Ok, while I know fundamentals about towing I'm not mechanically inclined ... I get lost doing anything more complicated than changing oil or putting a spare tire on. I have a 2000 Ford Explorer, 4.0 V6, automatic transmission. Have noted lately that the rear end sags pretty badly compared to a couple years ago when I hitch up the boat, and I know it's time to replace/upgrade some rear suspension, but what?

Stopped at a Midas place & they recommended 'load leveler' shocks, which are shocks with a coil spring mounted on them. What they told me is that under normal driving, the springs don't really get used - you're just riding on the shocks, but when you put a load in the truck or attach a trailer (with the tongue weight) the springs compress and absorb most of the extra weight so the truck is still (mostly) riding on the shocks. Was quoted $323 installed for these.

The Ford dealer I use (Bill Utter in Denton) suggested just replacing the shocks and springs - they said that they don't have anything like load levelers available at all.

Any thoughts? The vehicle is paid for & I'd just as soon get another 5-6 years of use from it - it tows my boat just fine. Don't mind spending money on maintenance & upkeep but I don't want to throw money away on unnecessary work or find that I had the wrong thing fixed. Thanks to all.

Monroe Truck Reflex's up front and Monroe Sensa-Trac Load Adjusting Shocks for the rear.


That's what I run on my Expedition and it made a huge difference over the stock POS that I had replaced.


-Z-

Your springs are worn. The "load leveler" shocks might solve your problem but they are really a temporaty solution. I would replace the springs then possibly add the assist springs. The reason the dealer doesn't install load levelers is because they are not a factory part.

What they said isn't right. If the springs weren't there the rear end would drop. The shocks do not support loads on a standard suspension. Their function is to control the overall movement of the wheel/tire.

Thanks guys, this helps enormously - I never completely trust the guy in the shop, as he makes more money by selling me more stuff.

I put a set of the Monroe "overload" shocks on my '98 Grand Cherokee and it made all the difference. There is a specific name for these but I don't remember what it is. They are a shock with a coil spring outside of it. I got them at O'Reilly's for $150-$175 total. Put them on myself which was pretty easy. The ride is firmer and it handles a load better.

Shocks keep your tires in contact with the road. They control the unsprung weight (tire, rim, brakes, etc.). Springs support the body and everthing above them. I would suggest new springs or try the helper springs. Even if the helper springs do not work you can add them after getting new springs.

I have the Monroe sensa tract on the rear of my Expedition like South padre bum but opted for Bilstein's up front.

I believe they also have some air asist shocks as well. But like Stump jumper said if the coils springs are weak it would be a temp fix. You could also add a spring spacer.