2015 Expedition Upgrades for Overlanding?

[2015owner2015]

I would like to make my 2015 XLT more overlanding capable. What lift kits and suspension upgrades are available for this?

Also are there recommendations for armor and rack rails?

I hear options are limited and so my expectations are also

 

[chuck s]

Thought about Googling Expedition lift kits?

-- Chuck

 

[07navi]

google

 

[2015owner2015]

Yes I did google. But the reason I asked was if anyone has recommendations and/or experience with any specific products.

 

[Aces]

Icon vehicle dynamics will be the only true off road suspension that will fit the whole build (front and rear) they are a pretty penny but very worth it if you plan on actually going offroad.

Armor is limited, almost non existent unless you go custom.

I believe equipt makes mounts so you can run a rack off the factory roof rails.

 

[2015owner2015]

I was thinking along the lines of a standard lift kit (spacers) and adding off road capable shocks. This setup would not increase suspension travel, but would increase ground clearance, improve ride, allow for bigger tires (33’s maybe?).

I’m just thinking easy to moderate trails, no hard core rock crawling or too extreme.

Are my assumptions off track? (No pun intended ).

 

[Aces]

You can for sure. Plenty of guys on the forum have gone that route. So they will need to chime in on some of the off road ride details.

I’m on icons now and 285/70r17(almost 33”s). I did overbuild my suspension but It gives me the confidence that I can trail it on the weekend and drive it to work on Monday and still enjoy a great ride. And so far after a little more than a year with the front and 7 months for the rears, I still love how it rides on and off road.

 

[2015owner2015]

What mileage do you have on your Expedition?

 

[UniqueTII]

I'm still stock ride height, but I'm very happy with the Bilstein 5100s I just added to my 2015. They're great on-road and still did well on some logging roads in NY. I'll test them out in Colorado next month as well.

 

[2015owner2015]

I'm still stock ride height, but I'm very happy with the Bilstein 5100s I just added to my 2015. They're great on-road and still did well on some logging roads in NY. I'll test them out in Colorado next month as well.

Sounds like just what I’m looking for. Can you say where you ordered them from?

 

[ExplorerTom]

Skid plates:
https://rcimetalworks.com/product-category/ford/ford-f-150/15-20-f-150/

Roof rack:
https://www.equipt1.com/collections...s/k9-roof-rack-platform?variant=7463801618495

Drawers:
https://sleeoffroad.com/product-category/cargo-carrying/drawer-systems/
(it doesn’t list Expedition, but you can order the drawers in different sizes. Measure to see what you need).

 

[Aces]

What mileage do you have on your Expedition?

I’m at about 165k

 

[2015owner2015]

I'm still stock ride height, but I'm very happy with the Bilstein 5100s I just added to my 2015. They're great on-road and still did well on some logging roads in NY. I'll test them out in Colorado next month as well.

Can your be Bilsteins adjusted to accommodate a lift?

 

[ExplorerTom]

Can your be Bilsteins adjusted to accommodate a lift?

The height adjustable 5100s can be set at 3 or 4 different positions of lift. But it’s not easily adjustable once installed. The struts have to be completely removed to change the height setting.

 

[supermitch]

Icon vehicle dynamics will be the only true off road suspension that will fit the whole build (front and rear)

@Aces Which parts fit your 2011? Can you link me the specific kit you have installed?

 

[UniqueTII]

I

Sounds like just what I’m looking for. Can you say where you ordered them from?

got mine through a shop so I paid too much, but I know Stage 3 Motorsports has good prices on them.

 

[ExplorerTom]

A high dollar suspension upgrade would be well down on my list of upgrades. Speaking from my weekend warrior experience..... cargo solutions, food storage (dry and cold), and water are far more important than suspension. A truck like an Expedition in good mechanical order will take you MANY places. That high dollar suspension will open up only a couple more percent of terrain.

But I guess you gotta do what you gotta do for the Gram! #overlandaf

 

[Aces]

A high dollar suspension upgrade would be well down on my list of upgrades. Speaking from my weekend warrior experience..... cargo solutions, food storage (dry and cold), and water are far more important than suspension. A truck like an Expedition in good mechanical order will take you MANY places. That high dollar suspension will open up only a couple more percent of terrain.

But I guess you gotta do what you gotta do for the Gram! #overlandaf

Thank you for your knowledge. I started my modifying when I just wanted to go faster in the desert, and now I’m looking more towards “overlanding”. I’m sorry I went backwards. Now we know what we should be modifying first.

 

[joethefordguy]

Thought about Googling Expedition lift kits?

-- Chuck

why would anyone google when this forum is here?

 

[joethefordguy]

I was thinking along the lines of a standard lift kit (spacers) and adding off road capable shocks. This setup would not increase suspension travel, but would increase ground clearance, improve ride, allow for bigger tires (33’s maybe?).

I’m just thinking easy to moderate trails, no hard core rock crawling or too extreme.

Are my assumptions off track? (No pun intended ).

don't think a suspension lift, such as spacers, adds any ground clearance at the lowest point (usually differentials) until you install the bigger tires. FWIW, i got 34" tires on my 2nd Gen with no lift kit at all - 285/75/17s. (actually 33.8, but added 1.1 inches to my ground clearance, from 8.9" to 10")