Suspension and etc

[New2fordz]

My 1997 explorer is a bit soft on the suspension (over 200k miles) I have found a decent deal on Gabriel Ultra twintubes, are they going to stiffen it up a bit? contemplating getting the Moog problem solver upper and lower ball joints while I am at it. Eventually if i end up enjoying this thing I would like to lift it but for now just general road driving, A-B etc. Anything else I should be factoring in or maybe need to pick up while im already replacing shocks and ball joints? or common parts that ought to just go ahead and get replaced?

 

[J_C]

While I haven't used the Gabriel Ultra shocks, I'd expect them to be Gabriel's equivalent to OEM ride quality, should be an improvement over any worn out shocks. There are multiple forum topics about shocks, who likes what and why.

If you're on your original sway bar end links and sway bar bushings, you might want to replace those too. While you have the wheels off you might find other things need done, or are just easier to do then, for example if you need tie rod end links. If their boots or the boots on the CV axles are torn or they're worn then it's a convenient time to replace them while doing the ball joints, though of course the end links and upper BJs will require having an alignment done.

Oh wait... 2WD, I doubt you'll be replacing any CV's.

 

[koda2000]

Inner/outer tie rod ends, front sway bar end-links and sway bar bushings, upper control arms w/ball joints (OE upper ball joints are non-replaceable), lower ball joints (or complete lower control arms w/ball joints) and new shocks should make the front end pretty much like new. If it's a 4-door, don't forget to replace the rear axle damper (aka the 5th shock) too. Moog Problem Solver parts are one of the better choices, for shocks there are different opinions. I like the KYB Gas-A-Just for a smooth ride. If you off-road you may want something stiffer.

These trucks are easy to work on and parts are readily available and inexpensive. The worst piece Ford ever put on these trucks are the SOHC V6 engine and its less than stellar transmission. Other than that they're fairly bullet-proof. The V8's and OHV V6 easily go 300,000 miles + with a little TLC and regular maintenance.