[GeorgeLopez]

Due to financial problems, i had to get rid of my fully loaded 2008 GMC Yukon. It was fully paid off, so all the proceeds went to me.

I got ahold of a 2008 ford escape with....wait for it...91k miles. t'was a fleet vehicle, and after watching the last season of dexter, i love the styling of the escape. After a few days (and some buyers remorse) I realized that it may need some major maintenance issues that need to be addressed. I noticed the fuel economy is terrible, almost makes me think there is a leak, i did some inspection and cant seem to find one. So i'm assuming it needs a full tune up, spark plugs, a brake job, new tires, and alignment. I'll be doing all of this pretty soon.

One thing that's really annoying and is making me kinda regret buying this vehicle is the rough ride. It is terrible, i can feel every little bump on the road, its annoying! Considering the high mileage, i'm assuming the shocks and struts need to be replaced as well.

Also, when i put some weight on the rear, such as just pushing down on it from the rear bumper, it sqeaks real bad - could this be a sign of the need of new shocks and struts? at least for the rear.

And last thing, i'm a big guy - i weight about 300 lbs. I tend to notice that when im inside the vehicle, the front driver side suspension bottoms out, and part of the drivers side rear does that as well. Is this small suv not for big guys? or is it my 91k miles of wear and tear of the suspension?

Feel free to make fun of my weight. Just keep in mind im a 6'6 guy eace:

Thanks in advanced folks

 

[rehctelf]

I drive an 06' so I'm not sure if the suspensions are the same but at 250lbs my truck doesn't seem to have too much give when I jump in. I'm guessing as a fleet vehicle there may be a bit of excessive wear on the suspension, could be causing some of the ride and noise issues as well.

 

[kkreit01]

First off, welcome! :welcome:

Wow -- I'm hoping you got a killer deal on that. Sorry about your issues. Going from a Yukon to Escape, you will notice a diminished ride. The short wheelbase does bounce around a lot. I also noticed going from an 07 to an 08, it seems the new ones have excessive body roll. I thought it was just me, but Car and Driver stated the same of the new Mariner (which came in last in their recent comparison). The suspension on my 08 seems a little too soft for my taste. In all honestly, I preferred the ride and handling of my 07 vs. 08. On the upside, it is great for getting around in parking lots (can't be beat). Visibility is great. The 4wd does excellent in adverse conditions.

I would start by changing oil to a synthetic would good cleaners. Run some shorter intervals (3K) at first. I would immediately flush (search on here for DIY method) the tranny oil -- as it's probably never been changed. The CD4E is the weakest point (by far) in this drivetrain. Your other suggestions sound great. Perform the above 2 first, and then take baby steps as $ allows.

Good luck. Keep us posted, and keep asking questions. There's many brilliant folk around here.

 

[GeorgeLopez]

Hey thanks a lot for the replies - this forum seems to be a lot more friendly than automotiveforums - i posted a similar question and had like 300 views and no reply. I feel right at home now, that im an escape owner.

I did the bounce test on my escape front and back and based on the bounce test it doesnt need new shocks and struts. But i really dont like the fact that when im sitting inside the suv leans to one side. I dont know much about the suspension system, but should i upgrade to an aftermarket set anyways? What the advantage of gas charged struts?

Thanks fellas

 

[markhampete]

But i really dont like the fact that when im sitting inside the suv leans to one side.
Thanks fellas

Are you sure of this? I've only had my 09 Escape for a month and a half, but I already noticed the shape of the hood gives me the illusion that my driver side is lower than my passenger side. I would imagine that if it were truly leaning, you would feel it when trying to drive a straight line.
...and btw, welcome to the site

 

[GeorgeLopez]

Are you sure of this? I've only had my 09 Escape for a month and a half, but I already noticed the shape of the hood gives me the illusion that my driver side is lower than my passenger side. I would imagine that if it were truly leaning, you would feel it when trying to drive a straight line.
...and btw, welcome to the site

Yeah absolutely sure, at first i thought it was just that. But had my wife look at it dead on while i was inside and indeed it leans. I guess im going to have to replace those struts shocks. I've been looking online and i found these kiy or kib (cant remember) set that seems pretty good. But its a little confusing, since it says its for "escapes 01-08". The 08s are supposed to be different than the 07s. Am i missing something? Or did ford just redesigned the shell and kept everything else the same, making most parts compatible?

