Aftermarket suspension options?

[SWEEDE]

I’m about to pull the trigger on a 2018 limited max. But need some advice first.

My better half is in a wheelchair and getting into a vehicle and getting out of one is always problematic.

The stock suspension is a bit too high for comfortable entry for her and I could use to either lower the car by 2” or more. Or better yet put air suspension that slams it while getting in and out then raises to normal height for drive.

I have been looking all over for kits or places who would do this but found only for 3rd gen Expys.

Has anyone seen any options for the 4th gen?

 

[stricnine]

I’m not sure about your area, but here in FL there are places that specialize in modification for wheel chair dependent drivers/passengers. They can modify the vehicle to meet your needs. Might want to look into that!

 

[duneslider]

I haven't seen anything yet for the Gen 4. There is a good chance that Gen 3 stuff could be made to work, I think the suspension is pretty similar and being air ride it could be an option that would work.

 

[SWEEDE]

I’m not sure about your area, but here in FL there are places that specialize in modification for wheel chair dependent drivers/passengers. They can modify the vehicle to meet your needs. Might want to look into that!

That is a great option. And perhaps some company that specializes in mobility conversions can fit it with a ride height conversion. As that is all I’m looking for. I have seen some awful handicap conversions with delorean type gullwings of both passenger and rear passenger doors welded together and b-pillar removed. I could never re-sell a car like that on the used market.

Thanks again I’ll call around to mobility specialists.

 

[ExplorerTom]

I know a guy that used to work at a company that did those conversions. You’d be surprised what’s out there.

 

[MonkeyBrains]

Umm... Might be worth taking a look here. These guys do major conversions, but might be a place to start. Personally, I don’t know much about this stuff. Just seen a couple of them and they’ve been impressive.

https://www.braunability.com/us/en/mobility-products/wheelchair-suv.html

EDIT> Although it seems they don’t have Expy conversions. I have seen some Expys modded in various ways, some with lifts or ramps, some are lowered. Even new 4th gen ones. We do a lot of sports travel and youth group stuff and see quite a few mods for handicap/ accessibility. I just have never asked specifics. I do know that none of it is ever cheap. Unfortunately.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Expeditions use "struts" front and rear. Think of it as a shock absorber with a heavy coil spring permanently attached around it. Earlier models of Expeditions had air ride height control. When they worked, people loved them. They often leaked or failed completely and were expensive to fix, especially as the vehicle aged and you knew the next leak was just around the corner.

A few years back, Ford switched to Nivomat rear struts. These help prevent rear end sagging. I would NOT want to swap these out !

 

[Drae]

A few years back, Ford switched to Nivomat rear struts. These help prevent rear end sagging. I would NOT want to swap these out !

What year models are equipped with these springs? Just curious if it went back to 2010. I hate to be that guy but with all due respect, these vehicles are not equipped with struts. Struts attach to the steering knuckle and rotates as the knuckle turns. Also strut equipped cars lack an upper control arm. Ask the Mustang guys. They are incorrectly listed as strut assemblies through a number of part sources but technically they're big ass coil overs.

 

[Grey ghost]

Somebody does make a kit someone on the forum posted a link. The kit was about $800. Or talk to a spring shop about custom wound springs.
Keep us posted. My mother is 94 so a couple inches would help her.

 

[Fozzy]

Not sure if this one was lowered or if it’s an illusion due to the giant wheels. Eibach could probably make you a custom set that would ride nice.


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[bill_b]

check out Crown Suspension

http://www.trucktrend.com/features/1809-2018-ford-expedition-concours-de-expedition

 

[theoldwizard1]

What year models are equipped with these springs? Just curious if it went back to 2010.

From Wikipedia

For the 2014 model year, a Nivomat adaptive hydraulic suspension system with self leveling, payload leveling and trailer load leveling replaced the pneumatic system.​

... these vehicles are not equipped with struts. Struts attach to the steering knuckle and rotates as the knuckle turns.

What you are describing is technically call a MacPherson strut. So call the rear suspension a "coil over shock".

 

[Drae]

Oh yes I figured out the Nivomat system soon after that post but thanks though. Yeah that's right a Macpherson strut is the name for the design but they are not present on our vehicles in the front either. Struts can affect a vehicles alignment also.