Explorer suspension
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New User
Joined: Mar 2003
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Explorer suspension
A few weeks ago a friend and I went off-roading. I took my 98 Explorer XLT and he had his Isuzu Rodeo Sport. First we took my truck over a route he was familiar with, then we got back to camp and took his truck over the same route. These were by no means difficult or tricky roads, just enough mud and puddles and ruts to make it fun.
I found that the suspension on my Explorer was very soft and spongy, frequently "bottoming out" and giving the riders the feeling like they're slowly rolling up and down in a boat, while the Rodeo suspension was much stiffer and felt sturdier but tended to "jounce" the riders inside.
My feeling after the drive in both trucks is that the Explorer suspension isn't "truly" designed for off-road use but is designed to give us city drivers a smooth commute and make us "feel" like we're off-road if the campground is unpaved.
Is there anything I can do to the Explorer suspension to "stiffen" it some and make it feel a little more "solid" on he rare occasion that I'm truly off-road, and can it be done with the equipment already there? Or would it require different shocks, springs, etc.?
Thanks.
Chris
I found that the suspension on my Explorer was very soft and spongy, frequently "bottoming out" and giving the riders the feeling like they're slowly rolling up and down in a boat, while the Rodeo suspension was much stiffer and felt sturdier but tended to "jounce" the riders inside.
My feeling after the drive in both trucks is that the Explorer suspension isn't "truly" designed for off-road use but is designed to give us city drivers a smooth commute and make us "feel" like we're off-road if the campground is unpaved.
Is there anything I can do to the Explorer suspension to "stiffen" it some and make it feel a little more "solid" on he rare occasion that I'm truly off-road, and can it be done with the equipment already there? Or would it require different shocks, springs, etc.?
Thanks.
Chris
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,438
Likes: 11
From: IN FRONT OF YOU
Explorer suspension
I think you answered your own question, shocks would help the most and be the cheapest.
Unless your ready to sink some $$ into aftermarket springs and such that a lift kit would provide, I would just change out the shocks.
Unless your ready to sink some $$ into aftermarket springs and such that a lift kit would provide, I would just change out the shocks.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 738
Likes: 2
From: McChord AFB
Explorer suspension
I think shopcks are going to be your best bet. And if you ever do find yourself off road that soft ride thats so great in the city is not the best on trails mostly becouse of bottoming out but also becouse the lower spring rate givels less controll in rough areas.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 380
Likes: 0
From: Illinois
Explorer suspension
Definitely new shocks. Monroe's are excellent and so are the Rancho RS 5000s I have. You can also install a set of Warrior Shackles for about 1.5" of lift in the rear and it will also stiffen the rear up alittle. They run about $60 from www.desertrat.com.
