2003 Expedition Face Lift Begins

[Vancouver Bob]

Recieved a note from Natalie at WAM bumpers... my bumper is out of paint (primer) and will be packed for shipment on Monday!

I'm liking the color, even though it doesn't match my trim, I'm liking the non-black color. I'm feeling better about going with having it match my trim.

 

[Vancouver Bob]

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.

Thanks for the clarification! I think that's the best description of the difference I've seen. Even some of the parts websites aren't sure what to call them. Some call the front a strut and the rear a shock. A bit all over the place.

I have a Harbor Freight clam shell type compressor... granted it may not be the most robust looking tool in the shed, but the problem I had was that the front spring coils were so close together that I couldn't get the "clawed" ends to fit up and over in between the coils. Would definitely have been easier to crank a single bolt vs having to go back and forth. All in all though, once I had a decent pair of spring compressors, the job was pretty straight forward.

 

[Vancouver Bob]

Finally managed to get out and take my "after" picture... wheels seem a bit small



Found a "before" picture...

 

[Vancouver Bob]

Is it my imagination or did the rear wheels come forward a bit? The control arms are at an angle, rotated towards the back. With the lift the wheels may get sucked forward a bit. Or maybe it's just more noticeable because the wheel wells sit up higher?

 

[ExplorerTom]

Yes- but I'm surprised it's as noticeable with such a small movement in the suspension.

 

[scoot0073]

Is it my imagination or did the rear wheels come forward a bit? The control arms are at an angle, rotated towards the back. With the lift the wheels may get sucked forward a bit. Or maybe it's just more noticeable because the wheel wells sit up higher?

Its normal bc mine did the same in the rear with the 2.5
Its bc of the way the control arms are mounted.


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[Vancouver Bob]

Yes- but I'm surprised it's as noticeable with such a small movement in the suspension.

Yes, I agree. Perhaps it's a combination of things... actual movement plus some wide angle iphone camera affect. It didn't stand out like this in real life.

 

[Vancouver Bob]

Its normal bc mine did the same in the rear with the 2.5
Its bc of the way the control arms are mounted.


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Thanks, Scoot! Great close up shot of how the rear tire sits after the lift. Love your tires, by the way! I like the aggressive tread that wraps onto part of the sidewall.

Hey, does your steering get super easy, almost wants to turn tighter on it's own as you approach full lock? Mine does that and I'm wondering if that's normal as well... thanks!

 

[Vancouver Bob]

Did a quick compare, up close... the "before" shot isn't quite the same angle, a little distorted (the wheel really is round ) but close enough to show it did move but not as much as it appears to have moved.

 

[Vancouver Bob]

Its normal bc mine did the same in the rear with the 2.5
Its bc of the way the control arms are mounted.


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I keep looking at your tires and wishing I had those on my rig

 

[Vancouver Bob]

Gottem... sort of... what do you think? I've actually been thinking 20's... not sure about black or chrome. I'll try a pair on for comparison... stay tuned.

 

[Vancouver Bob]

 

[Vancouver Bob]

 

[Vancouver Bob]

I think the chrome is out...

 

[scoot0073]

I keep looking at your tires and wishing I had those on my rig

Thanks brother yeah they defiantly was worth every dime

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[Vancouver Bob]

Hey, Scoot... I know you were considering 20's for your rig as well but I think decided on 17's or 18's. What made you go with those? Just curious.

 

[scoot0073]

Gottem... sort of... what do you think? I've actually been thinking 20's... not sure about black or chrome. I'll try a pair on for comparison... stay tuned.

View attachment 19736

I personally would go with Black Rims
And wheel size is just personal preference.
I choose 17 because I like the more tire look..
But at the end of the day its what you like.
Good luck

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[scoot0073]

Hey, Scoot... I know you were considering 20's for your rig as well but I think decided on 17's or 18's. What made you go with those? Just curious.

Yes I did consider 20's but I went with 17's because i like the more tire look over the shorter sidewall look of what the 20's .

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[scoot0073]

They stood both sizes next to my Expedition and I preferred the bigger/fatter sidewall look

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[Vancouver Bob]

I personally would go with Black Rims
And wheel size is just personal preference.
I choose 17 because I like the more tire look..
But at the end of the day its what you like.
Good luck

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

Yup, I hear you. I have a set of 22's that I got off of Craigslist but didn't run with them for very long. Too much wheel for my liking, but I couldn't turn down the deal. I've considered throwing 35" tires on them but don't like the look (they're chrome). I'm with you on liking the bigger side walls. More off road looking. Will need to wait a pay check or two or three before springing for the new shoes. Thanks for all your inputs!!