How much to level? and thoughts on struts

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buzzie0013

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So I just put on a set of new tires and the shop showed me some dampness on my front shocks. They quoted me on some Monroe reflex struts,but I would like something better. Recommendations? While they are in there, I would like to throw in a front leveling kit. Being that I usually see people on here doing a 3/2 kit, is it safe to say that I only need a 1" kit for the front to level it?

This is all for a 2013 xlt EL 4x4
 
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drokmofo

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I think it is closer to 2". Maybe 1 3/4". Mine is an 07 and I only used the front coil spacers to level it. I used the 2/1 kit from rough country. It sits maybe a 1/4" higher in the front and it is hard to notice. Very easy to diy as well. Just be sure to get an alignment after.
 

svfetter

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I would go with Bilsteins on the struts. They Ride so much better than OEM. Monroe makes the OEM struts and they are garbage. Went thru 2 sets in 15K miles under warranty.

As far as leveling, Personally I would not. Raising the front would only cause the back to show more of a squat when carring a load or a trailer. To each his own.
 

drokmofo

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I have the air leveling so squat doesn't factor. But I would be in agreement w svfetter if you don't have air leveling and plan to tow much.
 

Haulin-Iron

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Replaced my factory rears with Monroe reflexes due to a leaky strut, and they are GARBAGE. Going with Bilstins all around. Should have known better. My '08 expy limited sport rides like a stagecoach now..
 
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svfetter

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Replaced my factory rears with Monroe reflexes due to a leaky strut, and they are GARBAGE. Going with Bilstins all around. Should have known better. My '08 expy limited sport rides like a stagecoach now..

Not surprised. I believe Monroe and / or it's parent company provides all the OEM struts as well. After going thru (2) OEM sets in less than 15k miles I believe there are many, many Expeditions out there with bad or leaking struts. I just don't believe most will notice. The ride will change gradually and with most of the trucks having large wheels and tires, you really have to almost crawl under to see if the strut is wet with leaking oil. I believe this is a much bigger problem that reported.

Love my Bilsteins. Bet you will too!
 

rwmorrisonjr

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Quick question/hijack about the struts and ride: will the ride get harsher as OEM struts wear out? I have 91k on my truck and the ride has suddenly gotten very firm, and it's acting like a solid axle truck when going over bumps. My wife's noticed it, and I'm guessing it's time to replace them. Let me know so I can get moving on replacing them, and please give me recommendations on the Bilsteins I need.
 

svfetter

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Quick question/hijack about the struts and ride: will the ride get harsher as OEM struts wear out? I have 91k on my truck and the ride has suddenly gotten very firm, and it's acting like a solid axle truck when going over bumps. My wife's noticed it, and I'm guessing it's time to replace them. Let me know so I can get moving on replacing them, and please give me recommendations on the Bilsteins I need.

You are way beyond the OEMs being worn out. Virtually all Ford OEMs are gone at 50K miles. When both set of mine lost the majority of their oil the ride got real harsh with very little dampening. Even minor bumps in the road would feel much bigger.

Bilstein only makes one strut for these.

Bilstein, Innovation and High Quality Since 1873

Good Luck.
 

rwmorrisonjr

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You are way beyond the OEMs being worn out. Virtually all Ford OEMs are gone at 50K miles. When both set of mine lost the majority of their oil the ride got real harsh with very little dampening. Even minor bumps in the road would feel much bigger.

Bilstein only makes one strut for these.

Bilstein, Innovation and High Quality Since 1873

Good Luck.

Thanks! Ordering all four from TireRack today!
 

bshore3rd

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Bought 4 Rancho adjustable for My truck. They leveled it out and raised it about 2 inches. I run them in position 5.
 

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