What shocks.

[SAN2CCI]

My ride has 104,000 & I am pretty sure these are the original absorbers. What is a good basic replacement shock to use in my 5.0 AWD?

Grazie!

 

[MountaineerGreen]

I liked my Monroe Sensa Trac's- cheap enough and ride pretty well.

 

[SAN2CCI]

I appreciate the input!

Thank You!!

 

[RVJ]

explorer shocks

I prefer the firmer Bilsteins, having gone thru various Monroe sets, with varying results...none of them kept their damping qualities after a few thousand miles or so. Bilsteins are firmer for sure, sometimes bordering on simply stiff, but, being my Explorer a 4.0 v-6, your heavier 5.0 might end up having a good balance of handling and comfort...BTW, the shocks and ADDCO rear sway bay made a HUGE difference in overall handling. I submited some installed pictures to neverenoughauto.com and he posted them in the suspension section....
sorry to be long winded, just my 5 cents...
Ricardo

 

[celly]

Bilsteins are superb replacements. Firm, but plush at the same time. I have them on my Ex. I had Monroe Reflex on my old Sport and found them a bit too harsh. Sensatracs are supposed to be a good option. Not as firm as Reflex.

 

[SAN2CCI]

Thanks again guys! I dont rally have any problem with the ride on my vehicle, but if the shocks are original as I suspect, I am sure they have lost some performance. I need to check the receipts I have from the PO & see if they were ever changed. The Exp. I purchased was owned by one of those guys that had the oil changed every 3000 miles & brought it to Ford when ever there was a scheduled maintanence interval, besides for any problems. I have about 75 receipts from '99 to June of this year! Amazing & very cool!

Sorry for all the hot air!

 

[Paraphoe]

I'm riding on Rancho 9000X adjustables. It's great to have the option to stiffen them up for loosen them a bit. Might want to look into them, but they're more expensive than the Monroes, etc. The non-adjustable Ranchos (5000 or something, I forget the model) are also a good option.

 

[xplorx4]

I replaced mine with motorcraft last year, and they are way too harsh compared with the factory ones (very stiff ride, and I drive a lowered Cobra w/Tokico adjustables set on high). I wish I would have gone with the Monroe sensa trac's, my brother has them, and they have better road manners.

 

[clarkkent]

u should put bilstein black hawks jk

 

[Suren20]

I'm also looking into replacing all 4 shocks on my 98 EX 4.0 sohc......I've been debating between the Rancho 5000 or Monroe Sensa-Trac. Most of my driving is freeway and a occasional off-roading.

and is it pretty easy to install it by yourself ??

I'm not a pro mech but do some of the maintenance myself.

thanks.

 

[MountaineerGreen]

Shocks are easy to do, just the rears can be difficult because of the way the top is mounted- nothing that can't be done by a DIYer

I like the Sensa Tracs just fine and the price is significantly lower than ranchos. I think alot of it is brand name, they are all made in the same factory in Paragould, Arkansas.

 

[Suren20]

Ok I've ordered the 4 sensa-trac shocks for the EX and I'm also looking into buying the hood lift shocks (both need replacing).....I'm thinking I should get the monroe as well.

Do I need any other bushing or parts while I'm doing the shocks that I could replace ??

I just want to have all the parts needed on hand before I put the ex on the jack stands.

thx

 

[MountaineerGreen]

Ball Joints?

 

[bile]

What shocks

Ok, so I'm about to replace the original shock absorbers in my 95' Explorer. Reading all these posts, I'm a bit confused. I don't understand what you guys mean by "stiff" ride" vs. "smoother ride". I don't exactly know the feeling of how they are supposed to be. I want something to match the OEM specs of the originals, but don't want to pay 230.00$ a pop from the dealer. I'm 99.9% positive it doesn't have ARC. Could not find the switch in the rear, and there are no hoses or connectors to any of my shocks. Something that will last more than 5 years. I travel on dirt an rocky roads, but I'm not an off roader.(yeah I know, sounded odd).

 

[Jasonx521]

I have found that the Bilsteins have the firmer yet controlled ride manors. They are bit firmer than factory, but not harsh. Bilstein shocks are top quality and will last a long time. I have had a few other shocks on my EX and none compare to the Bilsteins.

 

[5.0L V8]

.

 

[5.0L V8]

I just finished my rear shocks today. Because of my low income, I went with Monroe Monro Matic Plus. Very cheap ($18.00 a piece) and a good ride from what I can tell so far. From what i've read, these are closest to OEM feel and ride.

A BIG tip I thought about today after reading it on a write up was when trying to access the rear top mount bolts....drop the spare tire and get it out of the way. The right rear top bolts are much more accessible after doing so. This step made it so much easier when breakin the nuts loose and tourqing them down at the end. Behind the rear left top mount is your fuel sending unit? I think thats what it is. It's held in by 3 bolts. Unscrew those and take it down. I used a milk crate to let it rest on as I removed and re-installed the new shock. DO NOT LET IT DANGLE!! Same rule as a caliper -.-
This really opened up your hand/wrenching room. It only took 3 mins longer on the dissasemble and install. Highly reccomended ! When putting the new ones in, use a ratchet with a nice long extension (10mm I believe On the bolt heads) and come in from the bottom with the bolt, while holding the nut with a 13mm box wrench up top. I found a spot on the frame where my box wrench wedged itself, and all I had to do was tighten it from the bottom with my ratchet.

Any tips for me when I do my front ones tomorrow? I got blue (2) Monroe Monro Matic Plus Shocks, Locktite blue thread locker and a full can of PB Blaster. Any suggestions for where to jack from?

Thanks
-Evan

 

[bile]

what shocks

i found 2 videos on U tube for changing them. Check it out. I'm not exactly how firm or harsh my truck is supposed to feel, or how to pick. I dont want to feel the bumps,..at all. lol

 

[GrapeApe97]

I have bilsteins and they're old as dirt, but the ride quality is still ok. When i replace them I'll get the bilsteins again.

 

[5.0L V8]

Real simple job, if you liked the stock feel. Get what I did, just dont expect them to hold up too long for rally racing or anything.