2000 EB 5.4 AWD Shocks (standard springs)

[xJohnnyOx]

My tire man tells me my original equipment shocks are leaking at 189K miles. Just drove a 1600 mile trip and handling is still pretty good, but may be better with new shocks.

After searching the threads, I could not find any definitive recommendation for my configuration.

I am looking at Monroe Reflex shocks at about $56.00 each (little more for the back ones, little less for the fronts).

Can anyone recommend a better price/performance shock than these?

Also, this is mostly for city/freeway driving with occasional towing of a 3300# boat/trailer.

Thank you for any help.

John O.

 

[ARiley23]

Look on rockauto.com

98 Eddie Bauer 5.4

 

[xJohnnyOx]

Thank you for the good source. Much better prices than auto zone.

 

[xJohnnyOx]

Finished installing the shocks today. The ride is much better. I did go with the Monroe Refex. Had a bit of trouble with the rear shocks and can offer this advice:

1. The rear shock upper connection is with a bolt and nut. To remove, apply a good deal of penetrating oil to the nut, and use a wire brush on the bolt head to clean it up. Using an 11/16 socket (tight fit), back out the bolt. You should not need a wrench on the nut as it is secured to the frame with an integral bracket. I used a 1/2" ratchet and a number of extensions with a 2' jack handle for leverage to get it started, then just the ratchet to finish getting the bolt out.
2. The shock would not fit back into the upper bracket on the passenger side. The removed shock was the Motorcraft original, and it appeared that when installed at the factory they tightened the bolt so much that it bent the box bracket inward. After fighting with trying to cram the new shock in for about a 1/2 hour, I decided to fix the bracket by expanding it back out. I did this by using a long 3/8" bolt (fully threaded) and two washers and nuts. I ran the bolt into one side of the bracket and then threaded on the washer, two nuts and the final washerinside the box. I then continued threading until the bolt was coming out the other side. I then put a wrench to the bolt head and another to the furthest nut. I turned the nut like I was loosening it, counter-clockwise so that it would expand the box back out. This worked like a charm and then it was easy to finish the job.

Hope this helps.

John

 

[ARiley23]

Nice congrats. Hows it ride? And any pictures??

98 Eddie Bauer 5.4

 

[xJohnnyOx]

Nice congrats. Hows it ride? And any pictures??

98 Eddie Bauer 5.4

Been about a week now. Ride is very good with the new shocks. I can tell that there was a difference (especially since the old front shocks were shot. No rebound after compressing). Sorry, no pics this time.

John