Shock question

i have a 01' explorer sport 4.0L SOHC. i rides like a tank. if run over an acorn it almost launches me out the sunroof. it has 103,000 miles on it and i am going to replace the shocks on it and the upper control arms. my question is, what is a good brand of shocks to get for it that has a smooth ride and but also handles well. any info would be great. thanks for ur time.

I'm not sure shocks will make much of a difference for the stiff ride. That has more to do with the springs/torsion bars. If you want a smooth ride, you'll probably need to transition to a 2002 or newer Explorer/Mountaineer/Aviator. Even the Explorer Sport in 2002 I think uses the older suspension design.

-Rod

I don't think you need a new truck. Monroe are very good shocks and available everywhere. Original equipment motorcraft would be fine to. If you get into Rancho and aftermarket then you have choices and most are firmer than stock.

My point is worn shocks will not cause a rough ride. Worn shocks may cause a bouncy ride, but if anything, worn shocks will make the ride feel softer. I suppose if the shocks on it are aftermarket they may contribute to a firm ride, but the shorter wheelbase of the Sport, torsion bar front and solid axle rear is not going to yield the ride of a car. The newer Explorers have a much more car-like ride.

-Rod

well the is a bit bouncy on bumps. there the orignal shocks. i know the ball joint on the control arm is bad, because it is causing uneven tire wear. but from what you are saying, rod, that the new shocks won't fix the rough ride?

Right, shock absorbers do just that, they absorb (dampen) shocks. When a shock fails it no longer effectively dampens shocks. This causes the vehicle continue to bounce (see undamped mass-spring systems), but will not cause a firmer ride. Usually the ride will feel softer.

-Rod