Coil Over Shocks, Replacement

[ptmares]

Hello All,

I have searched the internet high and low, and haven't found that much information on what people are using for shocks/struts on there 3rd Gen Expeditions. My Expy does not have the L.L.S. No air suspension. Currently have 110,00 on the clock. I have used spring compressors before with out any problems. Im looking for a comfortable compliant ride.

It seems as though there are several options for 3rd Gen's. I have come across strutmasters brand, monroe, rancho quick lifts, and bilsteins.

My question is, has anyone ran any of the above mentioned shocks/struts with a better ride than going with stock setup? Is it necessary to replace the coil spring? Better to buy the quick strut setups, or re-use stock coil spring?

I know this is a laundry list of questions. I appreciate the interest and the replies.

 

[jglopic]

I am getting ready to replace the front shocks on mine when I get my next quarterly bonus. I am currently planning to go with the Monroe shocks, as I have used them on previous SUV's (both Tahoe and Expedtion) with very good results. Plus they are relatively economical.

Rancho is really meant for off-road and/or lifted vehicles. Bilstein is a performance brand, and you will have to pay for that! Monroe seems to yield a good on-road ride but not allow too much float. Plus they hold up a lot better than the OEM shocks!

 

[911jason]

I'll also be looking to replace my front struts, which are leaking, in the next month or so. Look forward to hearing what others recommend. I'll post back here when I've made my choice as well.

 

[ptmares]

So...is it best to replace the coil spring on our vehicles setup, or buy the quick-strut shocks and spring all in one piece?

Is the only benefit to a quick-strut the ease of installation, or do you gain ride quality with a new coil spring?

Does anyone know how a Monroe Shock/Strut compares to a Bilstein Shock/Strut? I know this is a terrible question to ask. Any info would be appreciated.

 

[GaryH2]

So...is it best to replace the coil spring on our vehicles setup, or buy the quick-strut shocks and spring all in one piece?

Is the only benefit to a quick-strut the ease of installation, or do you gain ride quality with a new coil spring?

Does anyone know how a Monroe Shock/Strut compares to a Bilstein Shock/Strut? I know this is a terrible question to ask. Any info would be appreciated.

GREAT question! I will also be doing this same thing so I'm glad you posted! I was looking at the Strutmaster kit since it includes Eibach springs.

As far as the Bilstein vs. Monroe, I had that very same thing on my 2002 Expy. They were shocks, not struts but if the comparison is valid, the Bilstiens were stiffer and more controlled, especially with a load. Monroe was ok, better than stock but not as controlled with the load as with the Bilsteins. By load I mean packed for vacation, roor rack, wheelless trailer rack and 5 or 6 of us with the dog.

 

[jglopic]

So...is it best to replace the coil spring on our vehicles setup, or buy the quick-strut shocks and spring all in one piece?

Is the only benefit to a quick-strut the ease of installation, or do you gain ride quality with a new coil spring?

Does anyone know how a Monroe Shock/Strut compares to a Bilstein Shock/Strut? I know this is a terrible question to ask. Any info would be appreciated.

Unless you think you have a problem with the springs, I wouldn't replace them. If you want to lower the vehicle or change the stiffness, then of course you can. If all you want is new shocks, the shock normally comes with the lower spring cradle and you reuse the upper spring cradle, I think. The quick-strut is purely for ease of installation/lightening of your wallet.

 

[ptmares]

Unless you think you have a problem with the springs, I wouldn't replace them. If you want to lower the vehicle or change the stiffness, then of course you can. If all you want is new shocks, the shock normally comes with the lower spring cradle and you reuse the upper spring cradle, I think. The quick-strut is purely for ease of installation/lightening of your wallet.

Cool, thanks. I was beginning to think the quick-strut was just going to drain the wallet.

I think I might be leaning towards Bilsteins and re-use my stock coil spring. I found summitracing.com sells just the shock for $75.00 each. Bummer it will take twice as long to change out the shock/strut using a spring compressor.

