time for new shocks

[bills96xlt]

1996 Explorer XLT 70,000 miles. It is time for shocks. Looking for best shock for mostly highway driving with occantional ride thoough orange groves. Also lookin for the biggest tires that will fit stock rims.

 

[Paraphoe]

Are you lifted at all? 31s are probably the biggest you can fit in terms of not rubbing the fenders.

As for shocks, I have Rancho 9000 adjustables, and they're pretty good for both off road and highway.

 

[TequilaSnrs087]

For mostly paved road driving, Monroe SensaTraks are probably good. They come with a lifetime warranty and are not too expensive (maybe $160 for all four).

You can fit 31x10.50s stock. Mine don't rub at all.

 

[00XLS]

I have the senatracs with 31's, lil bit of a rough ride but improvement over stock.

 

[aldive]

As for shocks, I have Rancho 9000 adjustables, and they're pretty good for both off road and highway.

I also have the 9000s and am very pleased with their performance. My use is all highway with an occasional drive down the dirt road at the ranch.

Good luck in your selection ...

 

[hotrod_ron]

I have the Edelbrock Performer IAS shocks, there expensive, but worth the cost. They give a very confident ride in a not so confident truck.

 

[high_horse_ford]

Monroe Reflex

 

[SilverBullet]

I saw a lot of great things about Rancho's. I couldn't afford the 9000's, so I went with a set of RSX's. They run about $60 each.

 

[Exploderpilot]

I just have throw in my usual BILSTEIB BILSTEIN BILSTEIN plug.

 

[wrigley_1285]

Monroe Reflex

I have monroe reflex on my '00 sport with 31"s. i have no rubbing with a good ride on the highway.

 

[storlied]

Am I the only one amazed at this 96 X with only 70k?

 

[ThePhoenix]

i liked the KYB mono max. They gave a firmer ride and no vibrations as the stupid ones I have on now do. They were a little more expensive but I found them reasonable on ebay

 

[vanguy67]

Gabriel Max Control

I just put a set of Gabriel Max Control shocks on my X yesterday. AMAZING improvement in the ride. I bought them on eBay for $90. All 4 - brand new - delivered 2 my door! I would highly recommend them....so far!

 

[bluexpy]

Am I the only one amazed at this 96 X with only 70k?

Not anymore...thought my '00 with 70k was the only one.

As for the shock choice...well, I'll just echo the Blisten guy.

 

[X6StringerX]

I just installed KYB GR2s on my '98 with 78k miles yesterday. I must say that it is a HUGE improvement over the stock shocks. I thought the stock shocks were blown, but they actually still have some rebound left... they're just soft. The GR2s have vastly improved cornering stability as well as overall ride quality... no more mushiness. I ordered them from ShockWarehouse.com... they're an ExplorerForum vendor. The total, with shipping after the promo code, was less than $110 for all 4 shocks.

 

[Stang8URMPRT]

I run Monroe Reflex and their nice. But it still rides like a 2nd Gen Explorer... I dunno if anything can fix that

 

[4x4firefighter]

im runnin 31's and munroe sensatrac's....rides nice and the sensatrac's handle the road REAL well.....personally i think better than the oem shocks

 

[Cobraguy]

I have Sensa Tracs on my 99. I am very, very pleased with them. But I'm running a stock tire and all street/highway use. I can't comment on oversized tires or off road use. But for my use, they are as good as I've ever run...including Bilsteins.

I don't believe the Reflex are a gas shock are they? I may be wrong about that.

 

[damork]

I have a 96 Explorer 4x4 and installed Monroe Sensatracs and it almost rattles your teeth out whenever there is the slightest bump. I'm at a point where I need to know what the best shock is for normal daily driving that won't really shake me around, and I won't use the Sensatracs again. The Sensatracs were installed along with new ball joints so all was tight.

A set of Bilsteins on a 95 GMC Yukon really transformed the way it rode and I never had the jarring ride with it like I do the Explorer, but I'm not quite sure what I should expect from the Explorer as I never owned it when new (or ever rode in another to compare). I know they are two different vehicles, but am looking for the right combo to provide a smooth ride, and one that doesn't rattle and shake over the slightest bump.

If anyone has tried Bilsteins, I'd really like to know their story as I don't think my Explorer rides like it should/could. Tires are Michelins, stock size.