The little shock absorber in the middle of the axel..?

[Jstcruz]

I have a 97 XLT 2wd and I have seen these little shocks.. I heard that Ford came up with that to keep the X's from rolling over but I don't understand the science behind that. Has anyone ever removed this and drove without it? Does it change the characteristics of the ride or safety of the truck?

 

[MrQ]

Its known as a fifth shock. I know some people have run without it. It supposed to reduce sway, but well, my 1st gen '94 doesn't have it and it runs fine.

I am assuming your engine is a 5.0?

 

[my pos mounty]

You can take it off and run without it. I doubt Ford added that to keep the trucks from rolling over, due to the fact that the rollover issue was tire related.
Use the "SEARCH" button, ad look for "third shock".

 

[Turdle]

You can take it off and run without it. I doubt Ford added that to keep the trucks from rolling over, due to the fact that the rollover issue was tire related.
Use the "SEARCH" button, ad look for "third shock".

It will handle better and drive a lot smoother if it is replaced.

Some have removed theirs, but unless you need to for a lift I would install a new one.

Superlift even has a lifted version in their kit BTW---Why would they do this if it was not needed??

Check our forum vendors first for best pricing--


MONROE Part # SC2958

 

[Jstcruz]

I appreciate the replies.. I dont know where I heard about the rollover issue but it was a dyi source.. I only wanted to know because the rear of my truck sways a bit even with brand new shocks. When i come off a speed bump or a dip in the road the rear end kind of favors one side. thaught this may have had something to do with that.

 

[Turdle]

I appreciate the replies.. I dont know where I heard about the rollover issue but it was a dyi source.. I only wanted to know because the rear of my truck sways a bit even with brand new shocks. When i come off a speed bump or a dip in the road the rear end kind of favors one side. thaught this may have had something to do with that.

It may feel like it "favors" the driver side, because of the weight of you and the gas tank being on that side. A full tank and you could be 350 lbs.

You might also check the sway bar bushings on the axle and also the sway bar end links. Grab the sway bar and see if you cam move it--if you can get it to move at all the bushings are probably worn.

 

[ash98fordexp]

i have also removed mine but it hurt the towing and cornering part of the ride so i replace it and its nice and smooth with it but its up to u.. take it off and try it or replace it

 

[Jstcruz]

I will look into that.. Thanks guys!

 

[mikepier]

Does the axle damper actually make the truck ride smoother? I'm just curious because it's mounted sideways unlike the 4 regular shocks at each wheel. I just replaced my 4 shocks with Sensa-tracs and actually think it rides good now, but I'm not sure if replacing the axle damper would make the ride better

 

[Joe Dirt]

It's for ride characteristics- rebounding on side to side chatter, and keeping the axle in proper operating lineation.

It does degrade the "ride" without it.

It's not a matter of "soft cushy" ride characteristic, it's a matter of driving/evasive maneuver ride characteristics and pitch.

My take- I replaced mine and it definitely makes a difference- and with as many cost-saving issues as Ford deals with, if it didn't need to be there, they wouldn't have put one on at the factory.

 

[SoNic67]

I think that is found only on 5.0L engines. Maybe because of higher torque, that would move the back end sideways?

 

[Dan Whitaker]

I still have the original one on mine with 230k on it. I doubt that SOB is coming off with out a fight so I'm not messing with it.

 

[ash98fordexp]

i really notice it when i pulled a 1200 pound trailor for work i towed it without the 5th shock then when i replaced it i towed the same trailor down the same roads with the same weight.. it cut the swaying down alot with it on. and when taking corners it does also make it nicer.. and no the 5.0 are not the only ones that have it.. mine is a 98 xlt 4.0l sohc and it has it along with my 2 other buddies who have a 97 xlt 4.0 ohv and a 2001 v-8 and theres has it to

 

[ash98fordexp]

i think the ones who use there exs for offroad use may not run them tho

 

[storlied]

Took mine off, didn't notice any difference. Every mechanic I've talked to about it, and even looking at it.. would make it seem like a limitation to articulation with it installed.

 

[ash98fordexp]

if mine was offroad only then i wouldnt run one but mine is a d.d. and i haul trailors alot so for me it is nice to have incase i need to turn hard and also helps with swaying alittle from towing the trailors around.. i do landscaping so some times i have a good load and it is noticable

 

[mikepier]

Well, I took one end of the axle damper off to test and see if it was still good, and it seems like it is. There was a lot of resistance moving it back and forth. I did not see any leaks.
It was a PITA trying to remove the bolt by the axle, so I took off the tire and removed the other bolt, that was a lot easier to take off. It was not as rusty as the bolt by the axle.
This is on my 99 XLT with 96,000 miles, original owner.

 

[Joe Dirt]

They do tend to last a long time, they don't get that much play... Probably good yet, Mike...

 

[Jstcruz]

I had a 95 xlt and now the 97 xlt, they are both ohv 4.0, 2wd and they both have the 5th shock.. I think im going to get a new one on there but it can wait. I'm the only one that notices the feel of it swaying any way lol

 

[Smith22295]

I have one on my 1997 XLT 4WD. and i recently got it replaced. i do notice that it has very little body sway.