I am going to get to the bottom of this and so far I am pretty optimistic I won't have to get KYBs.
I thought the bottom mount was different as well.
Turns out that this is the case on the front but I do not forsee that being an issue.
The 07-13 utilize a single bolt and nut that go through the side of the control arm and shock eyelet.
The 15-17 utilize a pin with plates on each side and then are secured vertically in the control arms with 2 bolts. The shock eyelet is the same the pin is just inserted through instead of the single bolt and 2 bolts connect to that. So I should be able to reuse that pin from my factory shock.
At this point I am 95% positive that if I am able to get a set of the lower spring perches from a 07-13 that the rear Bilsteins will work without any issue.
All the rear part numbers across the board are identical for folks that make them for the 15-17s. That includes Motorcraft, Napa, KYB, and Monroe (pretty sure they make Napa) and of course all the specs. are the same per brand.
The front is where we come up with the differences that I can locate comparing my truck to videos and part numbers and part specifications that I can find. The specs are slightly different and to lower mount style but as pointed out I don't think that will be an issue.
So far the the specs for the fronts that I have been able to locate show that for the 2016 models:
NAPA
Body length is .06" longer than the 07-13
Compressed length .06" longer than the 07-13
Extended length 1.24" shorter than the 07-13
Travel/Stroke Length 1.31" shorter than the 07-13
KYB
Unable to locate a body length
Compressed length is .28" shorter than the 07-13
Extended length is 1.11" longer than the 07-13
Travel/Stroke length is 1.39" longer than the 07-13
I have been unable to locate the specs for the Bilsteins or for the Motorcrafts anywhere on the web. I can't find an email address for Bilstein to inquire but did locate a phone number. But preschool doesn't start for 2 weeks and with 3 kiddos under 5 running around here there is no possibility for a phone conversation during business hours at the moment.
Once I find out the specs of the Bilstein I will be more inclined to figure out if the fronts will still work or not.
If the lengths happen to fall somewhat close to the KYBs or the Napas I don't see why they won't work especially since the updated Motorcraft shock is shared across the board.
I also reached out to King Shocks (
http://www.kingshocks.com/ )via e-mail and they advised that they do not have a current set for the Expedition but would gladly be able to make them custom for me to the length specs I needed. I need to call to get a little more info to see if they have shock body diameter options and if they would be able to weld a sleeve on the body to act as a stop for the factory lower spring perch. And of course the BIG question how much $$$$$$. If they are able to accommodate a shock body that is smaller than that of the hole in the spring perch and sleeve to act as a stop hopefully it won't be too crazy expensive as I would likely just go with a standard emulsion shock as this rig will only see light off-roading and and external reservoir would be over kill. Plus adjustability would be a huge plus over Bilsteins
So right now I am on the hunt for a set of (4) removable lower spring perches. I have contacted Green Sales up in Cincinnati which is the best go to place for obsolete Ford parts.
http://www.greensalescompany.com/
I have checked the online inventories of my local salvage yards and plenty of pre 07 Expeditions but nothing after that. I will keep hunting though.
I have put a WTB ad here and on a few of the automotive Facebook pages I am on. So if you all have any or know of a salvage yard that may have them please let me know.
It appears the NAPA setup still uses a removable spring perch but I can’t find just the perch on their site. So it may he just a stock photo. Though I have a buddy that works at NAPA so I’ll see what he can find out.
Still no word back from Stage 3 Motorsports to my inquiry of any specific difference between the models they are aware of.
If I am able to get ahold of the spring perches I am half tempted to just buy a single front Bilstein and install it to see what issues if any I run into. Worst case scenerio I am out $80 though Amazon is pretty return friendly may try to get one from them.