl_burns]

Rancho 9000s!

Unbelievable difference!
Karl

 

[X~FACTOR]

I have the Edelbrok IAS all around. Very stiff, but not worth the big $$$.

They were when they were new.

They were awesome the first six months. After that you go from awesome to good. From good to just okay. When I was shopping for mine, most members recommended Edelbrock IAS. Most give it a thumbs up just like what you are getting one for the Ranchos 9000 right now. Edelbrock was only $75 each compared to Ranchos 9000 at $90 (?) each. Depending on your budget, spending almost $400 on shocks is a lot of money. Proceed cautiously.

 

[aldive]

I ran the Edelbrocks and it took me a while to realize that they ride like crap.

I now run Rancho 9000 X and they ride great.