Shocks??
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 172
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From: Nashville
Shocks??
I have my factory shocks and its about time i look for some newones.. I use my explorer as an everyday driver and thats it .. i tow nothing but my own fat butt. I have read that monroe are good.. any thoughts
1998 XLT
2 wheel drive
126k
1998 XLT
2 wheel drive
126k
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2007
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Sensatrac by Monroe are a nice choice without breaking the bank. Front #37177 rear #37035. Walk-in price is $35-$40 each....... I hate Monro-matics, I wouldn't sell them at all except for the "gimme the cheapest............." customers I have to acommodate.
Moderator
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Southern California
20 years ago I used to be a Monroe/Gabriel fan, but no more. While I will not doubt the performance of Bilstein, koni or edlebrock, I would recommend for the daily driver KYB. They make 2 versions, the gas-a-just and the GR-2. The G-A-J is their 1st version and is more performance oriented, increasing shock stiffness about 10% over oem and much better valving for increased response, but a little stiffer of a ride. The GR2, do the same thing except, they have an internal valve that adjust to the driving conditions meaning although the ride is a little firmer, it's not stiff unless you start getting into it (similiar to the Edelbrock). Cost, very inexpensive compared to other...go to performance suspension technologies web site & they sell (including shipping) for less than most can buy them wholesale for.
My favorite shocks of all time were Interpart (long gone now) and i have since (20 + years) been running the KYB's on everything I have (65 shelby mustnag, 97 Cougar sport, 87 honda civic, 69 ranchero GT, F150 4x2 SB) with no complaints and no failures...and of course they have a lifetime warranty.
My favorite shocks of all time were Interpart (long gone now) and i have since (20 + years) been running the KYB's on everything I have (65 shelby mustnag, 97 Cougar sport, 87 honda civic, 69 ranchero GT, F150 4x2 SB) with no complaints and no failures...and of course they have a lifetime warranty.
New User
Joined: Feb 2006
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Originally Posted by PPG908629
Sensatrac by Monroe are a nice choice without breaking the bank. Front #37177 rear #37035. Walk-in price is $35-$40 each....... I hate Monro-matics, I wouldn't sell them at all except for the "gimme the cheapest............." customers I have to acommodate.
I didn't think I was putting the "gimme the cheapest" in. They also had OEM shocks for $12!! I think I would have been better off with those. Oh well, it's the wifes car so I don't have to put up with it every day, lol
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Elder User
Joined: Dec 2000
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I've replaced the shocks on all three of my Explorers with Bilstein's and highly recommend them.
Mason
Mason
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Fort Smith
Originally Posted by ripcurl94
Bilstein
95-01 Explorer 2WD (Non air leveling)
B46-2131-H0
B46-2132-H0
Something like this?? i found on e-shocks.com for 64.95 a set
I do not have the air ride.
95-01 Explorer 2WD (Non air leveling)
B46-2131-H0
B46-2132-H0
Something like this?? i found on e-shocks.com for 64.95 a set
I do not have the air ride.
Former ******
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,901
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From: Salt Lake City, Utah
Uhm dude, Bilstien is just the European division of KYB. So many of the Bilstein and KYB shocks are the same thing. There are a few shocks that are different, as many of the Bilsteins are aimed for European cars, which ride differently. They need to be firm yet smooth.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Fort Smith
Bilstein is not owned by KYB. They are part of the ThyssenKrupp Automotive Group as of somewhere around 1999 or 2000. They started out as an European maker only located in Germany, but have been in North America since the 70's when they started building suspension equipment for the racing and offorad community. They have since become partners with many of the domestic car manufacturers.
KYB shocks are part of the KYB Corporation. They are a great product and might have designs that are very similiar to Bilstein, but they are not the same and are not affiliated with each other.
KYB shocks are part of the KYB Corporation. They are a great product and might have designs that are very similiar to Bilstein, but they are not the same and are not affiliated with each other.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2005
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I have Gabriels top of the line on mine.. as i needed them done asap for a 36hr drive home.. I would highly suggest em..but i found a way to make them a little easier to live with... BEAT THE HELL OUT OF EM.. I took it for a Saturday afternoon drive in the sticks.. I've done my share of off-roading in the past but in a '74 bronco.. I took on anything i thought i could handle without ruining my vehicle.. since i broke em in pretty well that day.. they've been alot smoother LOL i know it seems an odd way of doing things but they were under warranty and i really wasnt enjoying the new stiff ride!
But, if i could do it again i'de go Bilstein or Edelbrock.. maybe even spring for a full suspension kit from explorerexpress.com
Good luck on whichever u choose..
GPyles
But, if i could do it again i'de go Bilstein or Edelbrock.. maybe even spring for a full suspension kit from explorerexpress.com
Good luck on whichever u choose..
GPyles
Moderator
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,104
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From: Southern California
Originally Posted by mason
Cobra, thanks for clearing this up. In my other car world (BMWs) KYBs are considered cheap asian knock-offs of Bilstein, Boge or Sachs. They are not considered a true alternative for the enthusiast.
Mason
Mason
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Fort Smith
Originally Posted by gpyles01
But, if i could do it again i'de go Bilstein or Edelbrock.. maybe even spring for a full suspension kit from explorerexpress.com
GPyles
I would stay away from the Edelbrock shocks listed for the Explorer - especially the ones rated for lowered rides like the ones EE sells. They are the worst shock I have ever run on a vehicle. I bought a set from Dave at EE years ago. I ended up running them for a while, but could not stand it and put Bilstein's back on and gave the Edelbrock's away. I am not the only one that dislikes those...
Now I would recommend to anyone that they utilze the sway bars from EE - especially the front bar for a 95-97. THat was one of the better mods I put on the Explorer. Totally different feel, especially being lowered.