Would it be a wise idea to buy new bushings that would go on the new shock, instead of re-using the old bushings?

 

[ptmares]

Has anyone used the strutmaster setup, from strutmasters.com? Im wondering if there setup is worth it to have brand new coil springs.

I am stuck between installing Bilsteins and re-using my coil springs or going with the strutmasters setup. Supposedly the strutmasters come with Eibach springs.

Thanks forum members.

 

[ptmares]

Just got done getting my Bilstein 4600 series shocks installed. These are great. I am glad I went with the Bilsteins. Re-used the oem springs. My oem's (108k on them) must have been pretty bad. I hit the brakes after the install and just about went through the windshield.

Stopping is greatly improved. The ride feels more secure. Cruising down the highway it rides comfortable and not harsh at all.

 

[Joel]

lift 2010 expedition

Is there anyway to lift a 2010 expedition limited with LLS. wether it be a leveling kit or a retrofit kit to replace the LLS.

 

[rayt]

Just got done getting my Bilstein 4600 series shocks installed. These are great. I am glad I went with the Bilsteins. Re-used the oem springs. My oem's (108k on them) must have been pretty bad. I hit the brakes after the install and just about went through the windshield.

Stopping is greatly improved. The ride feels more secure. Cruising down the highway it rides comfortable and not harsh at all.

Thats good to know! did you have a shop install it then do alignment?

 

[ptmares]

I sure did. I didn't fill like spending a whole day compressing all four corners. Has to be easier with a spring compressor tower. They also did an alignment.

I hate alignments because they always screw up the center position of the steering wheel. Needs to go back again. I might be too much of a stickler for steering wheel to column alignment, oh well.

 

[Pilgrim]

I'm needing new shocks as well. Wondering about the quik-strut vs. just the shock itself. Do I need a compressor to change shocks? Do I need an alignment after changing shocks on all 4 corners?
Pilgrim

 

[1ATony]

We carry a great selection of replacement shocks and struts for your Expedition. We carry conversion kits too. If you want to do away with the air ride. Here's a link to the Expedition section on our website.

Ford Expedition Shocks and Struts

 

[GaryH2]

I'm needing new shocks as well. Wondering about the quik-strut vs. just the shock itself. Do I need a compressor to change shocks? Do I need an alignment after changing shocks on all 4 corners?
Pilgrim

Yes and yes (you should get an alignment after new struts are installed since you have to disassemble the suspension)

 

[dave1963]

2007 expedition el and I am removing the Monroe reflex that were installed last week. on little bumps there is no dampening at all from the strut. The shop is trying KYB's next. No charge installation, paying only price difference between them if any.

 

[GaryH2]

2007 expedition el and I am removing the Monroe reflex that were installed last week. on little bumps there is no dampening at all from the strut. The shop is trying KYB's next. No charge installation, paying only price difference between them if any.

That's what I was afraid of with the Monroes. I am very glad that I went with the Ranchos.

 

[dave1963]

3rd gen shocks

I just replaced the front struts on my Expedition EL. 2007, no air suspension. I tried the Monroe, can't get sensa-trac, and the ride was terrible. the small bumps came straight through. Larger bumps seemed ok, but the small ones, think of the gaps between the concrete slabs on the interstate, came straight though. i went back and they put KYB's on and now the ride is better than factory.

If you are going to do your own replacement, remember that this vehicle weighs 3 tons and most of it is in the front. Each front shock is probably supporting around 1500 - 2000 pounds.

good luck.

 

[01yellerCobra]

When replacing the shocks does the lower spring cup come off the stock shock? I just picked up a pair of Bilsteins for the front and they didn't come with the spring cups.

Edit: For those searching the cups do come off. There's a piece that pops off the end and the cup slides right off. On a side note...I really like the Bilstiens. I'll be ordering the rears soon.

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