riding very rough and has vibration at 60-75

[thechase_52]

My 2003 expedition really has started riding rough. I am sure the county road that I live on has not helped the stituation. My expedition has also started getting a real bad vibration at higher rates of speed, like around 60-75. The whole vehicle seems to vibrate. As far as the rough ride goes I think it might be the shocks. Any suggestions on what kind to put on or any ideas on what might me causing these two issues?

 

[ecqm8000]

How many miles? Air bags or standard springs? Does the shake at 65 get worse at higher speeds and is still perceptible at lower than 65mph speeds?

Without shocks, our suspensions are like a basket ball. Will roll (ride) smoothe on smoothe surfaces. When the ball hits a bump/dip/rock/cat it will start to dribble. Our shocks are to limit the speed the wheel (ball) can "dribble". Does the truck continue to bounce up and down after a dip? Can you bounce the rig in the driveway? Those conditions would indicate the shocks are worn. OEM shocks can go a long way, but in general, should be replaced around the 50K mark. I just did the shocks on my Expedition and they appeared to be the originals (and if so had 140K on them) but were still in pretty good shape. The shocks on my Model A have few miles but many years on them.

The shake is most likely a wheel/tire imbalance or out of round. If the shocks are weak, then the ball is trying to bounce (at 65-70) and the shocks are unable to stop the "dribble".

 

[thechase_52]

I have 173,000 miles on my 2003 expedition and it has standard springs. The vibration seems to be only noticable at the higher speeds and the truck doesnt really bounce just seems to hit really hard.
as far as the rough ride, the road i live on is horrible, but i have noticed here lately that i can feel the jolt of every pot whole or rock that i hit. on our ranch it is the same way, just really feel every little bump. Never use to be that way, even when the county road i live on was in worse shape than it is now.
Thanks for your input!

 

[ecqm8000]

My guess is those shocks are ka-put (that is a technical term). On any encounter with a bump, the tire assembly is bouncing. Similar to driving on a wash board road with good shocks. Shocks don't have to be expensive. A good deal with someone who likes you (you are on your own there) would be around $100 for the set of four. Really premium stuff can be quite a bit more. That is for parts only - do it your self. Labor and parts mark up can add to that $100 in a hurry. Shocks are a simple job as long as things come apart (pre soak with penetrant oil on the bolts/nuts) and you have the tools. If you are going to farm it out, price shop and you should be able to find a fair price.
The difference between worn out shocks and a new set shocks is truly amazing. I used a KYB GR2 (entry level for that line) for my Expedition and am happy with the results. My cost was around that $100 mark, but I can get "good guy" deals because I am in the truck repair industry.

 

[thechase_52]

Thanks for the info....I am going to try and change the shocks this weekend.

 

[HFFH]

check your wheel weights. if you lost one or a cpl you might be out of balance

 

[marauder66]

Try doing a road force balance first. Weight may have fell off tire causing a tire out of balance.
Also make sure you don't have an engine miss. When at highway speeds and the transmission goes into 4th gear then lock up if you have a miss you can miss diagnose the vibration.

 

[joseph44]

vibration 60/75

I don't want to dispute all the above answer's hope their right and I'm not. But I had that same problem happen to me while pulling my 32.5 foot trailer
on the interstate passing at 65mph when my right rear tire seperated. About 2 mon. later my left tire seperated no trailer this time. The tires acted just like you disscribe.But I learned one big lesson now I ask when my tires were built and I want to see the build date stamp. JUST DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND GET YOUR TIRE TRED CHECK. Good luck and be safe!!!