2003 EB suspension maintenance

[aeorn]

Hey guys, it's been a few years since I did a lift with 2.5" spacers. At that time I replaced the front lower control arms

My car is at about 170,000 mi, and those are the only suspension work that I know have been done ever.

I've decided to keep the car for a while longer because it's working great, but I need new tires and i would like to improve the handling a bit. Mostly road use, let's be honest.

I'm going to replace my Toyo all terrain with sometime better for freeway and I'm thinking of installing that hellwig rear sway bar.

What other maintenance should I be looking at? Steering linkage? Shocks? Let me know if you guys have a recommended list of stuff I should go look at. I'm game to spend a little if it makes a difference - this car has been surprisingly low maintenance so I have budget.

 

[aeorn]

Correction, I meant that I replaced upper control arms. Here's my working list:

x Tie rod ends
x Shocks and struts ? Maybe overkill
x Wheel bearing and hub
x Rear sway bar
x Front stabilizer (sway) bar links (aka link ends)
x Front stabilizer bushings
x Lower ball joints

 

[whtbronco]

Why not just replace the parts that are worn out and need replacing. Everything on your list can be verified though.

 

[aeorn]

Yeah good question... For some of these I'm wondering if I should replace them even if they look good just so I stay ahead of any issues. For other items, like the sway bar and struts, I'm wondering if upgraded/new parts would make a meaningful difference in ride quality and handling. Shocks seem fine, but they are 20 years old

 

[whtbronco]

I decided not to mess with the air suspension on my 2004, partially because I prefer traditional springs and I had grown tired of listening the air compressor run for 5 minutes at every start. Anyway, I lost load leveling of course, but I significantly improved ride quality and handling when I switched to the Rancho struts. I prefer a stiff ride so I can feel the road better and get better feedback from the tires(tires pressure is increased as well 41F/39R). I tend to push the Expedition harder than I really should in turns. I can also soften them up substantially for road trips, or crank them all the way up which helps with towing.

If the current struts are controlling rebound as they should and the ride/handling is acceptable to you I would not replace them. It's likely the sway bar bushings are in need of replacement at this age. Mine were crushed and loose several years ago. I wish I could get poly bushings.

Metal parts like ball joints there is simply no reason to replace until they develop play.

 

[aeorn]

@whtbronco are you using spacers and quick lift together?

 

[whtbronco]

@whtbronco are you using spacers and quick lift together?

No, no spacers.

 

[Fastcar]

Yeah good question... For some of these I'm wondering if I should replace them even if they look good just so I stay ahead of any issues. For other items, like the sway bar and struts, I'm wondering if upgraded/new parts would make a meaningful difference in ride quality and handling. Shocks seem fine, but they are 20 years old

20 years old? I'd think you'd be riding springs only.