I bought this new and only has 44K miles on it. The ride is really uncomfortable. My back and *** hurt on long trips, the dog gets sick (non of which happens when we take the Mustang).....what can I do to improve the ride? New shocks? New seats? Any suggestions?

A performance boost would be great too.....what is available?

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

My '98 4x4 XLS has 79000 on it. I just got a little sedan to use as my main rig. Going back and forth, I can't believe how rough the Exploder is. And my little car has 235-45x 17's, so you know it ain't set up to be plush. Sorry to inform you but I think it is the nature of the beast. Try some good new shocks.....the gas stockers should be good at your mileage, but who knows....if you can't stand to ride in it, the shock thing might be worth a try vs. trading it off.

 

I have put a set of Edelbrock's on a 96 Explorer -- it made a BIG difference -- no more jarring ride

 

Tires are important too. The Wranglers are pretty much just recall junk. Switch out the shocks for quality shocks (edelbrocks are good but Monroe are a better deal), check all your suspension components for wear (bad sway bar bushings for example), and get quality tires (Michelins are good on Explorers). Should help but its still a truck so its never gonna be like a Lincoln Continental.

 

Edelbrock IAS !!!

 

I Also Have Had A 99 With The Firestone Recall Tires - I Put Michelins On And It Made A Huge Difference - To Me New Premum Tires And Edelbrock Ias Are The Ticket

 

Does anybody know what vehicles Edelbrock IAS TwinTube Shocks with part numbers 20108 and 20119 fit? I was told they fit my 97 Explorer, but I haven't been able to confirm that,Thanks!

 

Try here.

http://www.edelbrock.com/automotive/iasshock_index.html

 

The Explorer (up to 01) is basically a truck....truck frame, truck durability, truck ride.
Four wheel drive is also contributing to your rough ride. If the XLS is a 2-door, that's also contributing...shorter wheelbase.