I have the above vehicle, 4.0 SOHC with 78000mi on it. I have several questions I'm hoping you can help with.

1) Cold starting - I am used to a vehicle "racing" after starting a cold engine to help it warm up. My Explorer doesn't work that way, but instead the RPM's surge, drop, surge, drop, etc. If that is normal, it is not so bad. But the problem is, when the RPM's drop, sometimes they drop too low and the vehicle will stall. Any suggestions?

2) 4x4 Auto problem - If I am driving on a surface that is slippery, the 4x4 auto system sometimes sounds like it is going to vibrate the vehicle to pieces! This is most pronounced when I drive up a slippery incline. When the rear wheels slip, torque goes to the front with a bang. As the vehicle starts going forward again and the rear stops slipping, it goes back to 2WD until the rear slips again. All this results in thunk-bang-thunk, but quite loud and violent. Because of this, I usually switch to 4WD High to do this, and it works fine. I would really like to solve this problem.

3) Ride quality - I find the ride quality to be terrible on bumpy roads. Can this be improved by changing the shocks? They are original.


Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

 

1) Probably leaking lower intake manifold o-rings. Ford extended the warranty on them to 72K miles via Owner Notification Program 00M12. Ask your dealer about it. They should be very familiar with it.

2) Without experiencing it myself, there could be many things that could cause it. Some things that I can think of is a bad GEM, or your GEM may just need to be reprogrammed, bad speed sensor or a fault in the transfer case.

3)With 78000 miles on your OEM shocks, it's past time to replace them. Most people replace them between 40K & 50K. I replaced mine at 50K. New shocks should be a big improvement.

 

Thanks for your reply. I'll check into a couple of those things.

Regarding the shocks, I don't find the shocks seem worn out. There is not much excessive bounce in them. Just terribly rough. Do you recommend the Munroe Reflex like I have read on this board?


Brian

 

I didn't think mine were wore out either since mine didn't bounce. Mine's problem was that my whole Explorer had several rapid oscillations everytime I hit a bump. It felt very rough. When I replaced my OEM shocks at 50K I used Edelbrock IAS shocks. When my Edelbrocks were new, they rode great (very comfortable). It was when my Edlebrocks had about 45K on them that I picked up the very rough ride. That was when I found out via an e-mail from Edelbrock's Technical Support that my shocks lifetime warranty does not cover them when they wear out, only for defects. They told me to go and buy another set. I did, but not Edelbrocks. Last week I went and bought a set of Monroe Reflexs. They are everybit as nice as my Edelbrocks were when they were new and they only cost $40 each as opposed to $75 each. They also have a lifetime warranty (probably similar to the Edelbrocks though) and were available at my local NAPA store. They also carry their own valve similar to the Edelbrock's inertia valve. I would definately recommend them. They do ride firmer than the stock OEM shocks though so the ride isn't as cushy. It is more controlled though. You will probably feel more bumps than you would with new OEM shocks, however all you will get is one quick light bump and nothing else.

 

Thought i'd throw my 2 cents in about the shocks. Have had them quite awhile now, several thousand miles, including major over the road trip....sorry I didnt get them sooner. Major improvement over OEM. Probably wouldnt recommend them for serious off roading, but thats another subject. By the way, how many miles on your tires??Hate to sound like a YOKO tire commercial, but between the shocks and the AVID S/T's best ride imaginable for an SUV; without those A/T tires. LOL

 

I got a new set of Goodyear tires last year to replace the recalled Firestones. I believe they are Wrangler RT/S. They should have around 15K miles.

I am definitely going to try the Monroe Reflex's. Hope it helps.