Shocks recommendation

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Jan 12, 2009 | 07:30 PM

4.0 Beast

Thread Starter

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From: Gilbert, AZ

Shocks recommendation

Hey guys, anyone have any recommendations on a shock replacement for my 97 Explorer 5.0? I'm looking for something that gives me a nice ride. I dont care about cornering or performance driving just that it glides over bumps without really feeling them. I was in a Chrysler 300 and was reminded of how nice suspensions are in some cars vs. suvs. I know this may be a bit of a reach but is there anything out there that can compare for my truck?

Thanks...

P.S. And if theres anything else in the suspension that should be changed for a nicer ride please tell me.

Jan 13, 2009 | 09:44 AM

Steina

CO River Rat

Joined: Feb 2004

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From: Lake Havasu City AZ

I think Monroe SensaTracs are a good compromise between ride and performance, but they won't give you the "glide" you're looking for. My '99 rode like a dump truck compared to my '02 (and now '04) because of the independent rear suspension; much more comfortable.

Steve

Jan 13, 2009 | 10:01 AM

Bear River

Former ******

Joined: Nov 2004

Posts: 4,901

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From: Salt Lake City, Utah

Ok, from someone with experience, let me tell you, that Sansatracs are just that, they are a a compromise. We put a set on my moms van since her shocks were very shot. The Sensatracs were nice for about three weeks. Then it was downhill from there. The ride is just barely better than the blown shocks were.

KYB makes some great shocks. You pay a little more, but it is worth it. Bilsteins come highly recommended as well. The rest, either too soft, too hard, or too expensive.

Jan 13, 2009 | 10:17 AM

freesplorer

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Joined: Feb 2006

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I have KYB's on the 4 corners on my 4.0 2001 xlt.. They ride great.. I have em on for 30000 miles and put em on at 90k

Jan 13, 2009 | 10:20 AM

Steina

CO River Rat

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From: Lake Havasu City AZ

Bear -

Were you able to get a refund from Monroe on those shocks?

Steve

Jan 13, 2009 | 12:02 PM

Ace!

Cargo Master

Joined: Nov 2004

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From: So Oregon

I have the Sensatracs and there was a night and day difference between them and "blown" shocks. I will say however that I wouldn't have minded going with a stiffer "offroad" shock. They are definitely a good shock, compared to my completely useless worn out shocks (I don't know what it was like new, or with other shocks to compare). I got the Monroes on sale, with free installation, so they were a pretty good deal.

Jan 13, 2009 | 03:49 PM

4.0 Beast

Thread Starter

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Joined: Oct 2003

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From: Gilbert, AZ

Thanks for the replies guys. I've had sensatracs before and they are too stiff for me. I dont really need a compromise for performance as I dont really drive my truck like that. I guess i just want all comfort. The bilstiens i'm afraid will be too stiff. Anything out there known for being very soft? I have monroe matic (bottom of the line stuff) now and it sucks.