gixer2000
Retrofit or Bust
You should be using anti seize on that spring compressor. That will stop the nuts from binding up
2003 Expedition Face Lift Begins
- Thread starter Vancouver Bob
- Start date
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Vancouver Bob
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It was binding because the spring compressor was a bit abused and not maintained by NAPA. The nuts had very little thread left so the binding was the nut beginning to jump threads, for the third time. I've got a new set of compressors that I'm borrowing from O'Reily's. Looks to be in great shape so the rear springs should go much faster. Thanks for the suggestion though!
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Got a jump on the rear. Shock assembly came out pretty easily. Bottom bolt needed a little convincing to come out and I had to get the tie rod out of the way but wasn't too bad.
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The new spring compressor was SOOO much better. Had no concern cranking on that one. Got the spring off and shock in place pretty quickly. Reused the old bumper and dust cover. It went back in as easy as it came out. Only thing that hung me up was how far lower the shock was. I started removing the end link to the sway bar hoping that would allow the control arm to drop down but decided to call it a night before I got that far. Will finish up tomorrow night, if all goes well.
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Got an update from Natalie (WAM Bumpers)... looks like my bumper is ready for paint prep. I'm liking how it's shaping up!
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Finished the springs/shocks/lift this evening. To get the rear shocks back in place, in addition to the end link and the toe link, I ended up having to undo the top control arm from the hub. I didn't realize this but it's an adjustable bolt... must be for camber. Used the extension cord to keep the toe link out of the way.
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Feels good to have it done! I'll take some "after" pictures tomorrow. It's surprising how high it feels... like when I opened the lift gate, the rear deck felt like it was chest level! Ha ha!
ExplorerTom
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Wasn't able to get back before dark, so no "after" picture. I did, however, receive install instructions from Natalie. Sounds like it's not a simple bolt on. The mounting brackets have to be put in place without the bumper, and then the bumper is welded to the brackets once the bumper is positioned the way you want it... take a look:
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I knew I had to cut up the front bumper assembly but this picture that Natalie sent me gives me better feel for what's needed.
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And another picture she sent with the bumper in position once the bumper assembly is trimmed up. I had read on a different forum that the bottom part of the grill flops around so will need to MacGyver something up to hold it in place. I'm also not 100% sold on the strength of the mount... essentially mounted to the lower bolts that mount the old tow points with a bracket on top, I guess for stronger anti-rotation. Most of the bumpers, including the one I'm getting, has some beefy shackle mounts (not on this bumper) so I would want the bumper to be able to support a recovery attempt... wouldn't look good if it ripped off 
I do dig the look of the bumper though!
I do dig the look of the bumper though!
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Meant to make an appointment for an alignment, since I messed up the rear camber, but totally spaced it off. Will do that tomorrow. I'll also ask them to double check all bolts and retorque the bottom shock bolts because of the uber high torque required.
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Yes, it's definitely a personal preference thing. I do like the black bumper look, it has that adventurer appearance. But I think I prefer the color to match
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Ha ha... that's funny. The only off roading I've done is driving on the beach, which I absolutely LOVE doing! Not sure why. Maybe it's just because I get to use 4 wheel drive. Don't really need it until you get into the deep sand by the ramp or up away from surf or pulling someone out of those areas.
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Crap... Les Schwab isn't able to get me in for an alignment until next week so I'll have to hold off on driving the Expedition for a while. I have taken it out for a short drive to get a feel for the lift. Doesn't feel much different in the hood but am curious about how it will feel on the freeway. I did some tight turns in a local parking lot and it felt like the steering wheel would start turning really easy, almost by itself once I got close to full lock which is a bit different. Perhaps this is a bit naive of me but I'm really hoping the handling doesn't change because I love how she handles and drives so would hate to have inadvertently changed that for the worse with the small lift.
I do need to be more aware of the lift... when I went to get out of the car I almost fell on my keester because I was expecting to hit ground with my foot as I was sliding out of the driver's seat and only felt air
I do need to be more aware of the lift... when I went to get out of the car I almost fell on my keester because I was expecting to hit ground with my foot as I was sliding out of the driver's seat and only felt air
AskMeLater
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Good job, VB. In reference to your post #13, these are coil-over-shocks, not struts. Remember, a strut is actually part of the front end geometry. A strut replaces the upper control arm. Of course, please correct me if I'm wrong.
I did my own shock r&r after I bought my '03 a few years ago. It was fun! Bilsteins, also. Very nice!
Also, for anyone contemplating doing this yourself, I would highly recommend using the OTC clamshell-style spring compressor. (Model 6494, if IIRC). If you happen to live in the Amarillo area, I have one you can borrow.
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