shocks for towing?

[Jerzey]

Okay guys,
Ive got a 2000 Explorer Sport automatic 4wd w/4.10 rear (stock height)...
I recently purchased a boat to restore over the winter and soon spring will be here. Well, I wanted to spruce up my suspension on my truck before hauling for any distance, and ive known that ive needed some shocks for the rear for a while.
So, with that said~ I was going to purchase a hitch (ive only got the bumper ball right now), and was going to get a set of new REAR shocks for the truck this winter too to throw on.

My question is, Do you guys have a rec. for a decent set of shocks to put on the rear that wont break the bank, and could possibly "aid" in the extra weight of a boat? Ive looked into some of the offroad and aftermarket OEM replacements, but in all reality its somewhat gibberish to me. I can get Monroes from pretty much any store around here, or i can order something like KYB, Rancho, Pro-Comp from Summit?

Like i said before, I DONT WANT TO BREAK the bank, as my truck has about 140,000 miles on it, and im hoping in the near future to upgrade to an expedition/excursion/Fseries pickup.

The boat isnt real heavy, its only an 18' with an outboard...

 

[Jerzey]

I know the trailer looks small guys, im going to replace it with a new one in the spring. That one is only 16ft.

 

[Keeper0311]

Don't really have any experience towing with my Ex, but if you're running original shocks still, Rancho 5000's will be a vast improvement, and not break the bank. If you're looking for a bit pricier, check out the RS9000.

 

[Jerzey]

How would the Ranchos work out for normal driving?

Like i said the boat is light, but the shocks are due for sure. It was super bouncy before and i knew that they were do. But i just cant see myself spending $40 a pop for the normal stuff you can get from the autozone/orielleys/advance....
When you can get something like the ranchos for $40 a piece?

 

[2TimingTom]

I have the Rancho RS5000. They are fine in for everyday driving. I installed them at the same time as I installed a set of add-a-leaf springs. The back end seems nice and stiff. I can't tell how much of that is the shocks or the add-a-leaf since I did both at the same time.

I paid like $200 for the set.

 

[Jerzey]

With the "add a leaf"? Or for all four shocks?

 

[2TimingTom]

The add-a-leafs were about $35 or so. The Ranchos were $200. Sorry. I could have made that more clear the first time around.

 

[BradR]

MONROE Part # MA776 Max-Air Shock Absorber; Incl. Air Line; Air Fittings; Air Fill Kit; Package of Two
Rear; With Rear Standard Suspension

I just installed 2 sets of these on my Explorer, and my Mountaineer.
Hook up your trailer, if it's sagging, pump up the shocks. Nicely priced on RockAuto for under $60 as well.

 

[Jerzey]

Wow, ill have to look that up. $60 for the rear altogether huh? Wonder how they ride the rest of the time, and how long those seals last before they blow out?

 

[BradR]

Well my mounty had them on there before i replaced them, and they had to be at least 5 years old, or stock? I have no idea. Just follow the instructions on the papers, cuz if you forget the tiny o-rings all you will hear is "tsssssssssssssssssssssssssssss" lol.

 

[Jerzey]

Yeah, i just looked them up on rockauto. Seem like a pretty good deal.
Only question i have (as ive heard of this issue before)- if you put them on your vehicle, what happens if they do start to leak air? Will they still function as a normal shock without the added air pressure? And whereabouts did you locate the "fill" for them, and where is the drain? Did you mount a gauge somewhere to tell you how much pressure is in them? And can you only fill them with the trailer on to find out how much air needs to be in there?
Sorry about all the questions... Just interested.

 

[BradR]

Yeah, i just looked them up on rockauto. Seem like a pretty good deal.
Only question i have (as ive heard of this issue before)- if you put them on your vehicle, what happens if they do start to leak air? Will they still function as a normal shock without the added air pressure? And whereabouts did you locate the "fill" for them, and where is the drain? Did you mount a gauge somewhere to tell you how much pressure is in them? And can you only fill them with the trailer on to find out how much air needs to be in there?
Sorry about all the questions... Just interested.

Not a problem, I just like how you started all that with "Only question" and ended it with "all the questions" lol.

1. if you put them on your vehicle, what happens if they do start to leak air? Will they still function as a normal shock without the added air pressure?

-You would sit on your leaf springs, and it would probably be like riding blown out shocks, I'm not sure, maybe someone else can chime in that's had this happen.

2. And whereabouts did you locate the "fill" for them, and where is the drain?

-I put in in the jack cover area, from under neath you can follow the fuel fill tube, and there is a housing that you can drill through and you will be inside the truck. And it's a normal valve stem type valve, (like on your tires) so to deflate, just poke the inside pin.

3. Did you mount a gauge somewhere to tell you how much pressure is in them?

- No. but I would like to hook one up.

4. And can you only fill them with the trailer on to find out how much air needs to be in there?

-Well, you'd have to test it with the trailer on it once at least once, then just remember the psi you need to haul the trailer to your liking.

Always glad I can help.

 

[snapp central]

MONROE Part # MA776 Max-Air Shock Absorber; Incl. Air Line; Air Fittings; Air Fill Kit; Package of Two
Rear; With Rear Standard Suspension

I just installed 2 sets of these on my Explorer, and my Mountaineer.
Hook up your trailer, if it's sagging, pump up the shocks. Nicely priced on RockAuto for under $60 as well.

BradR,

Hey I was just wondering if you installed these on you 5.0. Some websites say they work on a five litre, others say they don't.. would like to install some on my 97 5.0

thanksman,

Steve

 

[thebrakeman]

That boat is not going to tax the Explorer at all. You probably just want to get the truck back to it's original ability to handle a bit of load.

RockAuto (or your local autoparts store) has standard Monroe SensaTracs, but I'd go with their Reflex line. It's aimed at providing stock performance for light trucks and SUV for about the same as SensaTracs. Sounds like your need.

I don't see you having enough need to go to air-shocks. Just my opinion. Then again, if you want something to talk about, the Ranchos and others are a huge additional expense. But as far as having enough to do the job, stock-replacements will be fine for you.

 

[drbenz]

I'm going to add something just for future reference: BradR had it about right in post #12. Think of aftermarket air shocks as a shock with height adjustment, the air doesn't change anything except the height of the vehicle so no air = no height change = just shocks. Also I would measure the height of the trailer hitch without the trailer and adjust air pressure with the trailer hooked up to be the same.

 

[swshawaii]

Know I've seen that boat pic before (#145). Classic vintage seventies. Have fun!

http://www.sidewinder-boats.com/portal/windertalk/showthread.php?threadid=3544

 

[Explorer Junky]

KYB Monomax are great for towing. I haul a trailer with gravel in it and the first time I did I though it would be out of control and bouncing all over. They did a great job.

 

[Jerzey]

Know I've seen that boat pic before (#145). Classic vintage seventies. Have fun!

http://www.sidewinder-boats.com/portal/windertalk/showthread.php?threadid=3544

Yup--- Thats me!

 

[Joe Dirt]

I'd just be sure that you have your tongue weight set correctly, especially if you're going to have some towing in before getting the larger trailer... I agree with brakeman, I don't see the need for the air shocks, but they can be nice.

 

[rhauf]

rancho5000's = stiff ride

that boat is so light you won't even notice your towing it. just get some cheap stock replacement shocks at the auto parts store. $60 should get the pair