Well it's been raining problems for the last two months with my wifes 2002 Explorer 4.6 V8,4x4, 98,500miles. It all started last month with another wheel bearing then an IAC. Last week the drivers window quite working. I had her take it a local place, they forgot to order the part after 4 days so today she took it to the Ford dealership. They replaced the window switch and all is fine. She gives me a call and tells me she just picked it up and the service manager informed her that a rear spring was cracked and this is a common problem with 02's along with wheel bearings. He advised her that the vehicle would drop in the rear if the spring failed, duh! He also advised her that with the current mileage and inherint problems with the 02's we may want to look at a new vehicle!! This guy takes the cake!

The vehicle has been paid in full for about 2 years and I plan on her driving it a couple more years. I'm out of town working this week and have a couple questions.

1. Is the rear spring a coil-over shock and how hard are they to change? What brand?

2. If I'm doing the rear shocks might as well do the fronts. How bad are they to change? What brand?

3. I also intend to change plugs and wires, should I stay factory or is aftermarket fine?

4. Where is the best place buy or order all the above?

Thanks guys

4. What

 

When I replace the broken spring should I also replace the other one at the same time?

 

IIRC, the rear is a leaf spring style on the 02's, right?

If so, hell yes replace both the left and right. Replacing shocks is not difficult. I just did all 4 on my 2001 without any real problems. I like the Monroe Sensa-trac or the Monroe Reflex on these trucks. Get em from TheShockWarehouse.com.

Stay with Motorcraft plugs and wires for sure.

Good luck. The cost of these "repairs" is far less than a new vehicle. Well worth doing, IMO.

CMOS

 

No, leaf springs. First year for the independent rear suspension I believe. Got home this evening and the dealer was correct one of the rear springs is rusted through. Planning on replacing springs and shocks on all 4 corners over memorial day weekend with some help from my step-dad. Any tips, help would be appreciated before I tackle this project.

 

I see you had no replies for tips so I have to ask you if you have any for me. Just found out that my 02 Mountaineer has both rear coils broken and would prefer to do it myself & replace the shocks as long as they have to come out too. My sense is to put jack stands on ea side, raise up the axle a bit to relieve tension, unbolt bottom of shock, lower axle & finish with removal process. Does that sound reasonable & do I need a spring compressor ?
Thanks for any help.

 

Yep, you got the right idea. You will need a spring compressor, the one my step-dad had was scary. Get one that is correct for the application and it should be a piece of cake. You may be able to rent or get a loaner from an auto parts store.

 

Thanks for the quick response. I appreciate your help.
HAPPY NEW YEAR