3.5/2" lift came

[rock3ralex]

Just got this bad boy in the mail for my '03 Eddie. 3.5" up front and 2" rear. What should I expect to pay for installation?

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[rex450se]

Do it yourself. It isn't all that difficult at all. If you were closer I'd give ya a hand for a few beers. I'd also purchase a camber and caster kit so you can get your alignment right after the lift. To install, jack the truck up and undo the 3 bolts at the top of the strut mount. Just like the 3 on the lift kit. Use a spring compressor to tighten the spring so you can get the additional clearance, as well as taking tension off of the mount to allow you to spin the top mount to get access to all 3 bolts. I would try installation without removing the bottom strut bolt to see if all this could be done. But from my experience removing my strut assembly many times trying to get the exact stance I wanted, I would try this route before completely removing it. Also if you have air bags you may not need the spring compressor, just deflate the bags. And get an alignment, it will probably be pretty far off.

Victor

 

[rock3ralex]

Do it yourself. It isn't all that difficult at all. If you were closer I'd give ya a hand for a few beers. I'd also purchase a camber and caster kit so you can get your alignment right after the lift. To install, jack the truck up and undo the 3 bolts at the top of the strut mount. Just like the 3 on the lift kit. Use a spring compressor to tighten the spring so you can get the additional clearance, as well as taking tension off of the mount to allow you to spin the top mount to get access to all 3 bolts. I would try installation without removing the bottom strut bolt to see if all this could be done. But from my experience removing my strut assembly many times trying to get the exact stance I wanted, I would try this route before completely removing it. Also if you have air bags you may not need the spring compressor, just deflate the bags. And get an alignment, it will probably be pretty far off.

Victor

I do not have the tools to do this. I talked to my mechanic today and he was saying I probably wouldn't need an alignment. Hm....Will have to see what happens after installation.

 

[tallsville]

i did the fronts on mine and had my mechanic do the back for me as i couldn't get some of the bolts to break loose. I got an alignment done after mine as it was a little bit off. I got my alignment at the tire pros in san dimas. The link below looks like it has a coupon for a 4 wheel alignment for $59.95

San Dimas Tire Pros | Tire Pros

 

[rock3ralex]

i did the fronts on mine and had my mechanic do the back for me as i couldn't get some of the bolts to break loose. I got an alignment done after mine as it was a little bit off. I got my alignment at the tire pros in san dimas. The link below looks like it has a coupon for a 4 wheel alignment for $59.95

San Dimas Tire Pros | Tire Pros

That's super close to me. Would you be willing to help me install mine? Ill supply the beer if you drink. I like learning to do as much as possible on my truck

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[mindgame]

1. Jack the front end on stands.
2. Remove the sway bars and end links first.. *Extremely important* This will give you additional controller arm movement to work with.
3. Remove tires.
4. Place jack under lower controller arm and jack up a tad to provide alittle upward pressure on the coilover.
5. Remove the 3 bolts on top of strut..
6. Lower jack.. The strut should drop gracefully.
7. Remove lower bolt on strut and remove the coilover.

reverse to install... also make sure to add a loctite..

 

[sgtowing]

You should ALWAYS get an alignment when you alter the suspension in any way.

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[mindgame]

You should ALWAYS get an alignment when you alter the suspension in any way.

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+1 ^^ Even if you do the redneck string method

 

[rock3ralex]

I may be doing the installation with tallsville

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[rex450se]

Start spraying the bolts with PB Blaster a day or so before you think you'll do the work and it will save you many headaches.

Victor

 

[Dib52]

If you don't do the self install...4 wheelparts charges $130 an axel. I put the new caster/camber keys in mine at the time of install, alignment never a problem.

 

[mindgame]

I may be doing the installation with tallsville

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In that case, you can prep by removing the front and rear sway linkages

 

[tallsville]

Thanks mindgame. lol

 

[mindgame]

I'm sure you would rather spend more time drinking than battling stuck linkages right

 

[xtinc7ion]

I WISH I could find a leveling kit like that for my 99 XLT. All I can find are leveling kits for 4x4s. Am I looking in the wrong place? I have never lifted a truck before so I really don't know what I am looking for. I see a lot of the kits with the torsion bar what nots but I don't think I have those since I am 2wd. Any input would be awesome.

 

[rock3ralex]

I WISH I could find a leveling kit like that for my 99 XLT. All I can find are leveling kits for 4x4s. Am I looking in the wrong place? I have never lifted a truck before so I really don't know what I am looking for. I see a lot of the kits with the torsion bar what nots but I don't think I have those since I am 2wd. Any input would be awesome.

Pretty simple leveling kit

http://www.ebay.com/itm/AR-1997-200...eveling-Lift-Kit-Front-3-Rear-2-/281065246570
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[xtinc7ion]

Pretty simple leveling kit

AR 1997 2003 Ford Expedition 4WD Leveling Lift Kit Front 3" Rear 2" | eBay
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AR 1997-2003 Ford Expedition 4WD Leveling Lift Kit: Front 3" Rear 2"

Once again, not for 2wd, but I do appreciate the time to find it.

 

[walnuts4x4]

you'll need to look for 2wd spindle lift off of a f150.... i believe.... check out f150online and look for a member named "lightning expo" or something close... he has a 2wd on 35+" tires

 

[Edmund K]

I WISH I could find a leveling kit like that for my 99 XLT. All I can find are leveling kits for 4x4s. Am I looking in the wrong place? I have never lifted a truck before so I really don't know what I am looking for. I see a lot of the kits with the torsion bar what nots but I don't think I have those since I am 2wd. Any input would be awesome.

I know this is a suspension thread, but I just wanted to compliment you on the great wheel/tire choice you've got on your Expy!

 

[xtinc7ion]

I know this is a suspension thread, but I just wanted to compliment you on the great wheel/tire choice you've got on your Expy!

Well I appreciate that! Especially when I am one of the new guys here, thanks!
I wanted to give an update as well, I found a 3.5" spindle kit for the 2wd finally! Comes with a 2" rear spacer as well to help level it a bit. My plan is to do the 3.5" spindle up front with a 3" coil spacer, and use the 2" spacer in the back. I know this will leave me a bit "front tall" but I prefer that look. I also will be upgrading the springs and shocks, but wanted to ask a question. Is there a spring from maybe a newer or bigger Ford I can use, to maybe accent the lift a bit or maybe add to it? I prefer the stiffer ride so I am not worried about that. Just was wondering if anyone had any suggestions.

Here is the kit I will be getting...
97 02 Ford Expedition 3 5" Lift Kit | eBay

Should I also be grabbing new upper control arms to go with the new spindle lift? Like these...
9 PC Set Control Arm Pitman Ball Joints Tie Rods Ships from USA 2 Year Warranty | eBay

Or should I not bother?

Thanks again for all the help!