Lift with load leveling?

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

ACE 71

Member
Joined
Dec 12, 2017
Posts
9
Reaction score
6
Location
CA South Bay Area
Lifting my 2017 with load leveling option. I know I will need to disable the system, and change the rear struts/spring assembly? Any recommendation on the lift? I did the Truxx lift on my ‘09 non-load leveling. Direction on this is appreciated! -Aaron
 

J Ski

3.5plati
Joined
Apr 4, 2017
Posts
1,019
Reaction score
485
Location
VA
If your gonna change to struts and spring assembly I’d go Readylift 3/2. Got just under 3” in the front and a solid 2” in the back after suspension settled. Took me and my dad 4 hours. You WILL NEED an air powered impact wrench and an extra set of hands if doing it yourself. You will save hours if you have that tool. I did it in my driveway one day and it barely needed an alignment. Here’s a pic for ya. Let me know if you have any questions about itEFF8A7D8-859D-4F0F-AD0F-C1A0BA486E2F.jpeg
 

Flexpedition

Full Access Members
Joined
May 26, 2015
Posts
1,339
Reaction score
665
Location
midwest
^^ what he said, and FYI there is no system to disable. Your truck uses Nivomat shocks in the rear, not air compressed bags. 2014 and beyond moved to Nivomat for self-leveling: optional on Expedition, standard equipment on Navigator.
 

limitedex

Full Access Members
Joined
Aug 8, 2016
Posts
119
Reaction score
36
Location
Ok
As an eBay Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

gixer2000

Retrofit or Bust
Joined
Oct 13, 2015
Posts
1,467
Reaction score
644
Location
Massachusetts
My 2013 with LL did not need to have the rear bags replaced. You will need to change out the sensor so it "thinks" it's under load basically.

I'm not sure the 2015+ are the same since some of the guys here say they are no longer bags/struts.

Here you go, this is what I installed.
https://m.ebay.com/itm/Ford-Expedit...ght-sensor-link-arm-/272330959100?_mwBanner=1
Not exactly the sensor but these are just adjustable links and are for Air load leveling only so they won't work on his 2017. However I am using these adjustable links on my 07 and they worked great
 
As an eBay Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
OP
OP
A

ACE 71

Member
Joined
Dec 12, 2017
Posts
9
Reaction score
6
Location
CA South Bay Area
Thanks guys- To clarify, will I need to change the rear strut/spring assembly on my '17 w/LL or just the strut? Also, is there anything to be done with the electronics/sensor?? -Aaron
 

ExpeditionAndy

Full Access Members
Joined
Aug 31, 2013
Posts
3,708
Reaction score
1,130
Location
Fort Wayne, Indiana
If your gonna change to struts and spring assembly I’d go Readylift 3/2. Got just under 3” in the front and a solid 2” in the back after suspension settled. Took me and my dad 4 hours. You WILL NEED an air powered impact wrench and an extra set of hands if doing it yourself. You will save hours if you have that tool. I did it in my driveway one day and it barely needed an alignment. Here’s a pic for ya. Let me know if you have any questions about it.

I'm still confused on the 3/2 lift - Why wouldn't you lift it equally front and back? When I look at mine sitting on a level parking lot or street I don't notice it sloping down or anything like that.

Thanks,
 

Adieu

Full Access Members
Joined
Dec 22, 2016
Posts
3,717
Reaction score
798
Location
SoCal
I'm still confused on the 3/2 lift - Why wouldn't you lift it equally front and back? When I look at mine sitting on a level parking lot or street I don't notice it sloping down or anything like that.

Thanks,

You might not notice it, but it is there

All Ford trucks at factory stock lean forward. Hence all the "levelling kits", the different levels of lift on front & rear Ranchos, etc.

Measure your wheel well heights if you dont believe it.
 

J Ski

3.5plati
Joined
Apr 4, 2017
Posts
1,019
Reaction score
485
Location
VA
I'm still confused on the 3/2 lift - Why wouldn't you lift it equally front and back? When I look at mine sitting on a level parking lot or street I don't notice it sloping down or anything like that.

Thanks,
To shove those big boy 35s under the front wheel wells I’m guessing. Mine rides better than factory with the 3/2 installed. Getting Nitto Ridge Grappler 285/65/20s after the new year. 34.76 x 11.50 I believe are the measurements.

