2017 (EL) Lift, Tires, Suspension

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abnmike

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I've read a lot of threads, so many my pea brain can't absorb any more information. I've seen people discuss readilift + bilsteins, bilsteins without readilift, spacers, removing spacers, something about shock positioning, etc.

I realize that a lot of what I read was older and there's better options so hoping I can get a quick and dirty dump for what I need:

1: new tires. Since I need new tires I'm likely going to go with some Raptor take offs since those guys seem to immediately finance new wheels and tires at 28% as soon as they buy their trucks - as a result can get sub 35" wheels/tire combos for less than $1500.

2: Since I'd be running bigger rubber, I need to lift. Mine is on stock shocks, springs, etc (2017 - EL if that matters). Can I just buy the 5100s for the front and rear? Or is it still a matter of getting F150 in the front and expedition in the rear?

3: Do I need some kind of lift/spacer AND the 5100s?

I know there are a ton of threads but there's so much info and then thread drift to sort out I gave myself a migraine.

Thanks.
 

BigOleFordFan

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some Raptor take offs since those guys seem to immediately finance new wheels and tires at 28%
Please explain what this means.....

thx !
as a result can get sub 35" wheels/tire combos for less than $1500
If you can really get a set of 4 new tires + new-ish rims for that price, I'd go for it in a heartbeat :)

However, be advised that once you down this road, you will easily be spending at least that much, and probably a good bit more....

ALSO, adding Bilsteins/lifts/spacers will change the entire geometry & center of gravity of the vehicle, which you may or may not like afterwards, so do your research beforehand, and get some opinions from someone that does this kind of work, as opposed to some mom & pop shop that does general everyday repairs etc ...
 
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abnmike

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ALSO, adding Bilsteins/lifts/spacers will change the entire geometry & center of gravity of the vehicle, which you may or may not like afterwards, so do your research beforehand, and get some opinions from someone that does this kind of work, as opposed to some mom & pop shop that does general everyday repairs etc ...
That's why I am asking here. There's tons of discussions about suspension, etc, but it's very confusing since there isn't any dedicated Sticky about what works to lift a 3rd Gen.

There's threads where Bilsteins work, threads where they don't. Threads where the spring perch has to be reused, threads where they don't, etc.

I don't have the time or money to just throw parts - and some of the posts are older, so hoping someone who has lifted an Expedition recently to fit bigger rubber can chime in and help.
 

17SilverExpy

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I went the Bilstein Route, added max height to rears, and nothing to front, with EL 4x4, tow a 324BDS from Jayco. ************ should be my call sign. I have the 3.73 gears and changed up to KO2s but didn't change overall diameter, while she sits tall in most parking lots and is easily seen, i have a hard time believing i could get much bigger rubber under there, but 35 is likely possible.
 

twodollars

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On my 2013 I changed out stock struts front and rear with napa branded assemblies, and added 2 inch spacers front and rear at same time. Front upper control arms contact coil at full droop, which drives me crazy. Once ball joints need replacing will try a aftermarket upper control arm for more clearance. Still on stock tires, will go to 34s once these are wore out, likely this fall.
 
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