Bilstein 4600 front spring seats problem 2012 XL stock height

[K-Clive]

Hi ALL,

Bilstein 4600 fronts, non adjustable (24-197717) need lower spring seats but the stock front shocks have welded seats and I can't buy the seats I need.
I tried FORD and they tell me the stock front shocks don't have removable seats?
Are the seats available from any where after market? I tried Ford, Bilstein etc. Nobody knows what the heck? My mechanic is installing new($) Monroe for now.
Do I need to return the Bilsteins or can I find a set of seats that will fit and use these when the Monroes give up?
I did install the adjustable 5100 rears and that worked fine - spring seats removed no problem - set the clips at the top setting and the rear works perfect now.

Please advise!

Cheers Clive in Toronto 647 618 2130

 

[mjp2]

Order Motorcraft ASH24732 from rockauto for $35 each and scrounge what you need. Cut off the end with the mounting eye and bushing and the spring seat will slide right off along with the spring isolator.

 

[Moeman]

You sure they're welded? I'm an ex-Ford manufacturing engineer. I designed the machines that assembled the coil-overs for F150 and we set the orientation of the seats in the machine. I spent some time on Expedition as well since it was the same platform. Front horns on the two products nearly identical. On my 16 F150 I also installed Bilsteins and I transferred the spring seats. The design certainly could have changed since I left, but I'm pretty sure they are not welded. Show a pic of the weld?

 

[mjp2]

@K-Clive you asked for help but haven't been on the forum since you posted your question. Weird.

 

[Millman]

You sure they're welded? I'm an ex-Ford manufacturing engineer. I designed the machines that assembled the coil-overs for F150 and we set the orientation of the seats in the machine. I spent some time on Expedition as well since it was the same platform. Front horns on the two products nearly identical. On my 16 F150 I also installed Bilsteins and I transferred the spring seats. The design certainly could have changed since I left, but I'm pretty sure they are not welded. Show a pic of the weld?

I have a 2013 expedition xlt would the rear spring perches be welded on that model? It is hard to tell they look pretty tight