Shopping for new shocks... recommendations???

[96_explorer.com]

I am looking to change my front and rear shocks on my 1996 Explorer and looking for the good ones that you recommend??

My explorer is 2wd and not really for off roading. I actually want a stiffer, solid controll,, due to me driving allot of curvy roads.

I was thinking about Explorer PRO COMPS ES 1000 series

or what you guys say is better. I dont really want to spend of 120.00 for the full set (front and back)

I am actually gonna be doing allot of hwy driving... so let me know what you recommend? and links for the shocks if its possibable.

thank you

 

[jimbo74]

edelbrock ias (expensive but rather good) or gabriel vst ( cheaper with about the same ride but minus the edelbrock name)

 

[Alec]

I really like my Gabriel VST shocks. A good mix of performance and utility. They keep the rear from sagging too much under load and soak up bumps well. They're a bit rougher than stock but handling is much much better. Autozone or Pepboys for under $20 each.

Other members might recommend Monroe's which are also good, I just like the Gabriels better. They're one of the best budget shocks and give almost the performance as much more expensive premium shocks.

 

[evanbugay]

i have pro comp es 9000s and they handle swooping bumps and turns very well, but when it comes to potholes and sudden bumps, it makes my cd payer skip, go with the 1000s since you have 2wd

 

[94tanXLT]

I got my Edelbrock IAS shocks last year for my B-Day, they are expensive but worth it. They smoothed out the ride incredibly, they have a nice firm feel and definitley reduced body-roll. The first time I towed with them to our lakehouse I had 4 friends, all our stuff, my system, a few beer cases (thanks mom, hehe!), and 2 waverunners. The road to our house is about a 2hr drive on an old road covered in potholes (Lake Placid, Fl. if you know what I'm talking about) and the shocks kept the truck level the whole time w/o shaking the hell out of the truck whenever I hit a pothole going 70. That same road with the stock shocks was one hell of a bumby ride for 2hrs, thankyou edelbrock!

 

[96_explorer.com]

Thanks all...

I decided to get the Gabriel VST shocks.
I put the LT Gabriel VST shocks in the front and the Sport Gabriel VST shocks in the rear. All I can say is wow!!! Life time warrenty and all 4-shocks only costed me 65.00 and 50.00 to get them installed (I was lazy today )

Rides really nice.. takes turns with no bad leaning and tooks bumps in the road really good.

 

[rehlers]

Did you get that $65 and $50 installed deal from Pepboys? That was all 4 shocks w/install for $115?!? Man, goodyear wanted almost $400 to do them all for me. I'll be going by pepboys if that is the case. After towing a trailer across country (twice), I believe my back shocks have seen better days.

 

[96_explorer.com]

Originally posted by rehlers
Did you get that $65 and $50 installed deal from Pepboys? That was all 4 shocks w/install for $115?!? Man, goodyear wanted almost $400 to do them all for me. I'll be going by pepboys if that is the case. After towing a trailer across country (twice), I believe my back shocks have seen better days.

No the $65.00 for all 4-shocks were purcahsed at Car Quest (auto part store) and my friend hoooked me up with his employee discount . and it was actually $52.00 to install all the shocks at a local mom and pop auto shop ($13.50 each to put on),, but the mom and pop shop wanted to charge me 20.00 per shock and I told the guy there that there were other shops were only chargin 13.50 to get each installed. SO they were like welll..... just bring it..... well do it for the same price.

I think what it is, is the economy is kinda strugglin with businesses.... and the thing to do know is hackle them,, and not to rip ya off.... call around bro,,, just compare prices.... you'll get it like I did!!

take care and good luck!!

 

[taxx]

if you carry heavy loads or do any towing, Rancho RS9000 is a great setup, since you can change the ride for what you are doing!

 

[88vert]

Can you get the gabriel VST's for a four inch suspension lift?My front two trailmaster shocks are bent and leaking.Thanks for the help

 

[Alec]

I'm sure Gabriel makes shocks for other apps that are longer. www.gabriel.com . Look through their catalog or drop them an email. Your local parts shop might know, also.

 

[88vert]

Thanks Alec

 

[taxx]

I think Pep Boys has that free install deal going right now too. An I know Rancho had there buy three get one free spring deal going a week or two ago, it may still be going.

Just things to look into.