shocks shocks shocks...almost too much information!!! (smooth highway ride)

[spotted dogs]

I am trying to narow down my search for shocks...I did a search and wow, talk about sensory overload with all the info and different opinions!
My explorer is now being driven almost exclusively by my wife (carrry baby around) and we/she does 99% driving on road/highway...ideas as to our best bet for smooth and comfortable ride that still handles nicely (no, I am not looking for cadilac land yacht float style ride). We don't mind firm, just not keen on harsh.

thanks,

I almost forgot...I am adding the procomp aal kit asap which probably will alter the ride somewhat.

 

[Alec]

If you're on a budget, I suggest Gabriel VST shocks. They're $15-20 apiece and almost as good as shocks 4x their price.

 

[DocVijay]

If not on a budget, I've heard that the Rancho 9000's are very good. On the softest setting they are supposed to be quite comfy. Onthe hardest setting they are quite stiff. Actually it's the 9000X I've heard about. I'll be getting a set soon (I hope).

 

[410Fortune]

Also Midas sells Monroe Sensa Tracs which are great street shocks and Midas gives a lifetime warranty, if you plan to keep the ex for a few years they are a great investment. Explorer's are really hard on shocks and brakes so it is a good idea to get a lifetime warranty.......

the Sensa Tracs lasted about two years on my BII ,but I use my truck for towing and 4x4ing......

 

[Digger196]

i got rancho 5000's in the rear and 9000X's in the front and love both types. my new 9000X's performed great off-road. go with them 9000x if ya don't mind the 90 per shock or the 5000's are 35 per shock.

 

[Robb]

Just to give you a reference to the previous posts:

Gabriel VSTs > $15-$20
Monroe Sensa-Tracs > $28-$35
Rancho 5000s > $35-$45
Rancho 9000X > $80-$90

For strictly on-road use, I would recommend the Gabriels or Monroe Sensa-Tracs. Both are great/nicely priced shocks for on-road use. Between the two, I would choose whichever one you can find on sale.

Robb

 

[BigDave]

Be careful with the Add-A-Leaf kit as that will stiffen up the ride (make it a little more harsh).

Dave

 

[mdlrvenom]

i've heard the edelbrock performer ias were the way to go in fact i plan on running a set of these very soon price is $50. a piece but u maybe able to shop around and find em cheeper

 

[Rhett]

I wouldn't recommend Edelbrock IAS in your 1st gen truck. I run them right now, and I liked the Gabriel VST's better (!). The Gabriels are half the price of the Edelbrocks, too. Hopefully these IAS will wear out soon, so I can get some Rancho 9000's on there. I'd replace them tomorrow but then I'm reminded how much I spent on those things 2 years ago.

 

[FrankRizzo]

Dam.
I wuz gonna say sonethin........but I forgot.

 

[hrbib21]

Anybody know the interval at which you should change your shocks? I'm at 60,000 now and can pretty much be the shocks have never been changed (bought used). I think I'm going to go with the Monroe SensaTracs since so many people seem to like them, plus the lifetime warranty.

 

[DocVijay]

60-70,000 is about right. My Toyota has 76,000 miles and it's ready for a change. Of course some people use their shocks for 100,000 miles and swear they're fine, so it's really up to you.

 

[aldive]

I have always used the 40k figure as a ballpark.

 

[explorer4x493]

Originally posted by DocVijay
60-70,000 is about right. My Toyota has 76,000 miles and it's ready for a change. Of course some people use their shocks for 100,000 miles and swear they're fine, so it's really up to you.

I'm coming up on 105,000 and I feel that mine just now need to be changed. I'm not completely positive that they've never been changed, but they look like something ford would put on as stockers.

Before me my mom drove the truck for 3 years...

 

[Brans Freestyle]

ive got 65k on mine and i think its time for a change, every speed bump and dip i go over you can hear the squeaking coming from the front and back for like 200 feet. and not to menchon the 3 bumps after from all the damn bouncing

 

[hrbib21]

Yeah, that's what's made me start thinking I need new ones: some squeaking noises.

 

[DocVijay]

That's why I said it's really a personal judgement. There are so manyfactors that determine the life of a shock (driving style being one) that's it's hard to give an exact number. It's really you that decides, since if you've driven it long enough, you'll know when it just isn't handling the same (squeaking, bouncing, etc...).

 

[LowdPypes]

I have the bilsteins and I still think they aren't stiff enough for the front end... I am not sure what is. Speed bumps are killer on my truck... Are the 9000's really stiff when on the toughest setting?

 

[DocVijay]

I've been told that the new Pro Comp MX-6 shocks are really stiff on the stiffest setting, more so than the Rancho 9000's. Even the Rancho's are stiff on the highest setting. I'm getting the Rancho's since they are much softer on the lowest setting, so my wife won't complain about the harsh ride. Then when I offroad I can crank them back up and all is well.

 

[Bwana Bob]

Shocks

I'm running Tokico shocks, I think they're called Trekmaster or something. The Tokicos also have a lifetime guarantee. Not too many places carry them, though.

Bob