HELP! I’m being told I can’t put the 3/2 kit on my 2010 expy

[Dorzak]

Not all have the air leveling suspension. It was an option for the 2016 Expedition EL XLT, I think included in higher trims.

 

[J Ski]

I have followed this forum for a while now and I guess I assumed all 3rd gen Expeditions had air ride. If all of them don’t then why can’t the ones that don’t use a bigger lift? Why is it only the 3/2 I see? I want mine to be higher than just 3/2 but seeing all the crap that comes with it bc of my air ride it doesn’t seem worth it.

The expedition isn’t marketed for “off-road” use so not many companies bother making anything more than strut spacers to get 3/2. This is bare minimum you to be able to run 35s but they can’t be wider than 11.50 or you’ll hit the UCA. You can try screwing with your air ride like @gixer2000 did but I wouldn’t risk it. You can put the spacers up front but then you’ll be way higher up front. I can’t find the pic but I parked next to an identical 2016 expedition like I have and with my 3/2 from Readylift and 35s I’m sitting 5” higher in the front and almost 4” in the back. Made it look like an explorer

 

[J Ski]

IMO the 3/2 doesn’t make a huge difference from what I’ve seen. Of all the dang SUVs and you can’t but a bigger lift on it just Ps me off.

Big difference compared to this suburban which is comparable to expeditions size

 

[gixer2000]

The expedition isn’t marketed for “off-road” use so not many companies bother making anything more than strut spacers to get 3/2. This is bare minimum you to be able to run 35s but they can’t be wider than 11.50 or you’ll hit the UCA. You can try screwing with your air ride like @gixer2000 did but I wouldn’t risk it. You can put the spacers up front but then you’ll be way higher up front. I can’t find the pic but I parked next to an identical 2016 expedition like I have and with my 3/2 from Readylift and 35s I’m sitting 5” higher in the front and almost 4” in the back. Made it look like an explorer

Whats the risk? Add adjustable links, if you have a problem (which you won't) install the factory links and convert the rear to springs. There is no risk, tons of people have done it without issue and its been getting done on all other platforms with air suspension. Its not an uncommon thing to do

 

[AllBoostNoEco]

I have followed this forum for a while now and I guess I assumed all 3rd gen Expeditions had air ride. If all of them don’t then why can’t the ones that don’t use a bigger lift? Why is it only the 3/2 I see? I want mine to be higher than just 3/2 but seeing all the crap that comes with it bc of my air ride it doesn’t seem worth it.

I will add fuel to the fire. The only reason you don’t see bigger lifts is because the Expedition uses an independent rear suspension.
I don’t know if it’s the same on the pre-15 trucks, I imagine it is, but the rear CV axles actually run through the frame. This eliminates any possibility of using drop brackets to lower the rear differential without slicing up the frame. The geometry without dropping the diff would be unworkable.
It’s still body-on-frame, so you could do a 3/2 suspension and 3” body to get a 6” lift. If anyone makes a body lift, that is. Most people are content with 35s, which the 3/2 allows.

 

[J Ski]

I will add fuel to the fire. The only reason you don’t see bigger lifts is because the Expedition uses an independent rear suspension.
I don’t know if it’s the same on the pre-15 trucks, I imagine it is, but the rear CV axles actually run through the frame. This eliminates any possibility of using drop brackets to lower the rear differential without slicing up the frame. The geometry without dropping the diff would be unworkable.
It’s still body-on-frame, so you could do a 3/2 suspension and 3” body to get a 6” lift. If anyone makes a body lift, that is. Most people are content with 35s, which the 3/2 allows.

Been looking for a 3” body lift. No luck yet

 

[Vancouver Bob]

I have followed this forum for a while now and I guess I assumed all 3rd gen Expeditions had air ride. If all of them don’t then why can’t the ones that don’t use a bigger lift? Why is it only the 3/2 I see? I want mine to be higher than just 3/2 but seeing all the crap that comes with it bc of my air ride it doesn’t seem worth it.

Not positive but I think the back end can't be lifted too high because of the suspension geometry. Not sure about 3rd gens but on my 2nd gen, the rear control arms are angled towards the back so as the suspension rotates down, it moves the tires closer to the left side of the wheel well. It's not quite as close as it looks in the picture but it's close.

I personally think the lift makes a noticeable difference. I like the increased ground clearance and it's allowed me to go to 35" tires for even more clearance.

 

[Vancouver Bob]

The half shaft also comes thru the frame so too much of a lift on the rear it and would start causing problems.

 

[Adieu]

I have followed this forum for a while now and I guess I assumed all 3rd gen Expeditions had air ride. If all of them don’t then why can’t the ones that don’t use a bigger lift? Why is it only the 3/2 I see? I want mine to be higher than just 3/2 but seeing all the crap that comes with it bc of my air ride it doesn’t seem worth it.

1) stability
2) law, in some places (Massachusetts I think?)
3) bigger strut tower lifts (spacers or longer aftermarket coilovers) will max out your control arms and sway bar links and maybe your 4WD stuff too... it'd involve replacing a whole bunch of stuff, not just installing a spacer or a coilover


PS 3/2 + 35" will give you 4.5-5 inches of total lift in the front

Maybe more if your front shocks are tired old dogs and you swap em (air ride is just rears right?)

 

[Anthony Brigidini]

Hey guys, quick question and hopefully clarification. I have a 2007 Expedition EL with air ride. I also wanted to do a 3/2 leveling kit. Called Strut Masters and they said that they had the rear coil over conversion with rear lift, but that they couldn't do the front (?). With converting to coil overs and deleting the air ride, can I get a 3/2 to work on front and rear? Is this statement from Strut Master's accurate?

 

[J Ski]

Sorry, one of the other know it alls that have rear air ride can steer you down that path. I’m done on this thread

 

[gixer2000]

Hey guys, quick question and hopefully clarification. I have a 2007 Expedition EL with air ride. I also wanted to do a 3/2 leveling kit. Called Strut Masters and they said that they had the rear coil over conversion with rear lift, but that they couldn't do the front (?). With converting to coil overs and deleting the air ride, can I get a 3/2 to work on front and rear? Is this statement from Strut Master's accurate?

They only offer a rear conversion for the el and for some reason Don't deal with the front for some reason.

Just order the rear conversion and the ready lift kit the offer also. The front is a typical coil over suspension so you can add the lift without issue

 

[gixer2000]

Sorry, one of the other know it alls that have rear air ride can steer you down that path. I’m done on this thread

Why you gotta be like that? You said it was not possible to lift without a conversion and that's false.