i just put new shocks in my '87 aerostar XL(Monroe Matic-Plus).

The ride has not changed much...just less bumpy....i was wondering it it possible to make the ride smoother??

i was wonder what could be causing the hard ride?
...is there anything i could check?

And what are my options??

Thanks for the help

--ICWiz

Ford Aerostar XL '87
185,000+ miles on it

 

I have tried standard Gabriels gas, LT Gabriels, Monroe Sensatrac and the new Reflex as well as KYB on my two Aerostars. They all have some strengths and many weaknesses. My choice after many dollars invested for the best ride in a aftermarket shock is the Sensatrac. It is not the best handling of the shocks but helps the ride out.

This is no BS. Motorcraft factory replacemnt shocks for around $60 each are the way to go. I have had great luck with aftermarket shocks on a variety of automobiles and trucks, but for the Aerostar I have not found a ride/handling shock better than the Motorcraft relacements.

 

I am currently using Monroe SensaTracs on the front and Motorcraft OEM on the rear. The ride is very smooth on the extended AWD. When I was towing heavier loads, I used the Gabriel Air adjustable shocks (Hi-Jackers?) on the rear and they worked well but gave a much rougher ride-as would be expected.

 

hi, i'm new to this board.

about the rough ride, edelbrock has shocks for us aerostar owners. but i have not tried them. anyone have experience with their IAS shocks? i'll need to find the part number from their catalog tho.

 

You might also want to check out some better tires. I've heard that yokohama makes a good touring tire for the aerostar . I am running cheap junk to get me by for a bit and I hate the ride quality, real harsh. If I was going to keep this van I would put 225 - 70 - 14 size tires on it.

 

edelbrock IAS shocks for 1989 - 97 aerostar part number

front - 33202
rear - 34202

 

I recently purchased the Yokohama AVID Touring and am finding this to be the best tire for the money I've ever experienced. They are so quiet and comfortable compared to every other tire I've put on the Aerostar, including Michelins. Coming back from Wyoming last night, I realized there is no slap heard or felt from highway expansion joints. At $42 from Tire Rack, it sounds "too good to be true", but they have made a believer out of me.

 

I haven't experimented around with other types but I'm extremely pleased with the KYB's on my 93 Extended AWD. I also installed a rear anti-sway bar at the same time and was extremely pleased with the results. The van is definitely less likely to cause sea-sickness but ride has not suffered at all, IMO.

Mark