Rear Suspension?

[Bob Horn]

I have a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport and the rear end is lower then the front. I will be towing this year with it. What do you guys recommend? I don't know if shocks are enough or adding a spring? This is why I am asking the FMers. Help

[Powerstroke]

This is a common problem with the Ford Explorers. They were designed to sit mostly level so any amount of towing will sag the rear leafs.

Shocks will do nothing to raise the rear. Shocks don't support weight, the leafs do. You can try and add-a-leaf kit. They are easily found for most any vehicle. This will stiffen up the ride a little, but I'm sure its so soft in the rear right now you could use a little support back there. A better shock will help the ride quality though.

Look up a few suspension shops. I tried finding something online and although they exist there aren't any specific brands I could find in a few minutes of searching.

[Sandmannd]

I was in a band back in the early 90's that traveled a lot. We had a good sized trailer. I bought a Chevy K5 blazer to tow with. No one told me what a short wheel base realy does when towing. Anyway, the thing bounced all over because the back end dropped as soon as you put the trailer on. We were on the road a couple of weeks and my older brother showed up with a leaf spring kit. I think we added 3 or 4 to each side. Ride was stiffer when not towing anything, but when towing it handled awesome. I believe they were easy to put on. Just pull off the rear tires and put these on. I know jack about cars and I did it fine.

[Bob Horn]

Thanks guys!!!

[Powerstroke]

An add-a-leaf can be installed by anyone who can turn a wrench. Just javck up the rear end, put c-clamps on the leafs, unbolt the u-bolts and lower the axle. Pull the center pin and install the new leaf. You'll need a longer center pin and new u-bolts. Put it all back together and you're set.

I did these on my vehicle last fall and it took me less than 2 hrs and I had to remove the sway bars links and shocks too.