Third shock??

['99 EB Explorer]

Ok..so as I was installing my add-a-leaf kit last week, I noticed a 3rd shock on the truck that runs from the frame to the front of the differential.

My question is: what is this thing for??

Can it be removed without major consequences?

Thanks for the input guys.

Also, about 3 hours ago, I ordered my Warrior shackle kit!!!

Say hello to another 2 inches...and finally enough to warrant cranking the t-bars

 

[mn_smokeater]

just a far left field guess but im thinking maybe its to keep the diff and axle from snapping from one end of its moveable range to the other or from slamming into the frame under flex and weight?

 

[4.0B2]

its the new version of the "counter-weight" i think... i still don't get it...

 

[4.0B2]

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/pa...tring=search&itemIdentifier=84466_28199_1593_

axle damper?

 

[adsm08]

Pics?

 

['99 EB Explorer]

I couldn't tell you just by looking at the part...it looks like a regular shock.

 

['99 EB Explorer]

I'll get pix when i do the install on the shackles

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

The '96 I ripped my 8.8 out of had the third shock. For what little it is worth I have no plans of using it in my Ranger. It has a extra tab cast into the center secion with three holes in it for the bracket to mount to.

Mine looked just like this one with the big cast weight, the shock obviously goes between the two tabs.

 

['99 EB Explorer]

Ok...I went out and took some pics of it.

I'm guessing some sort of stabilizer?

As you can see, mine doesn't have the big counter-weight thingy that 85_Ranger4x4 has on his.

So far it's looking pretty useless to me, and I really want to take the sawzall to it, but I get this feeling that if I do that without asking first, my truck will spank me for it. lol

 

[zukirider21]

from what i've heard, you dont need it. it was originally supposed to dampen axle wrap or something like that...

 

[superds]

Ok...I went out and took some pics of it.

I'm guessing some sort of stabilizer?





As you can see, mine doesn't have the big counter-weight thingy that 85_Ranger4x4 has on his.

So far it's looking pretty useless to me, and I really want to take the sawzall to it, but I get this feeling that if I do that without asking first, my truck will spank me for it. lol

How about just unbolting it and removing it? That way, if the ride gets spooky (which I think it won't) you can still put it back on.

 

[naford]

It's to keep the axle from turning forward or back. If you look at the rear axle you will see that the axle is only held in place by the springs and the shocks. When you go forward the axle wants to roll backwards. I would think that with that heavy a vehicle it would be a good idea to put it back on or get one that fits. Back in 2002 Ford had a recall on FX4's with the manual transmission because this turning would cause the differential to crack.

 

[4.0B2]

so what about the earlier ex's that didn't have that? just the counter weight...??? my 2wd does just fine without it.

 

['99 EB Explorer]

I've worked on MANY trucks and have never seen this before. They were all held just fine with the shocks and springs. What makes the exploder so special?

 

[4.0B2]

the explorer my disc brake setup came off of has it. idk the deal... its just weird to me. something else for ford to make money on or something.