Wheel Bounce ^^^^?

[rosenl]

I recently turned in my leased 98 Ranger 4x4 Ext Cab. I replaced it with a 98 Explorer Sport(4wd w/7000 miles). The Explorer had top damage and the body was replaced from the front door back. I replaced the shocks with NAPA Sensatracs, because it rode really rough. My question is there still seems to be a lot of wheel bounce when I hit bumps in the road. Even travelling on concrete, the joints in the road are extremely noticeable in the ****pit. My Ranger road much better. I was assured there was no frame damage and the front end had been aligned. Is this the nature of the beast or do I need to look elsewhere (ie. torsion bars, R/A etc.)

[This message has been edited by rosenl (edited 04-10-2000).]

[This message has been edited by rosenl (edited 04-10-2000).]

 

[Bob Saf]

Since the shocks are new check the tire pressure. That is the first thing I would check.

Bob S
1994 xlt 4x4 4dr

 

[rosenl]

I checked tire pressure and am running 26 lb in the front and 30 lb in the rear. would I benefit from the same pressure all around. I am running 16" Wrangler A/T.

 

[Bob Saf]

Try adjusting the air pressure when the tire are cold. Try 26lbs in the front and rear and work up in 1 lbs readings until you find the right air pressure. Have a tire shop spin balance the tires maybe one has bad radial belts separation.

Bob S
1994 xlt 4x4 4dr
class 3 front and rear hitch

 

[GJarrett]

I'll offer my feelings when I first got my '99 EB 4 dr 4x4. It came with the stiffest "B" torsion bars. My previous vehicle was a '93 Taurus LX that had exemplary road manners and ride similar to a Beemer 5 series or similar vehicle (don't laugh; it really did).

My first month in the Explorer I thought I was going to lose my teeth fillings. So this is a truck ride, I thought. You will hear owners of older models complain of the mushy feel, but that's not true for the newer ones. This may be the nature of the beast for you. Which rating of torsion bars do you have? You can go to softer ones to help in addition to all the shock recommendations you will get from others on this board.

I'll suggest another test for you. I do NOT suggest you do this permanently; to my knowledge I am the only one that has done this on a permanent basis, but this is just for testing purposes for you. Disconnect your front swaybars and go for a ride. I have a feeling that your ride will suddenly get MUCH smoother. Your cornering performance will go straight to hell in a handbasket but ignore that for the moment; this test is only so you can concentrate on how smoothly your vehicle soaks up bumps and irregularities on the road.

You have an independent front suspension that is not allowed to react to road irregularities independently because your swaybar locks both of your sides together. If you get a much smoother ride by disconnecting the swaybar that tells you some of your problem is the front can't work independently enough. Now reconnect the swaybar, slightly loosening the four bolts holding the swaybar in place on the frame. Maybe shoot a tad of silicon or WD40 into the rubber grommets surrounding the swaybar. This will allow the swaybar to still work while freeing it to rotate in its mount somewhat and allow each side to still work somewhat independently. This trick worked very well for me before I dumped the whole swaybar.

Gerald
"Nerves of Steel; Brain of Chipmunk"
~~~~~~~~~
'99 Eddie Bauer 4x4 4.0L SOHC aka "The Jeepeater"
Mods listed in my Explorer Registry post 7/8/99
Dead Link Removed "What the heck is he doing out here in that thing?"




[This message has been edited by GJarrett (edited 04-13-2000).]

 

[4x4sport]

explorers are a really bouncy wehicle in the first place, they tend to have back suspension problems, the best thing to do is to keep your pressure about 30psi on front and back, and get either KYB Gas-A-Just shocks, or Bilsteins. DO NOT go with Rancho, they are only for lifted wehicles, and Monroe and Gabriels just suck.

 

[Tommy2000]

Dude,

Gabriels may "suck", but

A)they are INFINITELY better than stock, and
B)for $20us a pop, how can you go wrong?

Jus put them on my ride this weekend, and what a difference they made... my american two cents.

T



------------------
93 Sport 4X4, 150k Mi, Llumar Metallic Tinted Windows, GTS Taillight Covers, Sony CD and Boston Acoustics drivers
Bosch +4's. Modified Airbox, Allied 8.5mm wires (Splitfire wires on order) 31x10.5's

 

[S.Matsushige]

I have a '91XLT with no lift and Rancho RS5000 on four corners. I'm also running 31s on the high end. I don't bounce and corner fairly flat and don't understand why you shouldn't use it if you don't have a lift. I personally think they are the best shock next to the RS9000s which are the ultimate. But that's just my opinion.