Time to replace the shocks. Fuel Filter? Opinions please...

[King$nake]

My 98 Explorer Eddie Bauer has just surpassed the 90k mark and I just had the oil changed.

Since Ive moved to San Bernardino, I have noticed the shocks and brakes have been making alot of unpleasent noise at slow speeds (brake pads have plenty of life left, btw). Is this because it is so much hotter here then where I used to live? Or is it a sign that my shocks need to be replaced?

If my shocks DO need to be replaced, what brand would you guys recommend? Will I notice a major improvement in ride quality? How much am I lookiing at spending with installation?

I have the stock shocks btw.

Also, do I really need to replace the Fuel Filter on my explorer if it has never been replaced? The guy at Jiffy Lube was trying to sucker money out of me to get a new filter, but I stuck with just the $19.99 oil change, lol. But it got me thinking if I should really have it replaced

Thanks in advance
-Joe

 

[scaperrotta06]

I would replace the shocks and, the fuel filter. You can do those with simple hand tool's and, a specialty tool for the fuel filter. I change my fuel filter every 10,000 miles. It's recommened at 30,000 I think. Just do a search there's great write up's on all this.!.

 

[Gator Jeff]

Joe,

If your shocks were anything like mine, have lots Liquid Wrench type stuff handy and a lot of patience. Mine were pretty much welded in after 85K. I also remember seeing a thread or two that warns of breaking a shock mount in the process. I know someone here can correct me or back me up on the shock mount issue.

But yeah, otherwise it's simple hand tools.

Jeff

 

[drew999999]

Just make sure you go to your parts store and get the tool for the fuel line. Only a few bucks, but you'll need it. Also be ready to get the kids away and do some cussing if it's never been changed before. I did mine last week and I think it was the one from the factory. Had as much rust on the filter as the rest of the truck.

Also, be sure to release the pressure in the fuel line via the inertia switch under the glove box. It'll help to ensure that you don't get a gas bath.

 

[stephenuke]

The noise may also be due to your torsion bars. When the torsion keys wear, you get more bounce and a rubbing noise.

I love my Edelbrock IAS Performer shocks. when my first set finally wore, I tried Bilsteins - hated them so much, the ride was so soft, after 6 months, I changed back to the Edlebrock.

Remember to get a wheel alignment after changing your shocks.

 

[King$nake]

I see the Edelbrock Performer IAS shocks are $280 for a set of 4 on eBay. Not too bad. Im sure a Fuel Filter is only a few bucks. On my 95 5.0 Cobra I the Fuel Filter was directly in front of the Gas Tank and was easily accessible if I just crawled under the car. Is it the same setup with my 5.0 explorer? Where can I find the write up?

 

[drew999999]

I picked up the fuel filter for about 6 bucks at walmart while I was there getting some other stuff. It's located directly under the drivers door in the frame rail. Pretty easy to get to. I'm not sure about a write up on it. I'd just do a search and see what comes up.