Suspension advice

[dan_ex]

Good morning all, I recently picked up a 99 Explorer 5-speed 4x4. It has 183,000 miles on the clock and I'm pretty sure the suspension is original. Needless to say it is worn out. The rear is sagging and the front wobbles all over the place going over big bumps. So, goal #1 is to redo the entire suspension. Not looking to do anything extreme here, some lift over stock would be nice since I am planning on swapping to some 31s. But this is my daily driver and I need to maintain some sort of reasonable gas mileage.

Here is what I am thinking:
1. new Rancho RS5000 shocks all the way around.

2. New body mounts, no body lift here.

3. New rear leaf springs - Is there a brand I should be looking for, should I do F150 springs instead since I will be there?

4. New controls arms, tie rods, sway links and all bushings that I can find.

What am I missing? Does somebody sell a complete kit that will cover all or most of this?

Thanks to everyone in advance.

-Daniel

 

[swshawaii]

Here is what I am thinking:

1. new Rancho RS5000 shocks all the way around.

I'm going to start here and say search the 1995-01 stock and modified sub forums for any information and part recommendations. Key is using the best search word(s) in "Search this Forum", and NOT the general search at the top of the page. In this case "shocks" would suffice and net many results. Although very popular, the Rancho RS5000 series are designed primarily for off road use and quite firm. Monroe, KYB, Bilstein, etc., are other popular shock choices but have very different ride and handling characteristics. Ride quality is subjective, what may be firm to some, may be soft for others.

2. New body mounts, no body lift here.

Again, much information here. A somewhat difficult job and not for the inexperienced, although many have succeeded with some effort. Daystar and Prothane are popular aftermarket polyurethane options to the expensive and commonly failed OEM body mounts/bushings. Search.

3. New rear leaf springs - Is there a brand I should be looking for, should I do F150 springs instead since I will be there?

If flattened, a few "band aid" fixes are de-arching, add-a-leafs, Monroe 58617 load adjusting shocks, etc. Obviously the real fix is new leaf springs. Very heavy, and shipping may be cost prohibitive. Call a local spring specialist for advice.

4. New controls arms, tie rods, sway links and all bushings that I can find.

This should be your #1 priority since it's a safety issue.
Lift the front off the ground supported by the forward facing lower control arm "hooks" and inspect EVERYTHING with the front suspension weight completely unloaded. Use good jack stands, set the parking brake, and chock the rear tires. Compare RockAuto or Amazon for pricing. Again, search, and search again. Always feel free to post any questions and good luck.

What am I missing? Does somebody sell a complete kit that will cover all or most of this?

Thanks to everyone in advance.

-Daniel

 

[dan_ex]

Thanks for the information. I will definitely do the searches.