99 explorer sport 2wd suspension problems

[dirk mcgirk]

Hello all! I have a 99 explorer that has just terrible suspension. I have had new tires, and expensive KYB shocks installed with very little effect. Every time i hit a dip or bump at an angle it rocks and jars me and my passengers to no end. Also the front springs eek and creak pretty bad. So my question lies in the springs. Is there any way to upgrade to a softer form of suspension without breaking the bank? I am goin crazy here, please help! What do I need, and where can I get it?????

Thanx for your input!

[shorod]

Welcome to the forum!

The eeks and creaks are probably due to the ball joints, which may also explain why the vehicle seems to rock and jar you when going over bumps. Ball joints are a pretty common issue on these Explorers. Outer tie rod ends also can cause the creaking noise.

Did you have the vehicle aligned after getting the new shocks and tires? Some of the rocking and jarring (bump steering) may be due to a bad alignment.

Your Explorer uses torsion bars in the front, so you don't have springs in the common sense. As for softening the suspension, this generation of Explorer is built on a truck frame with truck-like suspension. You are probably never going to get a car-like ride from it. If you want that and the utility of the Explorer, you'll probably want to consider a 2002 or newer Explorer. Also, the tires have quite a bit of sidewall to them which is going to contribute partially to the rocking and jarring when hitting bumps at an angle.

-Rod

[shorod]

I just noticed in the title you mention that your Explorer is 2WD. I'm not familiar with the 2WD front suspension, that may not be torsion bar and therefore some of my comments may not be valid. The rear will still be solid axle though and contribute to a truck-like ride.

-Rod

[dirk mcgirk]

Originally Posted by shorod

Welcome to the forum!

The eeks and creaks are probably due to the ball joints, which may also explain why the vehicle seems to rock and jar you when going over bumps. Ball joints are a pretty common issue on these Explorers. Outer tie rod ends also can cause the creaking noise.

Did you have the vehicle aligned after getting the new shocks and tires? Some of the rocking and jarring (bump steering) may be due to a bad alignment.

Your Explorer uses torsion bars in the front, so you don't have springs in the common sense. As for softening the suspension, this generation of Explorer is built on a truck frame with truck-like suspension. You are probably never going to get a car-like ride from it. If you want that and the utility of the Explorer, you'll probably want to consider a 2002 or newer Explorer. Also, the tires have quite a bit of sidewall to them which is going to contribute partially to the rocking and jarring when hitting bumps at an angle.

-Rod

Thanx for all your time and input. It is very helpful info.