Worn-out shocks can turn your Ford Explorer’s ride into a bouncy, noisy mess. You feel every bump and pothole on the road.
Finding the right replacement shocks makes a huge difference. Your ride gets smoother, quieter, and safer for your family. The right set can even improve how your SUV handles turns and stops.
We looked at many shock options for different Explorer models. Some are great for off-road use, while others are perfect for daily driving. Your choice depends on your needs and budget.
This guide will help you pick the best shocks for your Ford Explorer. We break down the top choices so you can make a smart buy.
| Product Image | Product Name | Best For | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Rough Country N3 Front Shocks | Lifted Trucks | PRICES |
 |
SCITOO Full Set Shocks | Complete Replacement | PRICES |
 |
Detroit Axle Struts & Shocks | 2013-2019 Models | PRICES |
 |
maXpeedingrods Front Struts | Front-Wheel Drive | PRICES |
 |
Gabriel Ultra Truck Shocks | Older Models (95-01) | PRICES |
 |
PM Auto Complete Shock Kit | Sport Trac (01-05) | PRICES |
 |
A-Premium Rear Shock Absorbers | Rear Replacement Only | PRICES |
Rough Country N3 Front Shocks
The Rough Country N3 shocks are built for lifted Ford Explorers and Rangers. They handle rough terrain with ease.
These shocks have a 7-8 inch lift range for serious off-road use. The nitrogen-charged design stops fade during hard use. You get a firm ride that controls big bumps well.
Installation is simple with the right tools. The build quality feels strong and durable. They are made to last through tough conditions.
Pros:
👍 Great for lifted trucks
👍 Handles off-road use well
👍 Nitrogen gas stops fade
👍 Strong build quality
👍 Easy to install
Cons:
👎 Firm ride on pavement
👎 Only for front use
👎 Not for stock height
My Honest Opinion:
If you have a lifted Explorer for off-roading, these shocks are a solid pick. They are tough and control big movements. But for daily driving on smooth roads, they might feel too stiff.
SCITOO Full Set Shocks
The SCITOO set gives you all four shocks and struts for 2006-2010 Ford Explorers. It’s a full suspension refresh in one box.
This complete kit replaces your worn-out parts front and rear. The ride quality improves right away. You notice less bouncing and better control on bumps.
Installation is simple if you have basic tools. All the needed parts come in the box. The price is fair for a full set.
Pros:
👍 Complete set for all corners
👍 Fits multiple models
👍 Good ride improvement
👍 Fair price point
👍 All parts included
Cons:
👎 Not for high-performance use
👎 Basic packaging
👎 Limited model years
My Honest Opinion:
This SCITOO set is perfect if all your shocks are shot. You get a smooth ride again without breaking the bank. It’s a great value for a full replacement job.
Detroit Axle Struts & Shocks
Detroit Axle offers a full kit for 2013-2019 Ford Explorers. You get two front struts and two rear shocks.
The front struts come as complete assemblies with springs. This makes installation much easier. You don’t need a spring compressor, which is a big plus.
Ride quality is smooth and controlled. The parts feel well-made and fit right. Detroit Axle has a good name for quality parts.
Pros:
👍 Complete strut assemblies
👍 Easy installation
👍 Smooth ride quality
👍 Good fit for model years
👍 Trusted brand name
Cons:
👎 Heavier shipping weight
👎 Higher price than some
👎 Limited to newer models
My Honest Opinion:
This Detroit Axle kit is a top choice for 2013-2019 Explorers. The complete struts save you time and hassle. The ride is comfortable and stable for daily use.
maXpeedingrods Front Struts
maXpeedingrods provides two front struts for 2013-2019 front-wheel-drive Explorers. They are complete with coil springs.
These struts offer a good balance of comfort and control. The ride is not too soft and not too firm. They handle city streets and highways well.
Installation is simple with the pre-assembled design. The parts match the original equipment specs. You get a direct fit without any mods.
Pros:
👍 Good comfort and control
👍 Pre-assembled for easy install
👍 Direct fit replacement
👍 Fair price for two struts
👍 Solid build quality
Cons:
👎 Front only, need rear shocks
👎 For FWD models only
👎 Basic brand recognition
My Honest Opinion:
These maXpeedingrods struts are a smart buy for front-wheel-drive Explorers. They work well and the price is right. Just remember you’ll need rear shocks too for a full refresh.
Gabriel Ultra Truck Shocks
Gabriel Ultra shocks are for older Ford Explorers from 1995 to 2001. They are a trusted name in shock absorbers.
These shocks give a smooth, controlled ride on older trucks. They reduce bounce and improve handling. The build quality is good for the price.
Installation is simple with basic hand tools. They fit right the first time. Gabriel has been making shocks for many years.
Pros:
👍 Trusted brand name
👍 Smooth ride quality
👍 Good for older models
👍 Easy to install
👍 Fair price point
Cons:
👎 Only front shocks
👎 For older vehicles only
👎 Basic performance
My Honest Opinion:
If you have an older Explorer that needs front shocks, these Gabriels are a safe bet. They work well and last a good while. They are perfect for daily driving needs.
PM Auto Complete Shock Kit
The PM Auto kit is made for 2001-2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac models. It includes all four shocks for a full replacement.
This set gives you both front and rear shocks in one package. The ride improvement is noticeable right after installation. Your truck feels more stable and less bouncy.
All parts are made to fit your Sport Trac perfectly. The quality is good for the price. You get a complete solution without hunting for separate parts.
Pros:
👍 Complete set for Sport Trac
👍 Good ride improvement
👍 Perfect fit for model years
👍 All four shocks included
👍 Good value price
Cons:
👎 Only for Sport Trac models
👎 Basic brand name
👎 Limited to specific years
My Honest Opinion:
Sport Trac owners will love this PM Auto kit. It’s a simple way to refresh your entire suspension. The ride gets much better and the price won’t hurt your wallet.
A-Premium Rear Shock Absorbers
A-Premium offers a pair of rear shock absorbers for 2013-2019 Ford Explorers. They are a direct replacement for the rear only.
These shocks provide a comfortable ride and good control. They reduce body roll in turns and improve braking stability. The build quality feels solid and durable.
Installation is simple with the right tools. They bolt right into place with no issues. The price is fair for a pair of rear shocks.
Pros:
👍 Good ride comfort
👍 Improves handling
👍 Easy installation
👍 Direct fit replacement
👍 Fair price for pair
Cons:
👎 Rear shocks only
👎 Need front struts separately
👎 Basic packaging
My Honest Opinion:
If just your rear shocks are worn out, this A-Premium pair is a great fix. They work well and are easy to install. You’ll notice a better ride right away.