I just ordered shocks and struts from Detroit Axle for my 2015 Ford Explorer Sport 3.5T, but now I’m a bit confused. The order says AWD, but I think mine has the intelligent 4WD system. I called Detroit Axle, and one person said they’d fit, while another said they wouldn’t. Has anyone dealt with this situation? Did you find a difference between AWD and 4WD parts?
Stay away from Detroit Axle. I had to replace a set of their brakes on my wife’s Explorer after just 6 months.
Cancel that order and buy MOTORCRAFT struts instead. They’re about $150 each on Rock Auto, but they’re totally worth it. If you let the Detroit Axle ones ship, you’ll regret it. The ride quality with their struts is really bad.
@Tait
I canceled the order because I wasn’t sure they’d fit, but now I see Rock Auto only has FWD and AWD options. Do you think the AWD ones will work for my 4WD?
Aza said:
@Tait
I canceled the order because I wasn’t sure they’d fit, but now I see Rock Auto only has FWD and AWD options. Do you think the AWD ones will work for my 4WD?
Yeah, I just installed the AWD ones in my 4WD about 5 minutes ago. I went with the $150 ones, and it took me about 2 and a half hours to install them.
@Tait
Great to know! Did you replace the sway bar links too? Mine need changing as well, any advice on which ones to get?
Go for Motorcraft from Rock Auto. Detroit Axle is terrible.
Just get the factory Motorcraft strut kit with the rear shocks. Best money you’ll spend.
Monroe works great for mine. Duralast was awful.
Daryn said:
Monroe works great for mine. Duralast was awful.
I put Monroe Quick Struts on mine, and they ride way rougher than stock struts. I wouldn’t recommend them. Plus, their customer service is terrible.
Here’s the link for the Detroit Axle kit I ordered: https://www.detroitaxle.com/part/shocks/8pc-front-struts-rear-shocks-sway-bar-links-suspension-kit/8aqs47517/
Go with Bilstein B4 or even better, B6. They’re awesome.
Go with OEM parts instead.
I learned the hard way with Detroit Axle. The first set was terrible – they used the wrong spring. They did warranty them, but I ended up going with Napa. The rear shocks were okay but had an annoying thump at certain speeds. So I replaced them again with Napa.