Does anyone have an idea of the average life span of OEM shocks when only run in city and on highway?

 

I have the same question. I have a (160k) '98 Limited 5.0 AWD w/factory air shocks. I just changed the rears and they were wore out. Probably for years! But the fronts don't feel that bad. They will really cost alot to replace also. Is it possible they are still good? The only bright side is they look easier to replace than the rears. I had to drill out the top mount bolts on the rears to remove, and lower some type of tank(?) on the drivers side to mount the new ones. At least I won't be on the floor for the fronts.

 

my 2002 EXP has 110k and still original. my 2001 F150 has 185k and still original.

 

I have a 2005 Sport Trac and most people think the shocks that Ford put on them at the factory were bad. The orginal shocks are just too soft. I put on monroe reflex shocks and the handling is much improved and the truck is much more stable. I would guess at 160K they are worn out.

 

I also posted the question in the 2004 - 2008 F150 Forum. Never have gotten a definitive answer but now I suspect that if the warranty is determinant (40K, 60K, 100K or whatever) don't expect them to last any longer than the warranty period. If warranty is Lifetime then it's anybody's guess I suppose.

My 1997 MM has 122K with factory original shocks and it's getting bouncy.

 

My experience is this.
On my 93 Explorer, I bought it with about 40 K miles on it. There was alot of body roll, so I went with KYB high pressure shocks, and new Bridgestone Dueler tires from Sears. The ride quality and control was amazing after this, and even after it had about 90K miles, people thought the ride was better than their newer trucks. Sold at 120K with same shocks.
My 98 Explorer was purchased with 47K miles. This time I went with Edelbrock shocks, but kept the Goodyear Wrangler tires. Still, the ride quality, and body lean was eliminated. At 120K miles, I changed the front shocks, but I didn't need it. Thought there was a problem, so I got the new ones, and as I was installing them, I noticed that the drivers side stabilizer link was missing. It had sheared off. I replaced that too, and the truck was fine.
The point is that OEM shocks are not very good for ride quality in my opinion. My 05 has OEM shocks with 50K, and seem to be OK so far( someone hit my 98 with 130K on it, and totalled it).The Edelbrocks, or the KYB high pressure shocks make a world of difference in ride quality, and body roll elimination, and are well worth the price. The Edelbrocks were about $70 each, the KYB's about half the price, but both were good, and made a noticeable difference.
Depending on your use, and the weight you put in ( as a carpenter, I did put alot of weight in the trucks) about 60K is probably time to think about a change in my opinion. The cost really isn't that much.If you have an older truck you'll love the difference.

 

I have a 1999 Explorer Sport with 213,000km and the ride is kind of harsh so I'm considering replacing the shocks. I bought the Explorer with 97,500 and I'm not sure if the shocks have ever been replaced. The other thing I'm noticing is there is considerable sag on the back end particularily on the right side. I measured from the top of the wheel well to the ground and the right side is noticeably lower than the left. As a result I think I need to replace the springs on the back end. So my question is.....Is my assessment correct and should I replace my shocks and springs?

 

I would go to a shop that specializes in suspensions to assess the condition of the springs. You're 99 Explorer was essentially the same as my 98, so I'm sure that new KYB, or Edelbrok high pressure shocks will make a dramatic difference in ride quality for you. With 213K on it though, I'm guessing the original springs are close to being done. The other question would be, is the overall condition of the vehicle worth putting several hundred dollars into it for suspension only. What about engine and trans? Also, brake lines tend to rot out on these trucks too. That's part of what happened with my 98.

 

Thanks for the input. My Explorer is very clean and very well maintained so I'm comfortable with spending a few bucks to update my suspension. I'm also planning on keepin' this vehicle for a while so I think it'll be a worthwhile investment. The other question I didn't ask and I'm asking because I've never been under my vehicle but does my Explorer have coil springs or leaf springs?

 

Fronts are definitely coils. Honestly, I can't remember about the rears. Just look under the truck, and see if there's a coil by the shock, or if there is a leaf which supports the rear axel. As I said, if it's worth the investment, bring it to a suspension specialist. They can tell you what is best, and give you a range of prices for what you need. If you're handy, changing the shocks isn't too difficlut. Start there, see what happens, and then maybe go for new springs.

 

I have a 05 Mountaineer and it just started squeaking at the front end when I hit any bumps. It has just over 66000 miles. I didn't know if this could be the shocks already or if
I should look elsewhere.

 

I think mine is ready for new shocks. It's been abused a little bit of late by the fact that the neighbor I share parking with won't maintain his lot and it's an off-road course these days. I'm sure that's accelerated the process for me, even though I've got 112,000 on it.

 

Pjinflag- does your front-end squeaking sound like old bed springs by chance?

If so, check the rubber bushings on the sway bar. Lay under the front-end and have someone rock the body up and down. If coming from the two bushings on the sway bar, they can be easily replaced with polyurethane bushings and the bed spring squeak goes away when you go over speed bumps.

'99 EB 5.0 V8 just passed 250K miles, on way to 300K.

 

While we're talking about shocks....

Where in the world do the top of the fronts bolt on the Explorer? Mine looks like it has some panel in the wheelwell that needs taken off to expose it, but I'll guarantee you there's no poking thru the wheelwell into the engine compartment...if it is, it's buried under hoses, gadgets and all kinds of other stuff. And looking at it I wonder if the front is not a shock, but instead a strut?

Shocks at all 4 corners is fast becoming next on my list of things to do...after I handle some other basic tune-up stuff.