I searched the site and the only recommendation threads are 5 years old, so it should be OK to ask:


my 2000 XLT has its original shocks and, while not too bad, it's time to replace while doing other work. What do you all recommend?


the truck only rarely goes off-road and/or tows. more often gets loaded up and/or is used for road trips. particular brands/configurations/stiffness recommendations will be appreciated.


Thanks.

 

If you liked the ride the factory shocks gave, you would probably like the KYB GR2.

I've got them on my 2006 and so far have held up great. Usually cheaper than many of the alternatives, and KYB builds a really high quality shock.

I has ranch RS5000's on my explorer, and they rode better than stock, I thought.

 

Thank you. the stock ride was fine, so I will look at the KYBs. also will check into the RS5000s- assuming they are more expensive, not necessarily a 'deal killer' if they ride better (I'm all for that, my wife hates the way the Expedition rides- too 'trucky'.....). if anyone else has recommendations (from experience) please let me know while I'm still in 'shopping mode'.

 

When I did my shocks and springs, I used Monroes. These, actually:


I can't say that I notice a difference between these and the originals, but I'm not exactly picky either. Incidentally, I got them from Rockauto, and it was a little cheaper than Amazon.

 

I've had the best luck on amazon, personally. The seller "just suspensions" has gotten my business 3 times.

I always go to the shock maker's website and find the part number and do a search on the PN. This will usually find the lowest price, or close to it and you can chose from there with whom you wish to do business.

If the ranchos aren't that much more money, id probably go with them as I think they ride really nice. In my case the KYB were more than $100 cheaper so I got those. No regrets. Kyb makes a very high quality shock.

 

the oem shock absorbers can go beyond 150k miles, if it doesn't leak I wouldn't replace it. Usually the recommendation that it needs replacement often is just for aftermarket that doesn't last that long. I have replaced my Nav with 188k miles from the junkyard and it's still good as new, replaced it with Unity since the coil snapped. The aftermarket feels softer than the OEM and I can't feel that the OEM at that mileage is really that bad.

The OEM shock absorber on my 02 BMW e46 lasted 180k miles before it leaked oil. The front is still original and I don't see/feel any issues with it.

 

I put KYBs on my 99. They seem to be a bit stiffer to me but that is what I wanted. Highly recommended.