97 Explorer – shocks???

97 Explorer (2wd, 120,000 miles) making a sort of rough, grinding noise in the front. Dad road with me and said it sounded like wheel bearings – nothing to mess with. So, I took it to mechanic today (yellow pages) who said good news: not the bearings – bad news: needs new shocks ($450 for all 4) and new tires (forget the quote). I said I’d think about it and paid $40 for the inspection. The tires look fine! *Lots* of tread (Michelin tires – rated for 85,000 – has 20,000 currently on them) and no unusual wear or marks that “I” can see or feel. I stood on the fender and jumped. Truck bounced once and stopped. I’m totally confused...

Any help would be greatly appreciated…

Jack up the right front, spin the tire, hear roughness? If rough, you need to have the wheel bearings repacked with grease, maybe even have the bearings replaced. Grab the tire, try to see if there's any free play (looseness, wobble). A very minute amount of play is OK. If wobble, the big castle nut inside the dust cap (middle of wheel) is too loose.
If need help, get back to me.
Now do the left front, same thing.
Oh, stay away from the idiot trying to make a commission on tires.

Jerilee... I have some news that might be interesting. My shocks went out on my explorer right at about 70,000 miles. What are the specs on your car? I might be able to help you out in getting some new shocks/struts. I am a web developer/salesperson for an up and coming website called remixtuning.com. I can give you a price if you like.
-Melissa