Replacing all 4 shocks
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Senior User
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Replacing all 4 shocks
My 02 XLT with 100 K miles is in need of new shocks all around. Is it complicated to change the front shocks (the rears look pretty easy)? Also any reccomendations on brand for replacements ?
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It's highly unlikely you would have four shocks go out at the same time.
If there is a bad shock on either the front or the rear, it is best to replace them in pairs.
Symptoms of bad shocks:
1) Cupping wear on the tire, like three inch flat spots...that is evidence the shock isn't holding the tire to the ground (its' purpose).
2) When jumping off the bumper, the body continues to bobble, rather than stop moving after one stroke.
One word of caution when replacing any....don't select "heavy duty" because you think they'll last longer. They will stiffen the ride and you won't like it. Go with exact replacements for the OEM shocks.
If there is a bad shock on either the front or the rear, it is best to replace them in pairs.
Symptoms of bad shocks:
1) Cupping wear on the tire, like three inch flat spots...that is evidence the shock isn't holding the tire to the ground (its' purpose).
2) When jumping off the bumper, the body continues to bobble, rather than stop moving after one stroke.
One word of caution when replacing any....don't select "heavy duty" because you think they'll last longer. They will stiffen the ride and you won't like it. Go with exact replacements for the OEM shocks.
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Joined: Aug 2004
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I changed out my wife's '06 with Monroe Reflex all the way around. Huge improvement in ride quality. Rear shocks were actually a little more difficult than the fronts due to the amount of corrosion. Remove the spare tire for ease of access. I would spray all the bolts all the way around with PB Blaster for a couple of days prior to changing out the shocks.
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From: Fort Smith
Monroe Reflex or Sensatracs are good shocks to use - which many users on this board and others are using. Best shock for Explorers in my opinion is Bilsteins. I have run the Monroes, Edelbrocks, etc, and the Bilsteins have done the best. They will run you about twice as much per shock as the Monroes, but give an excellent ride quality.
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Originally Posted by mason
I concur with David on the Bilsteins. I have put them on my first two Explorers and they are excellent though a little pricey compared to the Monroes.
Mason
Mason
At least on an '99 Expedition I owned.
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any thoughts/experience on KYB shocks?
also how u unbolt the top nut when it just wants to spin around freely ?
also how u unbolt the top nut when it just wants to spin around freely ?
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Senior User
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From: New York
I have never used Bilsteins before, due to price, Like Dave, I always buy the Monroe Sensatracks and have been very satisfied with them on my past two Explorers. A friend of mine had a Chevy Tahoe with Bilstiens and like Joe B stated, they were harsher over bumps. Good luck with whatever brand you use.
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From: Las Vegas, NV
I put the KYB shocks on my 98 and have been very pleased with them. They ride like new stock shocks (not too stiff, not too mushy) and I have over 60K miles on them.
To keep the old shocks from spinning I put a pipe wrench on the upper portion in the wheel well to keep it still and that did the trick.
To keep the old shocks from spinning I put a pipe wrench on the upper portion in the wheel well to keep it still and that did the trick.
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