What to replace oem shocks with?

[gshep12]

I'm looking at replacing the oem shocks on a 04 4.6l limited explorer that has 80k on them. I realize i'm driving a truck. The only aspect of the vehicle i've never been completely satified with is when a bump or pothole is encountered in the road. The result is extremely harsh to me. Can someone recommend a shock that will soften the feel when these particular conditions are encountered? I don't do any off rode driving, however i do occasionally trailer a hd dresser. So far, i've considered kyb, rancho, and monroe. In conversation i've been told the the kyb's will ride even harder than the oem shock. Again, i don't have a problem with the overall ride; the problem is when i've come in contact with a bump or pothole. Any advice will be appreciated.

 

[03ExploKRV]

Billstein shocks. I have these on my new Toyota Tacoma 4x4 and the thing drives like a Cadillac on the road! I believe they are model 5100's.

 

[aldive]

I am quite fond of Rancho shocks.

Goo luck ............

 

[Black92LX]

Billstein shocks. I have these on my new Toyota Tacoma 4x4 and the thing drives like a Cadillac on the road! I believe they are model 5100's.

If only they made them for the explorer.

 

[celly]

If only they made them for the explorer.

I've got them on my '99.

Consider Monroe Sensa Trac if you're looking for a cushy ride. This discussion comes up all the time. Search around for past threads.

 

[DirtyDog]

I've got them on my '99.

They don't make them for third gens though. And the Sensa Trac is the only shock Monroe makes for the third gens. I've been pricing out shocks lately and I wanted Reflex's but I can't get them.

 

[celly]

They don't make them for third gens though. And the Sensa Trac is the only shock Monroe makes for the third gens. I've been pricing out shocks lately and I wanted Reflex's but I can't get them.

Hiya Gary. What are you leaning towards?

See, you never should have left the 2nd gen. So many choices.

 

[DirtyDog]

Hiya Gary. What are you leaning towards?

See, you never should have left the 2nd gen. So many choices.

But you see, 3rd gens don't really need a shock upgrade for a better ride with the IRS and all:

 

[celly]

But you see, 3rd gens don't really need a shock upgrade for a better ride with the IRS and all:

I know, but I was underwhelmed with my brother's 3rd gen (fully loaded, V8 etc). I don't think I'll ever leave the 2nd gen. I don't mind the ride actually and I love the fact there are way more aftermarket opportunities to turn a 2nd gen into just about anything you want to.

 

[gshep12]

They don't have Bilstein for 3rd gen 04 Explorer 4.6L. Does anyone know anything about the Rancho RSX, they claim they're the equivalent to the Monroe Reflex. Does anyone currently run them on their vehicle? I know I can't have my cake and eat it to; I'm a little hesitant when it comes to Monroe. I had Monroe's on a Thunderbird in the mid to late 1990's and I was less than impressed. For the most part I might get a better feel when a bump or pothole is encountered but I'd probably be giving up handling. I could be wrong and if I am, someone please call me on it. I corner hard with My Explorer and I feel it handles damn good for a stock truck, I've left many 2nd Gen in corners as they rock back and forth through the turns. There's something to be said about the independent suspension on 3rd Gen. I don't want to lose that aspect of performance. Is anyone familiar with the product name Sachs? Does anyone know if they carry shocks for 3rd Gen. Explorers?

 

[GRNMACHINE]

Before I lifted my truck I was very impressed with the Edelbrock IAS Performers. I have heard nothing but positive things about the Rancho's as well.

 

[mlowney]

Monro's are junk. only good for about 40-50k then back for another set. kinda partial to kyb my self.

 

[jrford]

Monroe Sensa Trac treated me very well. I have over 9yrs and over 80k mi on mine which are on a heep ZJ, fixed its ride too. Smooth on all pavement yet firm on dirt and two tracks. My first Jeep an XJ, i put Monroe Sensa Trac on at 70k and sold it at 130k the guy who bought it has over 180k last i heard. Same shock too.

When i changed the shock on the Ex. the only option was OEM. When the original's wore out i could feel the 'paint' on the road, every road seam. With the new OEM ride is firm but no road seams. If i could do it again i'd go Monroe Sensa Trac.

 

[gshep12]

Rancho and Monroe are owned by the same company. The Rancho RSX is equivalent to the Monroe Reflex, same technology.

 

[1_v8_merc]

Damn, I JUST broke 30k on my 04 mounty v8.....and i feel like i already need new shocks!

Well the ride quality seems Excellent half the time, then sometimes i can feel everything on the road and they squeak ALOT when i go thru potholes, go off-roading or go over speedbumps(usually i go around them when i can)


maybe its just my bushings that are causing the bad squeaking....seems like WEATHER plays a big role, because sometimes they dont squeak at all.

 

[gshep12]

I had front bushings replaced at about 55k; they weren't so bad in rain, but in dry weather the slightest up and down motion they would squeak.
Well I just ordered front and rear Rancho RSX. I can't wait to see if they are truly an upgrade to the OEM.

 

[GRNMACHINE]

Look forward to hearing the report on the rancho's. I recently put on ProComp shocks mainly due to the cost (extremely affordable) and also because they are slightly longer for lifted vehicles.

 

[Castle]

I guess I have some wrong information. I thought 2002-2005s had struts? These trucks have struts and shocks?

 

[DirtyDog]

I guess I have some wrong information. I thought 2002-2005s had struts? These trucks have struts and shocks?

Just struts

 

[Incal]

They don't have Bilstein for 3rd gen 04 Explorer 4.6L. Does anyone know anything about the Rancho RSX, they claim they're the equivalent to the Monroe Reflex. Does anyone currently run them on their vehicle? I know I can't have my cake and eat it to; I'm a little hesitant when it comes to Monroe. I had Monroe's on a Thunderbird in the mid to late 1990's and I was less than impressed. For the most part I might get a better feel when a bump or pothole is encountered but I'd probably be giving up handling. I could be wrong and if I am, someone please call me on it. I corner hard with My Explorer and I feel it handles damn good for a stock truck, I've left many 2nd Gen in corners as they rock back and forth through the turns. There's something to be said about the independent suspension on 3rd Gen. I don't want to lose that aspect of performance. Is anyone familiar with the product name Sachs? Does anyone know if they carry shocks for 3rd Gen. Explorers?

I am familiar with Sachs, I had them on my 92 BMW 325i and they rode very well and lasted about 90k. I don't know how different they will ride on a truck compared to a car, but I was impressed with them.