Bumpy, choppy ride and hopping
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Bumpy, choppy ride and hopping
Hi everyone!
I just traded in my '99 Explorer Sport (lemon) for a CPO '03.
For some reason, my '99, believe it or not, actually rode MUCH smoother/softer than this new one --especially on the freeway. That said, though, I do believe the shocks on the '99 were worn since I was getting MAJOR side-to-side roll up driveways and speedbumps, and running over lane reflectors felt like going off mini curbs.
Believe it or not --minus the side-to-side roll-- this new '03 rides WORSE than the '99!!!! --INCLUDING the lane reflector "ka-boom's"!
It's so bumpy and choppy on the freeway that the bumpiness can be heard in my voice (like I'm beating my chest) when I'm talking on my cell phone!! Every little concrete seam can be felt.
As well, I've experienced a lot of hopping with this vehicle, particularly when driving over rough-paved curves at a high speed (winding roads are the worst). So much so, that I've had to resort to keeping my tire pressure UNDER what Ford requires.
From what some of the "experts" have told me, the '03's have a far better suspension system --and that I'm basically sacrificing comfort for safety.
Is this true? Would better shocks help?
Thanks for any input.
I just traded in my '99 Explorer Sport (lemon) for a CPO '03.
For some reason, my '99, believe it or not, actually rode MUCH smoother/softer than this new one --especially on the freeway. That said, though, I do believe the shocks on the '99 were worn since I was getting MAJOR side-to-side roll up driveways and speedbumps, and running over lane reflectors felt like going off mini curbs.
Believe it or not --minus the side-to-side roll-- this new '03 rides WORSE than the '99!!!! --INCLUDING the lane reflector "ka-boom's"!
It's so bumpy and choppy on the freeway that the bumpiness can be heard in my voice (like I'm beating my chest) when I'm talking on my cell phone!! Every little concrete seam can be felt.
As well, I've experienced a lot of hopping with this vehicle, particularly when driving over rough-paved curves at a high speed (winding roads are the worst). So much so, that I've had to resort to keeping my tire pressure UNDER what Ford requires.
From what some of the "experts" have told me, the '03's have a far better suspension system --and that I'm basically sacrificing comfort for safety.
Is this true? Would better shocks help?
Thanks for any input.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: CANADA
i would assume the shocks are new or i should say origional on the new truck. so if you heard that the newer trucks have a stiffer suspension then maybe thats life, unless you want to spend a pile redoing your suspension. I bet you could get softer shocks to help out. but you must realize these are trucks not cars and as much as people want these things to be cars they aren't they are trucks. I wonder if a different tire selection would do anything to help out as well. just my 2 cents
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Joined: Jul 2005
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New shocks may help..but i put 100k on my 00 Xplorer stock shocks before i finally swapped them out..smoother on small bumps and not as sharp feeling...i noticed a big difference in smoothness in ride when i bought New SilentArmor Wranglers tires...less interior noise and smoother ride...but they are a bit costly also a heavier tire..slight loss in MPG but nothing huge..Try checking a few other things first...worn ball joints caused me alot of hopping and rough riding...Not sure yet how ford hasn't recalled for it...like LOTR said...it'll always be a truck!!!
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I certainly don't expect to a truck to drive like a car (although, that said, I haven't driven a car in like 30 years), but just remember my '99 rode generally smoother/softer than this '03 and I believe ITS shock were worn.
The '03 is a Certified Pre-Owned that had less than 30k on it (still does). The dealer, upon my request, put a brand new set of Michelin Cross-Terrains on it --which, by the way, were the very same tires my '99 had.
The '03 is a Certified Pre-Owned that had less than 30k on it (still does). The dealer, upon my request, put a brand new set of Michelin Cross-Terrains on it --which, by the way, were the very same tires my '99 had.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Utica, NY
I had a 98 Sport for about 2 1/2 years until it was totaled. I then leased a new (at the time) 2004 Explorer XLT. I have to say that overall, the 04 rides and handles much better than my 98 and especially the 92 I had before that. The only thing I would say is you do few a little bit more road vibration due to the stiffer suspension where the older Explorer just bounced and whaloed (SP?). The ride you are describing does not right, especially since you are used to driving trucks. Some of the earlier gen. 3 Explorers did have a vibration problem that I believe was caused by the driveshaft. It's possible there might be something that needs to be corrected with your truck. I would have the dealer check any TSB that may relate to what you're descibing.
I hope you get everything resolved so you can enjoy your new truck
I hope you get everything resolved so you can enjoy your new truck
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From: Crook county, Illinois
You didn't mention what air pressure you running. My '97 Explorer LTD's door decal recommends 28psi front& rear and I was running my Uniroyal Laredo tires at 35 psi and getting a choppy ride, I lowered them to 28 and it helped Just a thought.
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Thanks for your post, StrokedRanchero.
I actually did mention in my original post that I've had to resort to keeping the tire pressure under what Ford requires.
They require 30 front and 35 rear --I've had to bring them down to 26 front 28 rear (what I had on my '99).
It seems to have eased the hopping, but only just a little. No effect, though, on the choppiness.
I actually did mention in my original post that I've had to resort to keeping the tire pressure under what Ford requires.
They require 30 front and 35 rear --I've had to bring them down to 26 front 28 rear (what I had on my '99).
It seems to have eased the hopping, but only just a little. No effect, though, on the choppiness.
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From: Crook county, Illinois
I bought new Monroe Matics for an Oldsmobile I had one time and believe it or not the rear shocks would not compress I had the dealer while the car was in for sercvice put the car on a lift then place a differential jack under the rear end and it lifted the back end immediatly.I took them back and got replacements. If you haven't done so already,go back to the dealer and test drive an identical vech. like yours, if there is a noticable difference have the service mgr. compare the two also and hopefully he'll make it right for you. Happy Trails
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