2000 Expedition Rear coils

[fastback_up]

Wondering if there is a difference in the rear coil springs that are available for the 2000. I am looking at removing the air ride "bags" and I have read where you can replace them with coil springs.

Seems that I can purchase a conversion kit for around $300.00+.....that consist of a set of springs and shocks.

I just want to the coils...which I have priced at $100.00 from Auto Zone. SO basically...are they the same coils? Is there a difference in the sizes of coils?

The one in the kit verses the one from Auto Zone?

 

[exceldetail]

Im interested as well...........Was wondering the same thing TODAY!

 

[nvycrmn]

i dont think there is any difference in the coils. the only thing you might want to check is the length to make sure you arent getting that "bulldog" stance. the coils that come in the kit should have a part number. you can call autozone and have them compare the 2 part numbers to see the difference.

 

[fastback_up]

I've tried...

I called Auto Zone....Advance...O'Reilly's....Ford Dealership....Strut Masters...

No one knows or seems bothered with telling me where I can find the upper and lower dimensions of the stock air bag so I can compare to the springs I purchased (Moog).....

My fear is taking the air bag off and breaking something (kinking a line, messing up a connections..etc) and the new coils not matching the mounting locations.

ANy other comments would be appreciated...

 

[exceldetail]

Can you pose the generic question at who you bought the springs from? "Will these seat properly when the airbags are removed?" I need to know this as well. Seams were both in the same boat.

 

[fastback_up]

O"Reilly's

I purchased the springs at O'Reilly's.....they had limited experience with the conversion. I looked at a PDF on the "97-02 Navigator/ Expedition Coil Spring Conversion" printed by Arnott. And it was very helpful.

At first look I didnt believe there was not a locationn that would hold the top of the spring in place. I realize that what holds the entire assembly in place both now and when the springs are in place will be the shocks.

I will give this a try, God willing, tomorrow and let you know how it goes....

 

[fastback_up]

It worked !!

After a few hours under the vehicle...I managed to pry the springs into place...and they FIT !!!

Have driven the vehicle over 150 miles and it has responded great....SO purchase regular coil springs and remove the air bag....make sure to disarm the air suspension..on the 2000 it is located on the passenger kicker panel.

Make sure you tape and protect the wiring and solenoid.

 

[exceldetail]

Great news as my bags have finally given out. The compressor comes on every 2 minutes now.
So just so were on the same page, Im going to ask for replacement coils for my 2000, 2WD, right? I put KYB's on there about 10k ago, Im assuming those dont need to be replaced?
These particular coils say "Except rear air leveling".....my understanding is they will work though?

 

[fastback_up]

More info

I just asked for 2000 Ford Expedition rear coil springs. The guy asked me if I was replacing the air bags and I told him I was. He just ordered me the stock springs.

When I got them, they had a sticker that indicated which end was "up". I assume that they put the sticker on the wrong end. When I placed the first one on, it did not "seat" right. So I turned them and it seated properly.

When viewing from the top of the spring, the smaller looking end went to the top. I used a loooong pry bar and placed the top end into position and placed my bar as far to the bottom coil as I could and compressed the coil enough to nudge it into place.

Good luck..!! Oh and by the way I didnt replace the shocks....thats next...but the ride was great !!...thats on Expedition with 189,000

I was taken for loop when I went outside the next day and WOW...the back end was STILL up!!....No more turning it on and waiting for it to air up....

 

[nvycrmn]

post up some pics of how she came out.

 

[exceldetail]

Done! Like yours, the "Side UP" tag was wrong, and yes, the smaller size fits way better at the top. It would not sit properly at the bottom. Damnit I should have taken pics of the bags as both exterior skins were shredded at the bottom. Total time about 5 hrs, as I had to run back out to Oreilly's and borrow a compressor for the springs.
I used a smaller additional jack to assist in removing the compressor once the coil was in place. It helps load the spring allowing for easier removal.
I couldnt even take it for a road test as my son left the door open and listened to the Angel game, now the battery is dead. Its 5 years old, and time for a new one anyway. Whats another $100.00 eh?

 

[exceldetail]

Well, its been a few weeks, and now Im confronted with a different issue. Seems I have this "clunk" or rattle when I fo over anything that isnt smooth. I REALLY thought it was how the coils sat on top. So after an exhausting search for insulators/isolators with Oreillys, Pep Boys, Rock Auto, Discount Shocks (two orders were placed, and both fell through due to their errors.) I ended up biting the bullet and got them next day with Ford.
Took me about 1.5 hrs to remove, seat the isolators, and reinstall the coils.
Thought I had it licked, but no such luck. Rattle is still present.
My question is, what could have possibly changed with just swapping out air bags to coils? It doesnt sit but maybe 1/2 " higher then when the bags were fully filled. I havent changed shocks, or any other suspension component.

 

[nvycrmn]

check the upper and lower shock mounts on your shocks. if the bushings are worn, it will cause them to rattle around in there. i had the same problem and couldnt find the damn problem cuz i just put brand new shocks in. but i grabbed ahold of one and shook it, turns out the installer had put the bushings in all crooked and didnt seat properly. could be your problem...

 

[exceldetail]

I guess thats worth a look! Thanks, I will report back in a day or two.....

 

[ConArmas]

I guess thats worth a look! Thanks, I will report back in a day or two.....

Would you mind posting how things went with the swap?

I have a 4x2 with rear air only. The airbags went last week and the compressor quit--must've died trying to fill up.

Do any of you have the part numbers of the coils/shocks that you used, if it applies to a 4x2?


thanks a bunch!

 

[1997 Expedition]

Ck suspension light

Does anyone know how I can get rid of the ck susp light? It came on after removing the air susp for coils. I've been told to remove the bulb, is there another way?

 

[z168]

I just asked for 2000 Ford Expedition rear coil springs. The guy asked me if I was replacing the air bags and I told him I was. He just ordered me the stock springs.

When I got them, they had a sticker that indicated which end was "up". I assume that they put the sticker on the wrong end. When I placed the first one on, it did not "seat" right. So I turned them and it seated properly.

When viewing from the top of the spring, the smaller looking end went to the top. I used a loooong pry bar and placed the top end into position and placed my bar as far to the bottom coil as I could and compressed the coil enough to nudge it into place.

Good luck..!! Oh and by the way I didnt replace the shocks....thats next...but the ride was great !!...thats on Expedition with 189,000

I was taken for loop when I went outside the next day and WOW...the back end was STILL up!!....No more turning it on and waiting for it to air up....

Great info!

A few questions:
1. the rear springs you ordered are for a non-air expy?
2. you just replaced the stock springs and kept the air bag and everything in place?

thanks

 

[Shantien]

Sorry to revive an old thread, but I'm working on this as well. I have the stock springs from O'reilleys, but I'm concerned that the bottom platform is completely flat with no way to keep the spring in place. Is there anything to fix that, and is the isolator on the top absolutely necessary?