Suspension advice...

[Ms_Lakmflx]

Im posting this for my wife...

Shes got a 97 Explorer XLT. It seems that the suspension is pretty much on the way out. When i drive the truck i notcie that when i go over a speedbump i hear this squeaking/rattling sound. I have replaced all 4 shocks and now im wondering what's next? Should i buy a bushing kit and replace them all? ( i havent looked at the stockers yet but with 128k on the truck im sure they are worn) Need some opinions please ty.

Btw i drive a 99 Expedition 5.4L and its got the air suspension so im not really familiar with her truck but i know my way around the garage...

Thanks in advance.

 

[junglejet]

you can order the moog stabilizer link, and sway bar bushing kit from advance auto.

 

[Ms_Lakmflx]

Would it be a good idea to change out the ball joints as well?

 

[alchemist]

Hey, when you hit the brakes then let up do you hear the squeaking when you let up on the brake...ie when the truck comes out of the nosedive (not a big nosedive but thats what I'm calling it)? Mine creaks from the front when I am slowing to a stop and then let up on the brake or when it finally stops.

I just replaced the front shocks, and it didn't help. My balljoints while original don't move when I try to move the wheel (on jacks).

 

[Ms_Lakmflx]

Hey, when you hit the brakes then let up do you hear the squeaking when you let up on the brake...ie when the truck comes out of the nosedive (not a big nosedive but thats what I'm calling it)? Mine creaks from the front when I am slowing to a stop and then let up on the brake or when it finally stops.

I just replaced the front shocks, and it didn't help. My balljoints while original don't move when I try to move the wheel (on jacks).

Yes it does. It's like a rubbery squeaking. It really sounds like the body is going to fall off the frame, but i have replaced all the shocks which was an improvement but its still pretty bad and embarrassing. Maybe i should get one of these and see if it helps....

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290090184260

 

[junglejet]

I was having the same squeaking problem it turned out to be my upper controll arm bushings. I squrted some grease in there after a couple of days the noise was gone. I plan on replacing the upper controll arm bushing this summer. I am convinced this is your probblem.