Not many companies have manufactured true suspension lifts for our trucks like they have for other Ford models, Chevys or GMCs. Readylift gave me just what I wanted height wise and the ability to run 35s on my OEM wheels. I guess it boils down to personal preference. You will not be disappointed if you go the 3/2 route IMHO
 

J Ski

3.5plati
Joined
Apr 4, 2017
Posts
1,019
Reaction score
485
Location
VA
Also, any higher and the suspension angles start getting really out of whack. The brake lines will need to be extended rather than just relocated any higher than a 3/2. Just the appearance alone compared to a stock height Ex puts a smile on my face
 

LokiWolf

Staff member
Moderator
Joined
Apr 2, 2016
Posts
3,971
Reaction score
2,834
Location
Richmond VA
Thanks guys- To clarify, will I need to change the rear strut/spring assembly on my '17 w/LL or just the strut? Also, is there anything to be done with the electronics/sensor?? -Aaron
You will not need to change anything. The load leveling kit on your Expy is just a different set of shocks. They do their job regardless of the spacer kits like the Ready Lift Kit.

I had the ReadyLift 3/2 on our 15, and have it sitting in a box to go on the 17, but no time, plus it is COLD!
 
Last edited:

Vancouver Bob

Full Access Members
Joined
Dec 22, 2016
Posts
719
Reaction score
356
Location
Vancouver, WA
I'm still confused on the 3/2 lift - Why wouldn't you lift it equally front and back? When I look at mine sitting on a level parking lot or street I don't notice it sloping down or anything like that.

Thanks,

Hi Andy,

My '03 has always had a rake but I actually liked it because as you load up the back, it comes down. I like that better then starting out level and dragging your ass end when it's loaded up or have a trailer hanging off the back, but that's just my pref. For my gen, maybe later as well, the rear half shafts come thru the frame, so that limits how much one can lift the back end. I'm guessing the "leveling" kits are popular because it allows 35's upfront where a bit more lift is needed to avoid too much rubbing when turning. Even with the leveling kit, mine still has a bit of a rake so I'm happy :).
 

ExpeditionAndy

Full Access Members
Joined
Aug 31, 2013
Posts
3,708
Reaction score
1,130
Location
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Hi Andy,

My '03 has always had a rake but I actually liked it because as you load up the back, it comes down. I like that better then starting out level and dragging your ass end when it's loaded up or have a trailer hanging off the back, but that's just my pref. For my gen, maybe later as well, the rear half shafts come thru the frame, so that limits how much one can lift the back end. I'm guessing the "leveling" kits are popular because it allows 35's upfront where a bit more lift is needed to avoid too much rubbing when turning. Even with the leveling kit, mine still has a bit of a rake so I'm happy :).
Thanks Bob, I'm thinking that if I do the lift I just want to lift it equally, I want the height but I'm not interested in putting on larger tires, so I'm thinking something like 2/2 if that's available or maybe 1.5/1.5.
 

gixer2000

Retrofit or Bust
Joined
Oct 13, 2015
Posts
1,467
Reaction score
644
Location
Massachusetts
Thanks Bob, I'm thinking that if I do the lift I just want to lift it equally, I want the height but I'm not interested in putting on larger tires, so I'm thinking something like 2/2 if that's available or maybe 1.5/1.5.
You wouldn't want it levelled?
 

J Ski

3.5plati
Joined
Apr 4, 2017
Posts
1,019
Reaction score
485
Location
VA
Thanks Bob, I'm thinking that if I do the lift I just want to lift it equally, I want the height but I'm not interested in putting on larger tires, so I'm thinking something like 2/2 if that's available or maybe 1.5/1.5.
I would venture to say any spacers that will fit your model year truck but on an f150 will also fit your Ex. The instructions for readylift 3/2 were for an Ex but the kit was delivered in an f150 spacer kit package. Called and confirmed they are the same exact spacers so maybe you could find shorter ones to fit your needs?
 
OP
OP
A

ACE 71

Member
Joined
Dec 12, 2017
Posts
9
Reaction score
6
Location
CA South Bay Area
Thanks much for all the helpful replies! Great news that there are no changes needed in the rear. I've ordered the kit.
 

ExpeditionAndy

Full Access Members
Joined
Aug 31, 2013
Posts
3,708
Reaction score
1,130
Location
Fort Wayne, Indiana
I would venture to say any spacers that will fit your model year truck but on an f150 will also fit your Ex. The instructions for readylift 3/2 were for an Ex but the kit was delivered in an f150 spacer kit package. Called and confirmed they are the same exact spacers so maybe you could find shorter ones to fit your needs?
Since I don't have a flat area to work and I don't feel like jacking it up on a slopped driveway, I'll probably just pay someone who knows what they are doing to do it.
 
Top