I have searched this issue to death and still no cure to the infamous "drunken cow" ride of my 98 Navigator 4wd w/ LLS. So far I replaced the rear (non air) and front (air) shocks (Monroe), all were blown out, just installed a Hellwig rear sway bar (with some improvement). I just ordered a Eibach front sway bar ($260, ouch) and hope this helps. I just don't get it, this is a $40k vehicle and can't believe the ride/handling is so poor. Could there be something wrong with the air ride (I don't have any CELs).

I had this issue with my 99 Buick Regal GS and changed shocks and sway bars and it rides like a champ now.

Questions:
Are the factory sway bars used in today's cars/trucks really that poor of quality?

One more thing, i have slightly undersized Michelins on the Nav, can this have a negative effect on ride performance?

 

The little tires are killing you. Mine rode like azz with the stock 17's and continental contitracs. I upgraded to 305/50-20's and it was like owning a whole different truck. I'm confused about what you said though, no air ride in the rear?

 

Nav98,

There is air (LLS) in the rear (but the rear shocks are non-air shocks). I plan to get larger tires when the Michelins wear out. They have 1/2 tread left on them and I suspect that they will wear our quickly on this "tank". I think my tires are only about 1.25" shorter than factory rims/tires regarding overall height. I had no idea that slightly smaller tires could make such a difference.
I would like to keep the original chrome rims (17", I think). They are sparkling "new".

What do you think about having slightly larger (than factory) tires mounted on the factory rims?

 

are you unsatisfied with a "spongy" ride...or just everything in general?


the tires you currently have, are about 99% likely to be "P" rated. I suggest you swap out to a LT tire. It will really firm up the ride.

 

I agree with Tylus.....you can put bigger tires on the stock rims, I just put 17x9 cobra R rims on my mark with 235/55/17 tires.....they look kinda funny, but the tires were used to 60% left and i got them for $50 for all 4. I'll ride them till they are toast then get some 245//45-17's for it thereafter

 

Tylus, the overall ride is spongy and handling seems lacking for a $40+ vehicle. The steering seems a little loose too. All steering components are new or tight (idler arm, pitman, new upper control arms, new upper ball joints, new alignment, etc.) I did tighten up the gearbox adjuster a little to take up some slack (maybe needs more??). There is small knock in steering (play in intermediate shaft). You can feel/hear this play when parked and engine off. Can also feel this slight knock when going over bumps.

My tires are Michelin Cross terrains ($960 new). I bought them used. What's the difference between P and LT rated (thicker sidewalls??). I drove the Nav some more this week and the new rear Helwig sway bar did help a lot. I am waiting on delivery on the new Eibach front sway bar.

Perhaps the combination of poor rated tires (slightly smaller too) and play in steering is making the Nav handle poorly. Only own the Nav for 6 months and my wife drives it most of the time.

98Nav, did the larger tires firm up the ride and handling for you?

 

yes it was a $40,000 truck ..... 11 years ago!
I am sure the suspension is tired.. The front torsion bars are probably beginnging to get a little spongy.. If it really bothers you .. you could always replace the torsion bars with newer and thicker rated ones. That is a pain.. i would check on the tires (go LT) and try the new sway bars.

I have a 99 expedition and it is alot nicer (ride wise) (i think tires are 265/70/16 lt bfg long trail) than my 97 explorer.. as you can see i am comparing old to older though so .. i don't really know what i would do in a 2009 expedition!

 

the ride was awesome 10 yrs ago...but it's a 5,000 + lbs vehicle...and things wear out.



I really think your problem is mostly the tires though.


btw, what air pressure are you running?

 

edit

 

huh?

 

Guys, thx for all your input. Update, I did a 200 mile trip yesterday city/highway (bumpy too). The suspension light came on halfway thru the trip. I don't know what this means. Height is okay and the light went off after we stopped for a hour and then continued. I did change the the factory noisy compressor with an Arbott Industries improved/quiet version 2 months ago. I followed their instructions to a T. Any ideas on why the suspension light came on? I have a ODB-II code reader but not sure it will spit anything out regarding the suspension light.

 

Forgot to mention, tire pressure is about 34psi on all 4 tires.

 

I was drunk and pissed about something else tylus, i edited the post to disappear.

My "check suspension" light used to flicker on once in a while for no reason, then go off and stay off like nothing ever happened. If it goes away and stays away, no harm done

 

Guys,

I finally found a front swar bar ($61) from www.directfordparts.com. I changed it out and presto, no more unstable ride. The nav feels like new with new front and rear sway bars. I guess that since the nav is so heavy that the sway bars are subject to more wear than most other cars.

thx again for all you support.

 

I just bought a 98 navigator and just found out in a snow storm that the 4wd or awd dont work is this a common problem with these trucks or can anyone lead me in the right direction on were to start looking first.