Has anyone had a problem with the rear end of thier Explorer sagging. I have a 96 Explorer Sport (4WD with V6 and 5 spd manual transmission) and the rear end is definitely riding much lower than it used to. I have seen other Sports of similar vintage running around with the same problem. I have not noticed this problem on the 4 door Explorers.

Is this worn rear springs or worn shock or both. All of the suspension components are original. My 120# wife drove the vehicle as a daily driver until January 2004. Vehicle has approximately 150K miles on it.

The thing looks and runs great. Just this one probem. Any help, thoughts, comments?

 

I'm a proud owner of a '98 explorer sport and I had a similar problem. In the late 90's ford made the dubious decision to install mono-leaf springs on the sports, which is what I had..until yesterday..I went to a local wrecking lot and bought a couple of leaf spring packs off of a 4-door explorer...It raised the back a bit (doesnt look bad anymore)...but mostly greatly improved the ride...Hopes this helps


JAmes

 

The rear end on my Mountaineer (97) was sagging pretty badly on the left hand side in the rear when I got it (with a LOT of miles on it). Ford quoted me ~400 USD to fix that one side. I ended up taking it to a local spring shop (which came highly recommended) and for ~450 they did both of the rear springs and put in what I consider to be a more reasonable set of springs. Compared to the four leaf set that was under there when I got it the new six leaf set is much sturdier. They would have used a 5 leaf set but when I told them that I planned on towing with it they set it up this way. The ride is a bit harsher, but now it at least does not sag. It rides more like a truck but I do not object to that at all.

When I was looking into possible replacements I recall reading that in the case of the 2-door Explorers of your vintage the rear springs are not as strong as the ones on the four doors. A lot of people seem to put the 4-doors' springs on and have excellent results (edit: looks like jhrsmail posted this same advice as I was typing )

My opinion, take it to a good local spring shop.

 

I've read comments made by other forum users in the past. One mentioned that shock replacement fixed the problem. Had a similar problem after fitting a heavy duty tow pack. (added around 100lb to the rear) A suspension shop here fitted an additional leaf to each side. Problem solved. I recall cost being around $300US BOTH sides.

Paul

 

I did not think that the 4 door springs would fit the 2 door because of the difference in wheelbase. I would be interested in details. What year is your 2 door and what year did the springs come off of? Most importantly, were there any midifications required to make the new springs fit?

Thanks,

 

And what did you have to pay for the 4 door springs? I can get new monoleaf springs for less than $400.00 for the set but if they failed once it is only logical to expet them to fail again so I am intrigued by your approcah to solving this problem.

Local spring shop wanted $600.00+ to build a new spring. Errrrrrr no thanks.

 

These air springs are a good way to go especially if you tow. It makes the ride height adjustabe.
http://www.airliftcompany.com/ridecontrol.htm

 

You just went to the wrong spring shop, that's all.

 

ROCKYJ, what would the right spring have charged? Ballpark #

 

Long story short, just had my rear springs rebuilt (added an additional leaf) at my local shop. 99 4-Door at a cost of $254.00 out the door. But now, we are in a discussion about proper ride height. Rear looks and rides much better, but now the front appears to be low. 187K miles.

Wheel well heights are 34" rear and 33" front. Anybody know what the proper "stock" ride height numbers are?

 

anyone know what yr 4 door leaf pack fits on 99 2 door. Doing the salvage yard swap seems to be cheaper if they will fit.

 

anyone know what yr 4 door leaf pack fits on 99 2 door. Doing the salvage yard swap seems to be cheaper if they will fit

 

hey texan
there were no modifications....donor was a '95 eddie beuar my truck is a 98 sport xlt. It took me maybe 30 mins. I recommend the change. I first measured both springs to be sure..my truck looks better with new springs and 17" rims.