the time has come for struts on my 2014. After researching the fronts it looks like I will pay to have them done...how hard are the rears to change? To save a few bucks i may attempt those myself if they are not to crazy. Havent decided on what brand to go with but it seems the Billsteins are on backorder so im considering KYB, Gabriel or Monroe...any pros and cons on those brands? Also thinking of adding a small lift so I can do larger tires next time around. Anyone do this to a 2014 and have suggestions and pics?
2014 strut replacement
- Thread starter blkmonday
- Start date
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Don Hall
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For the F150. Don't know if struts similar to Expy.
View, then decide if you need help.
Research GOOGLE for brand reviews.
(Good luck)
View, then decide if you need help.
Research GOOGLE for brand reviews.
(Good luck)
Last edited:
You could look into the Rancho leveling struts if you're doing all 4 and considering a lift. I think the lift is in the order of 2" in front and 1" rear. Nothing big, it's only leveling struts. They are also adjustable if you tow or carry a load at times. I had them on my 2007 EL and they lasted a quite a long time (long 100k miles).
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NTX2008XPY
Member
1AAuto has a good video on changing the front and rear struts. I recently changed the front struts on my 2008 EXP. PO already converted the rear from the air ride to standard struts.
I ordered them from Rockauto. i believe i ordered the FSC brand. It was a pretty straight forward replacement. Nothing too advanced just removing and replacing bolts, no special tools needed. It made a big difference in the ride quality. It also raised the front about 1 inch. I'm sure it will settle a little as i put more miles on them. Just my input on the task.
I ordered them from Rockauto. i believe i ordered the FSC brand. It was a pretty straight forward replacement. Nothing too advanced just removing and replacing bolts, no special tools needed. It made a big difference in the ride quality. It also raised the front about 1 inch. I'm sure it will settle a little as i put more miles on them. Just my input on the task.
Cant find the Rancho struts for a 2014. In 2014 Ford changed the mounts on the struts in the front. Otherwise the ready lift would be perfect. Im leaning towards the KYB because of the good reviews but really don't like buying foreign made parts.
07navi
Full Access Members
Does it ride rougher now?
NTX2008XPY
Member
07Navi, no it rides really nice. stays leveler when turning and breaking but it is not stiff by anymeans. I think the originals were worn out with 230K miles on them
Aspen03
Full Access Members
KYB manufacturers all over the world. They have a large manufacturing facility just a few minutes from where I work. I deal with their employees all the time. There's a small city being employed there that you are supporting.
When I replace mine in the expy I'll be doing the KYB strut plus assemblies most likely. I don't tow, not interested in a lift, just want fresh suspension, best I can tell these struts may be original though it has surprisingly good road manners, just some bumps are getting harsh.
07navi
Full Access Members
My new snowmobile even has KYB shocks.
Avoid Monroe Quick-Strut replacements in my opinion. I used them on a Jeep Commander and the front deteriorated within 6 months (I'm being kind with that estimate). They were replaced under warranty and the experience wasn't any better.
I proactively replaced front and rear on the Expy using Ford OEM and they did no disappoint. The old shocks were in remarkably good condition and could have probably lasted another 15K-20K miles at least.
07navi
Full Access Members
I used Monroe truck shocks in my last Ford truck and the were still great 5 years later when I sold it.
Did you reuse the original springs?
07navi
Full Access Members
I won't take a chance on new springs, they could be to long, too stiff, etc. Plus new ones are a waste of money.
Reusing the factory springs may have made all the difference in your experience with those Monroe shocks. I cannot recommend their Quick-Strut assemblies.
Expys are all coil overs aren't they?
Depends on your level of mechanics and tools. It's a little tough to get to. I watched the rear replacement on YouTube and decided I didn't want to do it because I'd have to do it outside and get a few more tools. $140 installation. I bought some well rated Chinese coil over/struts. MOCA is the brand. My 2011has 200k on it so I wasn't about to pay big $$$. $133/pr on Amazon. Just had them done last week. Rear end was jumping left on bumps. Now its fine.
$273 total installed so if they fail earlier than a Monroe or biltsein, I'll just get them done again.
Greg S
Member
I recently replaced the strut and spring assemblues on my 2016 Expedition EL (100K miles) with the KYB Strut-Plus assemblies. They have been on for about 2 months and love them so far. The original struts were really worn and the KYBs restored the ride to original. I decided to install the ReadyLift 3/2 lift and leveling kit on top of the KYBs and it made the ride height look awesome. I was able to fit 35" BFGs on with the lift too.
I previously installed the Monroe Quick Struts on a 2008 Expedition regular wheelbase that I used to have and they were pretty good too. Had them on for about a year and a half before I sold the truck and they seemed to hold up well.
Between the two, I would recommend the KYBs as they do a great job of restoring the ride quality pretty much to the original factory ride. I couldn't be happier with them, and my truck rides like new (not to mention the couple of inches of ride height that I gained).
As far as installation, I did it myself and it wasn't too hard. I have done this type of work twice before but am not an expert by any means. The ReadyLift website has a great video on how to install the lift, and in the course of doing so it shows how to remove the front and rear coil assemblies and reinstall them, so that video is useful even if you are not installing the lift since the same steps are followed (excluding the spacer installation). Took about 6 to 8 hours to replace all 4, was able to do it by myself with normal tools, but be sure you have 3 ton jack stands, a breaker bar to break the torque on some of the larger nuts and bolts, and 2 floor jacks (I have a 3 ton floor jack and used the spare tire jack from the truck as the second and that worked fine).
Hope that helps. Good luck!
I previously installed the Monroe Quick Struts on a 2008 Expedition regular wheelbase that I used to have and they were pretty good too. Had them on for about a year and a half before I sold the truck and they seemed to hold up well.
Between the two, I would recommend the KYBs as they do a great job of restoring the ride quality pretty much to the original factory ride. I couldn't be happier with them, and my truck rides like new (not to mention the couple of inches of ride height that I gained).
As far as installation, I did it myself and it wasn't too hard. I have done this type of work twice before but am not an expert by any means. The ReadyLift website has a great video on how to install the lift, and in the course of doing so it shows how to remove the front and rear coil assemblies and reinstall them, so that video is useful even if you are not installing the lift since the same steps are followed (excluding the spacer installation). Took about 6 to 8 hours to replace all 4, was able to do it by myself with normal tools, but be sure you have 3 ton jack stands, a breaker bar to break the torque on some of the larger nuts and bolts, and 2 floor jacks (I have a 3 ton floor jack and used the spare tire jack from the truck as the second and that worked fine).
Hope that helps. Good luck!
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