Long Term Ride Quality

[dlcorbett]

For those whose purchased their new expys and navis and have put some miles on them, how is the long term ride? Does it feel different than when you test drove it? How does it compare to your current or previous vehicles? Did you cross reference the ride with similar suvs and trucks before you bought? Also, what are the differences btw the versions?

I maybe having second thoughts and would like to see peoples opinions on them. In our area, theres still not many to look at let alone drive. For reference, in a 20 mile radius, theres only 4, all 4wd, one max the others reg length.

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

I have a 17 Limited EL purchased new in February. I have just under 6000 miles on it now. I don't drive a lot on a daily basis but we have taken it on two long trips of about 1200 miles overall. The suspension and ride quality is every bit as good as it was in February even in -7 degree weather. It rides better than my 2005 Eddie Bauer short wheel base with air suspension - which was in perfect working order when I traded it at 146K. The 05 was stiffer and you felt every bump. I had 20" wheels and the same tires on it as what I have on the 17. The only difference was I have 275 55 20s on the 17 and 275 60 20s on the 05.

 

[rcompart]

We didn't think the ride quality of our 2014 changed much from when we first bought it but I can tell you the difference between it and the 2017 we bought was night and day, and again so with our new 2018. That's not to say the suspension components broke in or wore out, just that the subtle differences and improvements were very obvious when driven back to back.

 

[dlcorbett]

Whats the difference in ride btw the 17my and 18my if you dnt mind me asking?

 

[rcompart]

Our 2017 was a nice riding vehicle with CCD and 22” wheel option but it wasn’t as soft and subdued over rougher roads and it lumbered through turns and when maneuvering in parking lots in comparison to our new 2018 with the same options. I’m guessing it has to do with changes to the suspension geometry as well as software improvements to the CCD system.

 

[1997SCEBFEX]

a lil perspective from this Gen 1 original owner. Eddie Bauer 4WD w/4 corner load-leveling air suspension; P265/70R17 factory wheels; mileage north of 200K (odometer broken).

Factory delivered (Goodyear Wrangler) tires had nothing on the Michelin's albeit they lasted 75K w/rotation every 5K. Immediate noticeable comparison as far as ride and road noise reduction; just put my 3rd set of Michelins on in 20 years.

Changed rear air bags and compressor at year 11 due to longevity. No noticeable comparison, but the left-side lean resolved itself. One thing to take into perspective is the constant addition of approx. 180# when filling the gas tank as it's rear-left-side aft frame located. Front air shocks changed when a fault sensed with Monroe equivalent; third set due to longevity; no noticeable comparison other than "check suspension" light extinguished.

Have tried two different brands of rear shocks aside from FMC including Gabriel & Monroe, Two different Gabriel's and currently running Monroe 30720ST's. They are an OEM equivalent. Work great in consort with the rear air bags. no noticeable comparison per se'.

Front stabilizer end links replaced with MOOGs after the left front snapped. Discovered by sloppy steering when backing. Noticeable difference as sloppiness instantly resolved.

Replaced rear factory sway bar bushings with Energy Suspension 4.5146G. No noticeable difference but done for longevity.

Cabin noise: vehicle not undercoated and only lived in the northeast for a few years of harsh winters; now in the sunshine state. Added some Fat Mat sound deadening sheets when seats were out. Immediate noticeable difference in cabin/road noise reductions

Last, I've had many folks that have never ridden in an EXPY before, or one that is 20 years old and comment on the great ride. Still my daily driver.

Thanks for reading my perspective.

 

[gtnator]

Our 2017 was a nice riding vehicle with CCD and 22” wheel option but it wasn’t as soft and subdued over rougher roads and it lumbered through turns and when maneuvering in parking lots in comparison to our new 2018 with the same options. I’m guessing it has to do with changes to the suspension geometry as well as software improvements to the CCD system.

I've also read about this in reviews, that the 2018 is a huge leap forward from the 2017 in ride quality, and turning (feel, maneuverability, and turning radius).

 

[JExpedition07]

Unfortunately better ride comes with reduced capability and a lower more car like stance. The lovely F-350 rides like crap compared to my expy but it can do more of everything. Better offroad, more payload, towing, pretty much more capable all the way around with the leaf spring rear. My expy rides very well still and it’s 10, rides very soft and you don’t feel much, takes big bumps with ease, but I wouldn’t mind it a little more trucky.

 

[gtnator]

Unfortunately better ride comes with reduced capability and a lower more car like stance. The lovely F-350 rides like crap compared to my expy but it can do more of everything. Better offroad, more payload, towing, pretty much more capable all the way around with the leaf spring rear. My expy rides very well still and it’s 10, rides very soft and you don’t feel much, takes big bumps with ease, but I wouldn’t mind it a little more trucky.

