SDExpedition
Member
There is a bit of good information on here and some that is convoluted. I have read most all of them, and understand every application, truck, and owner is different.
What I'm trying to achieve is a slighty more performance minded lift. I do go to the desert and bumpy fire roads etc. This is not for a 24/7 mall crawler. I don't need full height at the loss of articulation and travel. To me (full height), that's mainly a street lift for looks, with very minor off road ability.
From what I've read here and gathered as well experienced along the way, I have a few questions on this as well as my opinions on it.
The way I see things;
Shocks grades from experience,
Bottom barrel: softer riding, shorter shock life, OEM like Ebay specials, Monroe, Gabriel, with a slight higher grade to the Rancho, Pro Comp series. They do work for some that want that Cadilac feel, but quality wise, the next level is a large step. This includes the one-piece leveling series. They work, look great, but service life and performance off-road may be somewhat limited in comparison.
Mid grade: Kyb and Bilstein 4600 are a step up, with Bilstein 4600 taking the longevity & performance award. Can't beat them hands down. Kyb is a step up, but not near a Bilstein 4600 in both regards.
Top shelf: Bilstein 5100 levelers and true coil-overs. From there it's another step up to true coil-overs.
Fox, King, Icon and the like. These are found on the F150, and assuming proper install and clearance confirmation, should be doable on the Expedition (as been documented on the forum). The slightly longer shock shafts would however extend the down-travel, so limiting straps might be a good option. Have to protect those half-shafts!
Lift options;
Pucks/Coil levelers/spring spacers etc.:
The 3-2 strut pucks seem like a basic option that's economical, but with loss of downtravel, and a slight angle change on the ball-joint. Though, not enough to cause any abnormal wear or breaking issues. At least not yet to be reported on this forum. Couple these pucks with a set of Bilstein 4600', and you have a nice mid-grade setup. It may tend to perform and feel more like a truck. A bit stiffer (depending on tire selection as well) with a loss is downtravel being the trade. Tire size 33" up to a 35" with the 3.5"-2.5" kit
Cost: $89-$299 (typically)
Adjustable strut lift:
Rancho quick-lift, Procomp. (F150)-Bilstein 5100 adjustable leveler, Fox, King Icon etc.
More expensive, changes the geometry further than the pucks, but a viable option at a reasonable cost. You get an improved shock with the lift all in one. More off road ability. Seems to be the more off road performance route. Shorter lift +/- 2.0 and 33" tires, would be a good combination for clearance and travel. Cost more but more practical.
$300+++
So with that, for the front I'm debating a set of F150 Bilstein 5100 adjustable levelers (shocks with stock springs only). Set them at full extension 2.5" and limiting straps to keep the half shafts from the A-arm. (If any one is running these and does a bit of offroad, have you had any issues?)
Then puck the rear at 2.0", I have Bilstein 4600's in there now. Love 'em.
I would assume the height of the truck would be fairly level at 2.5" front 2.0" rear?
The plan is for 33", or 34" A/Ts if they fit.
Thoughts? Should I just 3-2 puck it with 4600's and be done? Those F150 5100's are a better shock, and will give better offroad performance over most.
What I'm trying to achieve is a slighty more performance minded lift. I do go to the desert and bumpy fire roads etc. This is not for a 24/7 mall crawler. I don't need full height at the loss of articulation and travel. To me (full height), that's mainly a street lift for looks, with very minor off road ability.
From what I've read here and gathered as well experienced along the way, I have a few questions on this as well as my opinions on it.
The way I see things;
Shocks grades from experience,
Bottom barrel: softer riding, shorter shock life, OEM like Ebay specials, Monroe, Gabriel, with a slight higher grade to the Rancho, Pro Comp series. They do work for some that want that Cadilac feel, but quality wise, the next level is a large step. This includes the one-piece leveling series. They work, look great, but service life and performance off-road may be somewhat limited in comparison.
Mid grade: Kyb and Bilstein 4600 are a step up, with Bilstein 4600 taking the longevity & performance award. Can't beat them hands down. Kyb is a step up, but not near a Bilstein 4600 in both regards.
Top shelf: Bilstein 5100 levelers and true coil-overs. From there it's another step up to true coil-overs.
Fox, King, Icon and the like. These are found on the F150, and assuming proper install and clearance confirmation, should be doable on the Expedition (as been documented on the forum). The slightly longer shock shafts would however extend the down-travel, so limiting straps might be a good option. Have to protect those half-shafts!
Lift options;
Pucks/Coil levelers/spring spacers etc.:
The 3-2 strut pucks seem like a basic option that's economical, but with loss of downtravel, and a slight angle change on the ball-joint. Though, not enough to cause any abnormal wear or breaking issues. At least not yet to be reported on this forum. Couple these pucks with a set of Bilstein 4600', and you have a nice mid-grade setup. It may tend to perform and feel more like a truck. A bit stiffer (depending on tire selection as well) with a loss is downtravel being the trade. Tire size 33" up to a 35" with the 3.5"-2.5" kit
Cost: $89-$299 (typically)
Adjustable strut lift:
Rancho quick-lift, Procomp. (F150)-Bilstein 5100 adjustable leveler, Fox, King Icon etc.
More expensive, changes the geometry further than the pucks, but a viable option at a reasonable cost. You get an improved shock with the lift all in one. More off road ability. Seems to be the more off road performance route. Shorter lift +/- 2.0 and 33" tires, would be a good combination for clearance and travel. Cost more but more practical.
$300+++
So with that, for the front I'm debating a set of F150 Bilstein 5100 adjustable levelers (shocks with stock springs only). Set them at full extension 2.5" and limiting straps to keep the half shafts from the A-arm. (If any one is running these and does a bit of offroad, have you had any issues?)
Then puck the rear at 2.0", I have Bilstein 4600's in there now. Love 'em.
I would assume the height of the truck would be fairly level at 2.5" front 2.0" rear?
The plan is for 33", or 34" A/Ts if they fit.
Thoughts? Should I just 3-2 puck it with 4600's and be done? Those F150 5100's are a better shock, and will give better offroad performance over most.
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