Bilsteins and spring seats...

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Thunderbirdsport

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I'll get the outer dia of the shock tubes for you shortly. I'm fairly certain they'll fit though. If you know for sure that your spring seats will fit a Bilstein 4600 for a '07-'17 Expedition, then they'll also work on Motorcraft OEM replacement.

But, to be 100% I'll still measure for you. Just give me a bit. Have to dig out the snow drifted in against my shop door. I love winter...not.
 

mjp2

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Regarding Bilsteins, is anyone aware of the reason why 5100s aren't specified for the rear of the pre-2014 Expeditions? The lower mounting bolt eye is the right diameter, and looking through the Rock Auto parts catalog shows other shock brands offering identical rear shock part #s for 2007-2014+ trucks.

My plan is to eventually pick up a set of rear 5100s for the 2014+ trucks to try out on my 2010.
 
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Thunderbirdsport

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That I don't know. I probably would've went with the 5100s if they'd been available (or more accurately, not have a lengthy wait time to arrive)

Mine is an '11, I wasn't aware that there is/was a difference in the lower mounting points..
 

1oldtimer

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Correct me if I’m wrong, but I thought I remember reading that the 5100 and 4600 are basically the same. Of course minus the level capability for the front. ?????
 

mjp2

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Correct me if I’m wrong, but I thought I remember reading that the 5100 and 4600 are basically the same. Of course minus the level capability for the front. ?????
You are correct. It's that ride height adjustability I'm looking for without the use of spacers.
 

bryan

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Unless I can harvest the spring seats from Gen 2 trucks......hmmm. I'll have to check and see if the shock tube diameters are the same, or if they even had the same stuff, for that matter..
The second and third gen are slightly different, but still bolt in. You should have no issue using the second gen stuff.
 
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Yesterday I got the Moog replacement rear springs put in. Was a pretty quick job as by now I've had the rear struts out for the third time. Static and unloaded they're the same height as the unknown brand of quickstrut springs that I had on....(they weren't the OEM rear springs).

I took measurements at the same spots, both sides, before and after, the vehicle didn't move in between same-side measurements...it gained an inch and a quarter in height, though I expect a little settling over time.

It now sits more level according to my eyeballs, and the rear actually feels a little firmer on rough stuff. The wheel well g
 

mjp2

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I'll get the outer dia of the shock tubes for you shortly. I'm fairly certain they'll fit though. If you know for sure that your spring seats will fit a Bilstein 4600 for a '07-'17 Expedition, then they'll also work on Motorcraft OEM replacement.

But, to be 100% I'll still measure for you. Just give me a bit. Have to dig out the snow drifted in against my shop door. I love winter...not.
I did some more research and parts comparisons and found that the only real solution is to use OEM spring seats. I posted pics and results in its own thread.

https://www.expeditionforum.com/threads/lower-spring-seats-i-spent-money-so-you-dont-have-to.47225/
 

Scott Carden

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I just did the same swap on mine with bilstien 5100 and my factory’s were welded on. Bought a nice set of used standard suspension struts online from a scrap yard for 90$ plus 20$ shipping and had all the parts I needed in 2 days.
 
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