I have a 1996 Ford Explorer XLT. I purchased it used and have all the previous work records. The previous owner serviced it regularly, purchased the right size tires, etc, etc. But after two years- the ride is HORRIBLE!! I already have a bad back but this thing is killing me! I don't have enough money for a new car as I will be "upside down" on the payments.
NTB installed front shocks and that helped SOME, but then the ride went back to crap. I have Goodyear tires. What do you guys think about if I...
recushion the drivers seat?
Get rear shocks?
Get bigger tires?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated as I am ready to take the bus!!!

Katherine

 

First off, look at the wear pattern of the tires and inspect each tire for damage. I had tread seperation once that was hard to find because it started on the inside of the tire where it was hard to see. Jack up each tire one at a time, turn the tire and inspect all areas for bumbs, tread gouges, uneven wear.

Rub your hand on the tread one way then the other way and see if the drag on your hand is the same, if it is not even the tread could be cupped.

After that, look at each connecting rod, tie rod, sway bar, panhard rod, or anything that has anything to do with the suspension and check it for worn rubber bushings or excessive play. Look for any shinny spots that would indicate wear. Grab the steering bar underneath and try to find any play in it. Look at the leaf spring connection, they tend to degrade and some require lube.

Jack up each tire and grab the top and bottom then try to move it top to bottom checking for excess play.

Have the wheels balanced and repack the wheel bearings.

The shocks usually go out slowly and you can usually tell if they are bad by bouncing each corner of the truck and see if it stops bouncing after 1 cycle, if it continues to bounce, the shock is bad.

Most good alignment / tire shops can tell the problem by the wear pattern.