I have a 2000 Expedition 4.6L with 39k. THe stock shocks were lame so I put on Monroe Reflex shocks. Unfortunately, the vehicle still wallows on even moderately rough roads - it tends to bounce as if it is underdamped. You feel a pronounced bouncing effect from the larger bumps. Uneven bumps left/right really make it wallow, like a big old station wagon with bad shocks. :-( The front is more pronounced than the rear. Anyone else have a similar expereince? Perhaps there are better shock choices?

Thanks,
Eric K

 

I see two main problems -

1) Most people that drive Expy's aren't towing anything, they're just too cool for minivans. Therefore, the usual shock choices are tailored to this particular crowd - mostly made up of soccer moms/grocery store warriors who want this truck (let's not sugarcoat it, "Sport Utility Vehicle" is a stupid concept; it's a truck) to ride like the dreaded minivan.

2) How much do these things weigh? Somewhere in the neighborhood or 5, 6K LBS? That's a whole lot of weight, and once in gains momentum (while, say, pitching towards the ground on a rough road), it's going to take a beast of a shock to stop all that metal from moving. I would think that a shock which would do this would make the ride so rough you'd bust your teeth on every bump.

The Monroe Reflex is a good shock, but it may not be quite what you're looking for - once again, it's made to cater to your average "SUV" buyer (see the comment "too cool for a minivan") and won't be stiff enough for enthusiasts like us. I'd check out maybe Rancho; I'm not too familiar with what kind of sport shocks are available out there.

While you're at it, you may want to put a different set of springs on there.

reply back or e-mail me if you have any more questions.

XXL

 

What kind of tires do you have on your truck? The reason I ask is because the Goodyear Wrangler RT/S are "S" rated. This is a fairly "wobbly" tire (sidewall flexes a lot). On my 99 I've got Michelin Cross Terrain H rated (very stiff tire) and the air ride (hella stiff). I put a hellwig Sway bar on there and now I can take corners like nobody's business, and the truck doesn't wallow at all (more than likely because of the air ride.)

If you come to National Tire & Battery in Annapolis, MD, I'd be more than happy to sell you a set of CrossTerrains

XXL

 

Big Matt,

It has Bridgestone Dueler 693 tires (s-rated), which are made for a plush ride. I believe the shocks are way underdamped for my tastes. I say this because the vehicle rode very well just after I installed the new Reflex shocks - that is before they were broken in - even with the same tires on. Too bad the damping did not stay that way - it would have been just right in my book - almost no bouncing/wallowing.

Any ideas on shocks with better damping??

Thanks,
Eric K

 

I'm not familiar with the sportier shocks available - I've got the air ride (the only way to fly) which is stiffer than any shock you'll find but it still rides real smooth. I'd check out Rancho - they've been a major player in the suspension biz for a long time now. I'd say new shocks and springs will get you riding a little sportier.

XXL

 

Oh yeah, almost forgot - talk to the dudes in the "Suspension, Tires and Wheels" forum. They oughta be able to point you in the right direction.

XXL

 

Erik,,I know what ya mean,,I have a 97' Expy, 4x4, and I installed a set of Rancho RSX shocks, hoping to cure its "wallowing ride" but it has'nt, !

I to feel the dampening is to little with these shocks,,I think maybe the Rancho 5000, may have been a better choice for me,,I still have'nt replaced my front tires though, missmatched at this time, maybe that will help it's road feel.

I did notice though, a couple of weeks ago, it broke a front swaybar link,which I still have'nt replaced,, I know,,I know, but it actually seems to have less of that wallow with out the swaybar upfront working,,Hmmmmm am I on to something here ???

I intend to replace the links soon,,but just getting a feel of the truck without it for now.

By the way last 2 fill ups, it got 14.3 and 14.5 MPG, around town, so I am pretty happy with that, and it is all stock, 5.4, 373 gear, with 92 K miles on her now, Love my Expy,,

Great site,,, ,,,,Later,,,,,,,Mark