Suspension Changes from 2005 to 2006

[Merc1973]

What suspension changes were made between these 2 generations? The only thing I visually notice is the less ground clearance on the 2006 rear lower control arm design and shock locations. Anything else? Which suspension is better between the changes?

 

[willied]

Imaginably since it was redesigned the 2006 should have better suspension. I've heard some people say the 2006 rides/handles better, but I haven't driven the 3rd gen myself so I can't compare them. The Explorer Wikipedia page just says the rear suspension was redesigned. The chassis was also improved so that would affect the ride/handling as well.

 

[Tech By Trade]

I think that was the year they went from a solid back axel to independent suspension all the way around. The CV shafts run through the frame to the rear wheels, ergo the lack of lifts for the 4th gen other than leveling kits. A far superior ride though.

 

[willied]

I think that was the year they went from a solid back axel to independent suspension all the way around. The CV shafts run through the frame to the rear wheels, ergo the lack of lifts for the 4th gen other than leveling kits. A far superior ride though.

The IRS started with the 3rd gen.

 

[Tech By Trade]

Good to know, thanks.

 

[ronwc]

I sold my 04 to my son and bought an 08 about a year ago. The 08 rides and handles much better, and is a lot quieter, over all just much nicer especially to travel in.

 

[willied]

Good to know, thanks.

Certainly.

I'm not sure, but I think the change to IRS was a reaction to the rollover issue with the Firestone tires on the 2nd Gen and so they added IRS and stability control on the 3rd Gen to make it safer and to make people feel better about it.

 

[CDW6212R]

I sold my 04 to my son and bought an 08 about a year ago. The 08 rides and handles much better, and is a lot quieter, over all just much nicer especially to travel in.

Could you say that the improved ride was from the rear, or front, or both? I don't know what changed for the 4th generation. The two bodies look about the same size overall, width etc.

 

[michael loibl]

Not suspension related but some of the main changes was the interior especially the dashboard and column shift became floor shift automatic, third row seat became split fold instead of one piece, two piece tailgate glass became frameless, and V8 models got the six speed transmission

 

[ronwc]

A lot of good info shown here - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Explorer - Two of the upgrades starting in 2006 according to this article were "updated for the 2006 model year on a new frame, produced by Magna International rather than Tower Automotive. It was upsized slightly because a then-brand new crossover utility vehicle was added to Ford's SUV/CUV lineup, the Ford Freestyle, in between the Explorer SUV and the compact Ford Escape CUV. Along with this new, stronger[citation needed] chassis, Ford updated the interior, redesigned the rear suspension and added power-folding third-row seats. Also, a tire pressure monitoring system and electronic stability control became standard equipment."

Another thing that was mentioned in another article I had read was that more sound deadening was used in the 4th gen for a quieter ride. All I know is that my 08 is very quiet, smooth and handles good, only down side is the gas mileage, I average 14 mainly in city. All my Explorers (94, 00, 04, 08) have been very dependable, that's why I keep buying them.

 

[CDW6212R]

That's great loyalty Ron, keep it up. Take good care of them and they will last a lot of years.

 

[Explorer_PL]

The rear knuckle design is completely different. Makes replacing rear bearing muuuuuch easier.

 

[CDW6212R]

I saw that the rear track width is also wider, from just about 61" for 03-05, to almost 63" for the 06+ Explorer.

 

[Merc1973]

Wow, awesome info, thanks. I need to sell my Grand marquis so i can purchase an explorer/mountaineer. Just deciding on 3rd or 4th generation.

 

[CDW6212R]

If you need the size of the 3rd/4th gen's, get the 4th or what fits your budget. The engines and transmissions are improved along those years, better as they are newer.

If the earlier Explorers would fit your size needs, the 98-01 is the best value and the most reliable(302 V8 only).

 

[D Hook]

I know the 3rd gen (02-05) had trouble with rear springs breaking.

 

[CDW6212R]

I know the 3rd gen (02-05) had trouble with rear springs breaking.

That rings a bell, I think it was concluded the factory springs weren't made right(poor QC).

 

[Merc1973]

Yikes, broken springs....Anything else that will sway me to go with a Gen 4?

So about what percentage of them with AWD got a limited slip diff? With tow package?