2003 Handling woes

[Stephen Fox]

I have a 2003 Explorer Limited V8 AWD and up until recently had always thought it handled perfectly. I've had the truck back to the dealer to replace the chrome wheels that were peeling. It seemed shortly thereafter that the truck seemed to dart when steering at highway speeds. There seems to be increased body roll. I know something changed but, the dealer said it seems fine. They supposedly did a suspension check and found nothing. I hate the way it handles now and I have to make a trip from Mass. to southern Florida this summer. Has anybody experienced any of these symptoms with there Explorer. I was thinking about getting an alignment. You wouldn't think you'd need an alignment after 7000 miles but, maybe they changed something when replacing the wheels. All 4 wheels have 35 lbs. of air pressure.
Steve

[Xplorer01]

yeah try an alignment, see if that'll help.

[NoXferCase]

I agree. Alignment would be the first (and cheapest) thing. Darting tends to be related to toe-in. As far as "only 7,000 miles", all it takes is 1 good pothole!

I'm kind of curious about your "bodyroll" comment. I've heard of people removing their REAR sway bar with no real problem. Removing the FRONT sway bar would make it essentially undriveable on the street.

Most of the manuals I've seen do NOT require you to remove either one when changing wheels. Hmmmmmm.......

[Stephen Fox]

Originally Posted by NoXferCase

I agree. Alignment would be the first (and cheapest) thing. Darting tends to be related to toe-in. As far as "only 7,000 miles", all it takes is 1 good pothole!

I'm kind of curious about your "bodyroll" comment. I've heard of people removing their REAR sway bar with no real problem. Removing the FRONT sway bar would make it essentially undriveable on the street.

Most of the manuals I've seen do NOT require you to remove either one when changing wheels. Hmmmmmm.......

After I got home I crawled under the truck and checked everything I could. I noticed that the driver's rear shock was leaking hydraulic fluid all over. They didn't even check, at least that's what I think. How could they miss that? Anyway, I brought it back after calling the Service Manager and complained. They replaced both rear shocks and did a 4-wheel alignment and the truck is back to normal. Thanks for your replies.