Thanks.

 

[megascape]

check all the bushings and spacers on the suspension. If you want to stay with normal after market shocks and struts I'd recommend KYB or Monroe Sense-a-track. An inexpensive way to stiffen the ride is to purchase coil spring stabilizers. Both the KYB and Monroes get stiffer as the strut gets more up and down motion while driving. Also check the sway bar bushings, I've read they tend to go out on some of the "E's" fairly quick. a decent up grade is to order a Moog(sp) sway bar.
Last option that is fairly $$ is to order a bolt on rear suspension from Jants Engineering. It allows you to install a set of Rancho RS 9000 adjustable rear shocks. Keep in mind the softest setting is stiff. If you do go the Rancho route, I highly recommend you add the 1 or 2 coil spring stabilizers to the front coils only. start with 1 in each coil and if you want more stiffness add the other stabilizer..Good luck and I love my '08. :thumb:

 

[GeorgeLopez]

check all the bushings and spacers on the suspension. If you want to stay with normal after market shocks and struts I'd recommend KYB or Monroe Sense-a-track. An inexpensive way to stiffen the ride is to purchase coil spring stabilizers. Both the KYB and Monroes get stiffer as the strut gets more up and down motion while driving. Also check the sway bar bushings, I've read they tend to go out on some of the "E's" fairly quick. a decent up grade is to order a Moog(sp) sway bar.
Last option that is fairly $$ is to order a bolt on rear suspension from Jants Engineering. It allows you to install a set of Rancho RS 9000 adjustable rear shocks. Keep in mind the softest setting is stiff. If you do go the Rancho route, I highly recommend you add the 1 or 2 coil spring stabilizers to the front coils only. start with 1 in each coil and if you want more stiffness add the other stabilizer..Good luck and I love my '08. :thumb:

Hey thanks alot, but to answer my question - the KYB description says the shock strut set is for escapes 01-08. The escape was re-designed for 08. Is this a mistake? or did ford make changes to the body and interior only and left most of the other stuff unchanged? making the KYB description correct.

Thanks again.

 

[jonas1022]

KYB is probably a good source for what is different and what isn't. Just the same, personal preference here, I'd probably call the local Ford Parts counter and just ask them. They may not know why it is different. But they will have two differing part numbers if there are any true differences. 09 had a powertrain (both engine and transmission) upgrade, so I am assuming that some of the suspension parts were changed/modified for that model year. We have an 08 Mazda Tribute, and it's the twin to the Escape and Mariner. No issues so far. In fact, our dealer's mechanics where we take it for service have told me they don't get to work on them often as they are more reliable than anything else the dealer sells. :shock:

 

[Boghog]

I don't want to rain on your parade,but shocks and struts to not support the vehicle.That is the job of the springs.Shocks control the rebound of the wheel.Most coil springs fail due to constant overloading, excessive up and down movement or just a general breakdown due to metal fatigue. Springs can also corrode and rust. How do you know if you have a suspension problem? You'll probably feel it if a spring fails, your ride will become hard and jarring. Failed shocks may result in excessive "bouncing" or up and down movement of your car's front or back end. It may also become harder to steer, and could feel like your vehicle is pulling to the left or right.And as far as placing spacers between the coils,thats a no no.Automotive coil springs are wound tight at the top and bottom and loose in the center.Each part of the spring controls a certain type of force.The tighter windings controls normal road vibrations and the loosely wound control the heavy loads,like potholes and speed bumps.At 300lbs your probably collapsing the tighter windings.I would recommend replacing the front coils with one designed for your needs like from Pohl Spring Works.

 

[GeorgeLopez]

Yeah, you're right boghog. Since i plan on swapping the shocks and struts anyway. I think ill change those springs as well. Thanks a lot.

 

[megascape]

the stabilizers work just fine for my rig. try canuck motorsports for new coil springs. i have an '08 but all the '07 stuff fits on the suspension..

 

[Walkingchaos]

can someone give a quick definition of the spring stabalizers and what they do ?