explorer stability
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explorer stability
i have a 98 explorer-xlt. Due to the recent information now available that explorers are unstable (as are most suvs') and can tip over in evasive manuvers--i'm wanting to make my explorer more safe and stable--any suggestions on this would be appreciated--wider tires? lower suspension--extra stablizers?????????
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explorer stability
Hey there, i've got a great idea..................don't drive it like a car.No sudden 90 degree turns at 50 mph and you'll be fine. I'd have to say i've pushed my '98 sport pretty hard and never lost traction or control, drive carefully!
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From: Fort Smith
explorer stability
[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 04-Jan-01 AT 06:10 PM (EST)[/font][p]As I agree with the others as to an Explorer is not made to run the slalom with, the common sense rules will make it a safer ride- lowering your Explorer, bringing the center of gravity closer to the road is always the best bet. You can also change the sway bars to heavier duty setups to resist roll in harder turns. I have done both of these, including changing to the Edelbrock shocks, plus others. My Explorer isn't 4wd, nor do I drive it like one. I bought it for the power and space. Was right for me.
Biggest question- if you want to run corners harder, why buy an Explorer? Get a Mustang... If it is for looks, than there are things you can do. Get the Explorer Express catalog. There is a good article in it where they did the tests and give good suggestions. I wouldn't get the parts from them, they are a little high on prices. You can find them cheaper....
CobraXP
Biggest question- if you want to run corners harder, why buy an Explorer? Get a Mustang... If it is for looks, than there are things you can do. Get the Explorer Express catalog. There is a good article in it where they did the tests and give good suggestions. I wouldn't get the parts from them, they are a little high on prices. You can find them cheaper....
CobraXP
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explorer stability
Since there is a high likelyhood that the originator of this discussion will not be checking in on it again. (it has been so long since the first post) I would like to offer this resource for others who have concerns about the stability of Ford Explorers and other SUV's. Please read this very in-depth article that thoroughly investigates this instability problem. Especially instability during unordinary circumstances such as the loss of tire-pressure - a blowout, if you will.
It can be found on the web, here:
http://www.caranddriver.com/xp/Caranddriver/columns/2001/January/200101_steeringcolumn.xml
It can be found on the web, here:
http://www.caranddriver.com/xp/Caranddriver/columns/2001/January/200101_steeringcolumn.xml
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explorer stability
I have a 96 Explorer Sport I dropped it about and inch and put in a rear swaybar made all the diffrence in the world try it you might be happy.
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explorer stability
how did you lower it? there's a plethora of drop-spindles; springs and such on the market but for the explorer? I'm looking for cross installable stuff for the Sport Trac. Have a set of 225s and 245 x 16s but when I rolled them up to the stock tires I had to laugh how shorter they were.
Oh well, this is a work truck and will be loaded down with people and with stuff in the shell so no slalom action anticipated (or encouraged). and if there is an accident I'm gonna' tell the wife to just plow in, the feds even gave it two airbags.
jjkg!
what's the rollover protection of these trucks I don't know if they have integral rollcage or just a tin can roof like most of the cherokees. help?
Oh well, this is a work truck and will be loaded down with people and with stuff in the shell so no slalom action anticipated (or encouraged). and if there is an accident I'm gonna' tell the wife to just plow in, the feds even gave it two airbags.
jjkg!
what's the rollover protection of these trucks I don't know if they have integral rollcage or just a tin can roof like most of the cherokees. help?
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explorer stability
most of these posts are right. first replace shocks, mfgrs cut corners with OEM shocks, buy good ones. also heavy duty sway bar and steering links(got mine at performance products, installed by goodyr dealer) and the change that helped handling the most was getting rid of the knobby 235.75x15 'off road' tires and going to a plus 0 sizing. went with dunlop Touring A/T in a 255.70x15. this is more of a hiway tread and 20mm wider. no problems in snow either(chicago) and very good wet braking. mine is a 96 4dr. i can really tell differernce in other stock explorers. the handling and ride are also much better and u even get a little better mpg. these changes wont bankrupt you and you ll be amazed at the change
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