That’s a great point. My coworker has an F-250 which is extremely capable but rides pretty rough...unless you have it packed with tons of heavy cargo, then it drives super smooth. I figure that’s what it’s made for and it doesn’t like to be driving with no load.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[dlcorbett]

For the most part i love how my 09 nav rides, now some yrs later i know the newer trucks have went through leaps when it comes to ride. Though these are huge trucks, i dont consider them 3/4 or even 1/2 ton trucks so as a result i dnt think they shpu2ld ride like one.

Since i ordered my 18 and still havent recieved it, i thinkin mayb i shouldve gotten the ccd but idk since i did love the ride of the my15 ltd ride. However the my18 ltd 20in ride as smooth as it was maybe a bit too firm. Thats why i was askin how real world the 18s actually ride. Test drives just dont give you the information you need unless you have it for some days and can get it through multiple scenarios.

 

[rcompart]

Part of the design intent with these various vehicles is more off-road capability, more passenger capacity, more on-road comfort or more payload and towing capacity and you buy what gives you need most if what you need. I wouldn’t say the Expy has reduced capability vs the F350, just different capabilities. Even if there was such a vehicle as a 2018 SD based Excursion, I’d hands down still choose the Expy because the IRS lends itself to a much smoother ride, more 3rd row passenger head room and it’ll still tow anything I’d ever need to no questions asked.

 

[Spoiledhappywife]

I have 1400 miles on mine and have taken it to the mountains. I can say it rides unbelievably smooth. I have the CCD and 22’s. I was always under the impression the bigger the tire the worse the drive would be. We have a 2015 and 2018 F150 Lariat with 20’s and the Expedition just handles unbelievably well. My Explorer Sport was antiquated in comparison regarding the quality of the ride. While I understand the improvements over the years it is simply mind blowing. My fuel economy and ride quality far outweigh my Explorer Sport.

I’ll report more as the mileage racks up. But I am completely in love with my Expedition and wouldn’t change anything on it.

 

[dlcorbett]

Does anyone have any input on how my18 models rides in relation to its competitors?

 

[Garrett]

Does anyone have any input on how my18 models rides in relation to its competitors?

I've test driven everything under the moon, and the only thing better is the Gator.

 

[rcompart]

I've driven both on the same routes and I felt the ride quality was the same between the two. That being said, the seats in my new Expedition are incredibly comfortable and a very large step above what was in both predecessors but the seats in the new Navigator are ridiculously comfortable when you take the time to play around with every adjustment and really dial them in. The easiest way to describe both of these vehicles is that Ford actually tried this time to impress people with their vehicles and I'd have to say they've succeeded!

 

[Kevink109]

Does anyone have any input on how my18 models rides in relation to its competitors?

I have the 2018max FX4- compared to our old 2009 Escalade ESV with magnetic ride shocks the Expy is light years better.

I never thought the Escalade rode well- I even went as far as changing out the 22s for 18 wheels -this helped but not enough.

That being said I did compare my 18 max FX4 w/ a 18 Limited max w/ CCD and 22" wheels- I do think the limited had a better ride. Its been awhile so its difficult to remember - bit thats my impression.

 

[gtnator]

I have the 2018max FX4- compared to our old 2009 Escalade ESV with magnetic ride shocks the Expy is light years better.

I never thought the Escalade rode well- I even went as far as changing out the 22s for 18 wheels -this helped but not enough.

That being said I did compare my 18 max FX4 w/ a 18 Limited max w/ CCD and 22" wheels- I do think the limited had a better ride. Its been awhile so its difficult to remember - bit thats my impression.

Thanks! Some good reference points.

 

[eddiemoney]

2010, 120k, EL, 4x4

Daily around to kids events and many 1000+ mile trips across the country on 22" wheels / tires. Never had any issue with comfort.

 

[JExpedition07]

Part of the design intent with these various vehicles is more off-road capability, more passenger capacity, more on-road comfort or more payload and towing capacity and you buy what gives you need most if what you need. I wouldn’t say the Expy has reduced capability vs the F350, just different capabilities. Even if there was such a vehicle as a 2018 SD based Excursion, I’d hands down still choose the Expy because the IRS lends itself to a much smoother ride, more 3rd row passenger head room and it’ll still tow anything I’d ever need to no questions asked.

Good points. One thing our trucks do have a problem with no matter what we do is offroad performance.... and it’s whole issue is the IRS, the arms come too low and they jab into the mud, where a Tahoe will just drive right through with it’s solid rear axle. Luckily the fords 4WD system is pretty good to balance it out. I’d still buy the expy all over again with a solid axle I’d actully prefer it.

 

[07xln]

Ive noticed the ride quality in my 17 Limited EL feels as if it has degraded some. I'm not sure if its because of the load leveling shocks or what but if its empty in the back you can feel every little bump. Add a couple hundred pounds back there and it feels much better. Ive gone as far as running my tire pressures a little lower to see if that helps with the ride