Time for suspension refresh...

[dstig1]

99 V8 AWD w/140k miles on it. Stock.

It has some clunks going on during driving/stopping/starting/bumps/etc, so I think it is time to do a major suspension refresh as we will be keeping this for a few more years.

Already done: New upper & lower ball joints, new outer tie rod ends. ~2 yrs ago @ 120k.

What I am already planning to do:
-New shocks, all around (also looking for suggestions on shocks that are durable/quality and with a nice ride - it's the wife's car)
-Sway bar end links all around
- probably also do sway bar bushings (taking suggestions here)

Looking for suggestions on what else makes sense to do here, suspension-wise or other. I just want to see if there is anything else I should add to the mix while I am tearing the car apart. I do all my car work myself, as I have for 15+ years, so I'm not afraid of it, just asking for advice on better/best parts and other things to tackle at the same time.

Thanks,
Dave

 

[nssj2]

new sway bar bushings are a good idea. check the bushings for the rear leafs too. sounds like you have all the bases covered

 

[dstig1]

Thanks. I went and looked into the rear leaf bushings in the Helms manual - didn't find anything. What bushings are you referring to??

...Still looking for recommendations on shocks...types, brands, etc. What has worked well for a good ride that didn't implode in a short time. Shocks may not be hard to do but I don't want to have to do them again (or pay for them again...)

Thanks,
Dave

 

[96eb96]

Thanks. I went and looked into the rear leaf bushings in the Helms manual - didn't find anything. What bushings are you referring to??

...Still looking for recommendations on shocks...types, brands, etc. What has worked well for a good ride that didn't implode in a short time. Shocks may not be hard to do but I don't want to have to do them again (or pay for them again...)

Thanks,
Dave

Monroe makes a good product.
Sensatrac is a great all around shock. Very happy with them. You can also get Reflex, if you like a stiffer ride.

 

[Walnut777]

I put the Reflex shocks on my explorer. Rides really well, I used to have Gas Matic shocks they were yellow they didn't last 2 years and always squeaked. The reflex shocks reduced the noise dramatically as for being stiffer than the sensa trac, I wouldn't know its an Explorer and rides like a horse and carriage no matter what I do!

 

[brianjwilson]

Check the rear shackles, a lot of people reported having shackles nearly rusted off.
You're on the right track with new sway bar bushings, end links, and shocks. I used to use bilstien HD shocks on my ranger and they improved the handling but were a bit stiff for some people (I liked them for the most part)...
If you're taking all that stuff apart and plan to keep the car for a while (sounds like you do), you might as well replace the control arm bushings too.
What else should you do? Hmm. If you haven't already, motorcraft or autolite plugs, good wires, flush all the fluids (check the condition of the main radiator hoses). Check the serpentine belt and all the usual stuff. Is the truck having any problems or anything?

 

[dstig1]

Thanks for the tips. I've done plugs around 100k, though I didn't do wires at the time. Belt was done then too. I need to get the Tstat to re-seal properly. I took it off to flush out the coolant and it doesn't want to seal tight lately. Fluids are well flushed out, on a regular schedule. Might be worth doing the main rad hoses now, as preventative.

The upper control arm bushings were included in the control arm assy's so those are new. I don't relish doing the lower control arms. Getting that torsion bar off safely is a hairy process.

I'll check the shackles but nothing looks obviously bad there so far.

The Sensatracs sound like they might be best choice as this is my wife's daily driver, and shocks that are too stiff riding will make her unhappy.

Thanks again,
Dave