My 2000 5.4l Eddie Bauer 4x4

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ExplorerTom

ExplorerTom

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Got an alignment today to correct the front end after cranking the torsion bars to their max to compliment the Supreme Suspension coil spacers in the back.

Pics to come later.

I'm liking the ride. The Expedition before felt more like my mom's Cadillac than a truck. Now with the factory keys maxed out, it rides stiffer- and I like it.
 
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ExplorerTom

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So it's been awhile but I put the Supreme Suspension 2.5" coil spacers on the rear and cranked the torsion bars to the max. I was able to get the full 2.5" all around (the front may have actually gone up a little more).

Here's a quick pic before going camping recently:
32BB535D-BB65-4C3F-A112-1D09057A63C2.jpg

Initial impressions were favorable. But because I didn't do anything about the shocks, I didn't realize that the rears were basically at full extension at normal ride height. So with any flex, the internal valving quickly got trashed against the end of the tube. It wasn't long before the ride got horrible. I'm pretty sure the tires weren't always in contact with the road.

I ordered some Bilsteins that I thought were good for my lifted application. I had no luck finding good info on the Bilsteins. Tonight I finally got around to installing them. Or, trying to install them...... I got the top bolted in, but I was unable to get the bottom in. Too short. And I was doing this with the full weight of the truck on the tires. The Bilsteins are actually slightly shorter than the Ranchos:
FF862928-14F6-4753-B1F9-310A8E597BE2.jpg

So now I'm going to be installing the Ranchos meant for 4" lifts. Judging by my tape measuring, I think they will work just fine. One nice thing about Ranchos- plenty of info on their website.

Oh, and the old Rancho, I can freely move the shock in and out. It's basically along for the ride.
 

John Christopher

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So it's been awhile but I put the Supreme Suspension 2.5" coil spacers on the rear and cranked the torsion bars to the max. I was able to get the full 2.5" all around (the front may have actually gone up a little more).

Hi Tom, i just found your thread and went through the whole thing. You have a lot of skill and did a great job on the truck. I'm just curious if you had to do it all over would you start with a vehicle in better shape. I believe you said yours cost $4500. How much to you think the have in it all together. Thanks John

Here's a quick pic before going camping recently:
32BB535D-BB65-4C3F-A112-1D09057A63C2.jpg

Initial impressions were favorable. But because I didn't do anything about the shocks, I didn't realize that the rears were basically at full extension at normal ride height. So with any flex, the internal valving quickly got trashed against the end of the tube. It wasn't long before the ride got horrible. I'm pretty sure the tires weren't always in contact with the road.

I ordered some Bilsteins that I thought were good for my lifted application. I had no luck finding good info on the Bilsteins. Tonight I finally got around to installing them. Or, trying to install them...... I got the top bolted in, but I was unable to get the bottom in. Too short. And I was doing this with the full weight of the truck on the tires. The Bilsteins are actually slightly shorter than the Ranchos:
FF862928-14F6-4753-B1F9-310A8E597BE2.jpg

So now I'm going to be installing the Ranchos meant for 4" lifts. Judging by my tape measuring, I think they will work just fine. One nice thing about Ranchos- plenty of info on their website.

Oh, and the old Rancho, I can freely move the shock in and out. It's basically along for the ride.
 

nobycane74

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I just reading through all these threads for your journey in restoration of your expedition...which is looking nice.
Question: What type of muffler did you use/buy for your replacement? I am curious as I am on a similar journey in replacing many parts on mine '01 Exp. EB.

Thanks.
 
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ExplorerTom

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Hi Tom, i just found your thread and went through the whole thing. You have a lot of skill and did a great job on the truck. I'm just curious if you had to do it all over would you start with a vehicle in better shape. I believe you said yours cost $4500. How much to you think the have in it all together. Thanks John

Thanks John.

Better condition...... I feel for the price I paid, it was in pretty good condition. It was a little dirty, but mechanically it's been pretty sound. If I could find one in better shape, I sure would. But I've had some fun with this one.

How much in it all together...... Probably an additional $2000. I can look it up for a better answer when I get back to work (I have a spreadsheet....).
 
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ExplorerTom

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I just reading through all these threads for your journey in restoration of your expedition...which is looking nice.
Question: What type of muffler did you use/buy for your replacement? I am curious as I am on a similar journey in replacing many parts on mine '01 Exp. EB.

Thanks.

I went with the Magnaflow cat-back system. I don't remember the part number. I'm totally happy with the sound it provides. Aggressive but not loud and it doesn't drone.
 
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