2009expdude
Member
I want to replace my rear shocks on the 2009 with 68k miles. I put bilsteins in the front last year. Are they shocks or struts in the rear? Thanks
2009 Expedition EL- Rear Shocks, or Struts?
- Thread starter 2009expdude
- Start date
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ExpeditionAndy
Full Access Members
Welcome to the Forum.
It looks like you can go either way:
http://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/ford,2009,expedition,5.4l+v8,1443966,suspension,strut,7584
http://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...on,strut+/+coil+spring+/+mount+assembly,15174
2009expdude
Member
OK- but now I'm just more confused...should I go with one type over the other? Or stay with whatever type it is I have? I am a noob.
ManUpOrShutUp
Full Access Members
They are struts. FoMoCo will tell you they are shocks (because that's what their computer system says), but they are struts.
2009expdude
Member
Thanks all. So I looked underneath- if they're struts, do I need to replace the coils, or can I reuse and just get the shocks they're wrapped around? Don't mean to be so dense, just want to get the right parts. Gracias.
ExpeditionAndy
Full Access Members
I'm curious too because my 05 had working air suspension. The 17 doesn't and in a few years, I'll be doing this research too.
gixer2000
Retrofit or Bust
Keep the coil springs and just replace the shocks and probably the strut top/bushing. Your will need a spring compressor though to do that. If you can't get or dont have a spring compressor just find complete assemblies(strut,coil spring/mounts/bushings) that can be bolted right in
It would be the same process you followed for your fronts. You can borrow/rent coil/strut compressors from your local parts store or if you had someone else swap the front just get them to do the same for the back.
I believe the bilstein part for the back shocks from reading some other threads on here is
24-197724
You might want to replace the spring insulator (sits on top of your coil spring under the top mount)
But I'm not sure what the lifespan of these is? With your mileage you might be fine.
Ford part number is: 7L1Z-5536-A
If you decide to replace the whole complete strut assembly with new springs and everything just make sure the manufacturer will warranty them for use on the EL. Several of them wont from just going through it myself and talking to several. Two that I found would for sure were strutmasters and American air suspensions.
I ended up buying a set of stock complete assemblies (like what you are running now) to convert over from my air suspension as I wanted to make sure I had the correct coil spring rate for the EL. I will eventually rebuild them with bilstein stocks like you are planning to do.
I believe the bilstein part for the back shocks from reading some other threads on here is
24-197724
You might want to replace the spring insulator (sits on top of your coil spring under the top mount)
But I'm not sure what the lifespan of these is? With your mileage you might be fine.
Ford part number is: 7L1Z-5536-A
If you decide to replace the whole complete strut assembly with new springs and everything just make sure the manufacturer will warranty them for use on the EL. Several of them wont from just going through it myself and talking to several. Two that I found would for sure were strutmasters and American air suspensions.
I ended up buying a set of stock complete assemblies (like what you are running now) to convert over from my air suspension as I wanted to make sure I had the correct coil spring rate for the EL. I will eventually rebuild them with bilstein stocks like you are planning to do.
I went with rancho quick adjustable strut. I found out after I bought them that the springs are softer than stock through a question on issues I had. Out of the 4 I ordered 2 were incorrect and to be sent back. So try to keep your stock springs. Most shops will transfer your springs for a fee or rent the spring compressor tool. Also I would recomend a impact gun. It makes the removal easier. Lastly do not tighten the struts completely till you have put weight on it.
Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk
Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk
I replaced my rear shocks with the bilsteins. Kept the stock springs and used a spring compressor. I've had them in for almost 50,000km and they ride very nice, can't really notice a difference between factory ride. I went with the bilsteins because they are a monotube design. Didn't replace the spring insulators, haven't had any problems with them yet.
2009expdude
Member
Thanks!!
went with the bilstein keeping the factory coil, taking to a mechanic to do - that's what I did with the fronts as well. They are on the way.
went with the bilstein keeping the factory coil, taking to a mechanic to do - that's what I did with the fronts as well. They are on the way.
theoldwizard1
Full Access Members
SMART !
If you look at the size of those coils you need a really good PROFESSIONAL grade compressor to remove them.
make sure you give us an update after the bilsteins are in. I'm curious how they feel going from stock shocks. tks
2009expdude
Member
install scheduled for next week
Gary Waugh
Full Access Members
I would be very interested in hearing what you think on the Bilsteins, my expedition EL has covered 125K miles and is still on original shocks, seems to drive great but they must be completely worn out, so am thinking about changing them, so would love to hear what you think.
Gary
Gary
make sure you snap us some pics if you can with the Bilsteins assembled before they go back in!
Replaced my stock units with 4 Bilsteins combined with front & rear Hellwig anti-sway bars a month ago. 101K miles The improvement was significant. Much flatter in turns and no 'pogoing' . Before it felt as if the vehicle was 'floating' over the road. Now it's like riding on rails.
Harsh but grippy bimmer rails riding? Or Town Car effect??
