Update on my bumpy little problem!

[DonM]

Heres the deal, i took my X into the Mech yesterday! They took it for a test drive and agreed that indeed the ride is horrible just like i said! Apparently the shocks that were put on some months ago were not very good(Monroe-monro matic's). The mech told me those are a poor match with my X, and gave me some options and one was the sensa-trac shocks which im told will make my X drive like a new truck?!? So i said i'll go with them at $60 a piece.

But here's what is driving me crazy, the dealer who put the matic's in told me after i brought the X back twice, told me everything seems fine! They said the shocks are brand new and every thing else looks fine, so i said why in the hell does the ride feel so horrible then??? They told me it's normal and that's the way a truck feel's.

Here's another kick in the face, the dealer that sold me the matics for $50 a piece PLUS labor! Now im told by the new mech that the matics list at $30 a piece and are the cheapest shocks Monroe sells. Which means i paid $20 to much for the wrong shock!! Shouldnt the dealer know which shock works with an Explorer?

******SO******

Do i take back the old shocks and ask for some type of credit, or my money back??? It's been 9 months sense ive had the matic's on my X and sense then, the problem has been getting worse and worse! Plus the dealer told me twice there is "NOTHING WRONG"!!!

So what should i do? Advice please


:EDIT:

Sorry guys, this was poorly written! Im just so upset right now!

 

[95EXP4.0]

Are you certain that they aren't trying to pull something over your head? I'm not trying to be a jerk or anything but I don't run into many honest mechanics anymore. For all you know your shocks might be perfect and it could be something in your front end, or maybe your tires aren't balanced who knows maybe the weights came off the wheels?? But I would definately get some second opinions. If you are going to get new shocks again maybe you should upgrade also? The Edelbrock Performer IAS shocks are only 74.95 plus it's a lifetime warranty hope this helps.

 

[95EXP4.0]

By the way what type of horrible ride are you feeling is it like a pulsating, vibration? And how many miles does your truck have that you had to have the shocks replaced?? Usually stocks are good maybe I'd say depending on driving habits for at least 60k.

 

[RedBeard]

If it were me, and realize I am a PITA about things like this...

I would go back to the dealer, show them some proof of the lower list price for the matics, and then explain how you got real shocks from a real mechanic and that now the X rides much better. Then place the shocks on the counter and ask for your money back.

If they do not want to refund you, not even 50%, then make a couple of large signs that say: "{insert dealer name here} sold me bad shocks for too much and will not make it right" - Park just off of their property where everyone can see you. Once they lose a couple of car sales, they might be willing to deal with you.

I've seen this work in person... My uncle did something similar and the dealer (it was a chevy dealer) caved in after 2 days.

-RB

 

[DonM]

Thanks for looking out for me, but im pretty sure i can trust this Mech. My family has had work done with them many times and they seem very good!

I understand what your saying 100%


But do you think i should go back to the first dealership and ask for my money back or som kind of credit???


Thanks again


Don

 

[95EXP4.0]

Most certainly! I would definately raise a big stink at the service department start off calm......then if they don't listen start blowing steam out of your ears and let them know your not joking lol.

 

[DonM]

My X has just over 80,000 miles on it and is a 95.

The problem i was having was just plain horrible, every time i hit a bump the whole truck would shake really bad! The back end would kick out also. Not to mention very stiff, i could sit on the back bumper and it wouldnt even move an inch.



Don

 

[95EXP4.0]

Hmmm.......well my truck has 97k I think I'm still on the original shocks judging by the rust. My truck really rides nasty but it sure doesn't sway over bumps. But then again it always rode a bit stiff cause it's on a truck frame. Did you know that there was a recall also on the endlinks connecting the swaybar? I had mine done it's a 95 4 dr but I don't think it would play a major part with the way it is riding now. I'd look into it and also ask the dealer about the recall. But anyway I also am planning on replacing my shocks too it should be fun.

 

[DonM]

No i was not aware of the recall!?

Im about to head over to the first dealership, so i can have alittle talk with the man in charge!


Thanks



Don

 

[95EXP4.0]

Yeah I'm pretty sure it's 95 through I forget what year but I asked my salesman which he didn't know jack but the service department took care of it while I was having something else done. Good luck and let us know how it goes at the dealer.

 

[Leucoandro]

Wow man those are some high prices on Shocks
for my Explorer I did some searching around and Monroe Monro-matics are 17.99, Sensa Trac are 29.99 and Reflex are 39.99.
I ended up putting the Reflex on the back of my sport since I haul trailers a bit and the Sensa Trac on the front. I expect a good ride

 

[DonM]

Well i did go with the sensa trac, i exspected better! Not much of an improvment.


Don

 

[GR899V8]

You mentioned the rear doesn't move when you sit on it? That's more like SPRINGS or as someone mentioned, maybe seized bushings. I have a similar problem, mine is really bad on washboarded roads and I have the Edelbrock shocks which really didn't make much improvement over the stock ones.

 

[Fischer]

Look in your door jam and look for the list of stock parts and specs.
Look for spring rates.

F and B are the stiffest, which is what I have. I put on Gabriel shocks and they made a huge difference. Although it is still very stiff until I have about 4-6 people in there or am towing something very heavy.

If you have the tow package you probably will have F and B spring rates. Keep in mind that this is more of a Utility Explorer if it has these (tow and stiff springs) so you'll just have to accept a rough ride.

Mine still shakes out my fillings on whasboard, unless I am weighted down enough to sag the springs.

Also I like the park in front of the lot with a sign idea. Or just throw them through the front window, J/K. LOL