Explorer Handling Question

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May 3, 2002 | 02:46 PM

thelonerangerxlt

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Explorer Handling Question

Hi All. The wife and I test drove a 96 EB 2-dr Explorer a while back. It had around 60K on it, and was in perfect shape. The only issue I had with it was the handling. It seemed to sway and "float" more than I am used to. I ususlly drive a Jeep Cherokee Sport and a Bronco, and they seem much more stable and handle better than the Explorer did.

Are there any aftermarket anti-sway bars available for the Explorer that are bigger than the stock? Have any of you done anything to firm up the handling? Thanks for any suggestions or ideas. Don

May 3, 2002 | 07:00 PM

CobraXP

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From: Fort Smith

Explorer Handling Question

There are numerous places to buy larger sway bars. On the 96 and 97, the front sway bars are small diameter and hollow. Once you change them out with a set like Steeda makes, it helps tremendously.

I also recommend lowering an Explorer anywhere between 1.5 to 2 inches. I don't mean slamming it, just lowering it 2 inches brings the center of gravity down, and you will really like the difference. Only lowering it that far does not hurt the ride quality either.

I have done both - the sway bars and lowered it 1.75 inches. I love the ride I have now from it.

A good place to check on what can help out an Explorer, go to:

[link:www.explorerexpress.com|Explorer Express]

They build X's for normal people, not just kids wanting a 'cool' ride...

Let me know what you think...

May 3, 2002 | 08:32 PM

thelonerangerxlt

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Explorer Handling Question

CobraXP, thanks for the link. That is just what I was looking for, and wondering about. Their kit should make a huge difference in the handling. They say that installation takes about 5.5 hours; were there any special problems that you ran into? I've been looking at 2-dr Sports, so any 95 up model would be best, right?

Thanks again for the info! Don

May 4, 2002 | 05:11 PM

Tyger9791

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From: Tallahassee

Explorer Handling Question

Thanks for raising this topic, my '96 used to handle the way u described, especially on tight corners and bumpy roads. i lowered it 2 inches. handles somewhat better, and i dont have that feeling that i'm going to lose it on sharp corners, it hugs the road more, Cobra is right, the center of gravity is lower. i'm going to look into a sway bar tho, also look into the bushings, shocks, etc. a friend of mine builds ford trucks for racing and owns various models. as he puts it "the ford engineers cut some corners with the '96". he suggested that i change out the bushings as well. the factory bushings are smaller than they should be. he said that as soon as i put a good sway bar on and de-factory-ize the suspension some it will handle a whole lot better. just for your info, nothing against a '96 but from what i've heard and driven, the '97 is better as far as handling goes, especially a lowered '97. it seems that ford realized some the mistakes they made with the '96 and fixed them.

Tyger9791
'96 Ford Explorer XLT "Tonka Truck"

May 4, 2002 | 10:51 PM

CobraXP

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From: Fort Smith

Explorer Handling Question

'98 is when they really started thinking about some of the suspension. They put larger bushings in, and the sway bars are thibker and solid metal.

Once I got the suspension dialed in, my '97 does like I wanted it to...