Explorer shocks
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Explorer shocks
Sup guys. I'm considering getting new shocks for my 97 Explorer Sport. Even though it's an SUV, it seems to ride a lil too harshly, and too bouncy, espesially in cold weather. I dont do ANY off-roading, so what would be a good shock to get that will make it feel easier on the road and give me better handling? I saw some Rancho's at $50 a piece at Sears, are these any good?
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: BC, Canada
I put Relexes on the wife's 98 Exploder and am quite impressed with them.
They ride a bit firmer than the stock shocks but really helped the handling. It doesn't feel as top heavy anymore. The tires dont almost bounce off the pavement over washboards now like they did with the stock shocks.
They ride a bit firmer than the stock shocks but really helped the handling. It doesn't feel as top heavy anymore. The tires dont almost bounce off the pavement over washboards now like they did with the stock shocks.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2000
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I've put two sets of Bilsteins on my Explorers and have liked them very much. Pretty much stopped the back and forth and corner to corner rocking when going over bumps as well as the porpoising on undulating roads.
Mason
Mason
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Joined: Apr 2003
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From: West Chester PA
Originally Posted by jdawg11386
hey, how hard is it to change shocks? i've heard all you do is jack it up and change them. let me know please
Thats pretty much it in an ideal world. On my 94, the front bottom studs snapped, so I had to grind off the stud and drill a 5/8 inch hole in the radius arm and use grade 8 bolts to bolt the new shocks on. Not hard to do, just a pain in the neck. This was the only problem that I had when changing them.
Good luck!
Matt
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The quote I got on the Monroe Relexes were $300 installed. That seems kinda steep to me. The Rancho 5000's were cheaper, whould I notice that much of a diffrence between the two?
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Joe Kucinski
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Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Northern USA
For a 97, its pretty simple. You can replace the shocks without even jacking the truck up. The springs and torsion bars will support the truck without them. Anyway, the fronts....just slide up under the truck and unbolt them. Its thats simple. The tops can be a pain to reach though so you may have to find the best angle to get at them. The rears are even easier except you will want to drop the spare tire. If you dont, its a real pain to get the top nuts off. Drop the tire and both are a breeze. Shouldnt take you more than an hour or two to replace them.
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Joined: Apr 2002
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Ive seen sucess with parts from ExplorerExpress.com They have a whole lowering/suspension package that makes it drive like a dream. Ive got there sway bar--big handling difference but i didnt lower it b/c ive got air ride
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Virginia Beach
I just recently replaced the shocks on my 98 Explorer with Monroe Sensa-Tracs. I find they ride smooth and handle fine. I was looking for a shock that would not be too stiff and truck-like in feel, and, so far, I am satisfied with the results. The Reflex may even be better, but I thought they were a bit pricey. And Devil is correct, drop the spare tire to get good access to the upper rear mounting bolts.
JD
JD
Last edited by 9explorer8; Apr 3, 2004 at 08:03 PM.
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Aight, I've decided to go with either the Monroe Sensa-Tracs or the Rancho 5000s, due to the fact that I'm a poor college student, LoL. Anyway, between these two, what would offer better hadeling and less body roll. As far as ride quality, I don't mind them riding a lil harsh, (it IS an SUV) but I dont want it bouncing alot over speed bumps which is what it's doing right now. So which ones guys?
