Please excuse my poor searching ability for this info-

I was wondering if an upgrade on the shocks would reduce the front end shaking when I run over manhole covers, potholes, etc. Any insight and any recommendations on better shocks would be much appreciated.

I have a 2001 XLT, 3.0, 2WD, 116,000 miles with relatively new shock absorbers (less than 4000 miles). They are inexpensive shocks from 1A Auto.

P.S. I've had the front suspension checked by a couple of different mechanics and they say it is in good condition. The ball joints and upper control arms have been replaced. Stabilizer kits were installed. There is no excessive free play in steering wheel.

 

Try rotating the tire from front to back. See if there is any change. Also are you on OEM wheels and tires?

 

Yep, OEM wheels and tires, which are brand new. There is no shaking or vibration on smooth road, so I'm not thinking a wheel or tire problem. It's only when I hit a bump in the road. I don't recall if it did this when new, but seems worse now.

 

With no clunking from worn sway bar bushings or links and a clean bill of health otherwise, good shocks are an affordable and legit idea.
Lousy shocks are problematic.
Do 'em now before the cold weather sets in.
What cheap brand did you select?

 

The shock set I got from 1A Auto are "TRQ". Don't know if that's some sort of house brand.

 

Any update on if you replaced the shocks and how it turned out? I was wondering the same thing for my 2001 XLT with 90K miles.

 

I installed the Bilstein shocks as a few folks recommended. They definitely improved the front end shake when going over manhole covers, potholes and the like. They are not cheap, and stiffener the ride a bit, but still a nice improvement.

 

Worn out suspension components will cause all kinds of shakes and rattles at times. Make sure you have good ball joints and bushings and you will eliminate all vibrations, shakes and rattles.