Minimal lift options-Bilstein 5100

[ManBearPig]

Just picked up a 2017 2wd Expedition (standard length, standard suspension). I have done so much searching my head is spinning but need some direction on a few things.

I would like a small amount of lift to clear 33x12.50s on the OEM 20" wheels. I do *not* want to lift the front much more than the rear, if any. I also don't feel like lifting the front 3" without UCA's at the minimum is a very safe bet. I tow regularly with this rig and it sits nice and level with a load. I do not want it sitting quite level when empty.

Everything I have found implies that 2wd/4x4 suspension is identical, but I can't seem to find anything definitive. Can someone confirm this is the case?

I would like to lift the rear using Bilstein 5100 lift struts. Not only for the lift, but for more controlled damping in the rear when loaded down. My research tells me their p/n *24-285063-2* rear struts provide up to 1.5" lift. Is this a realistic figure?

Assuming the Bilstein struts do lift the advertised 1.5", I would like about 2" in the front. However, Bilstein's Expedition specific struts only advertise 1" lift. I have read that an F-150 kit can be used to get more lift, but which one? Which year and model F150 does the Expy front end share? It may be easier just to find a strut spacer for the front that provides 2" lift, but does anyone make this? Every spacer I have seen advertises 3" lift.

I know a lot of this may end up just being trial and error, but I'm hoping someone has had similar questions before and may already. Appreciate the help.

 

[LokiWolf]

Do a search on here, there have been MANY threads on here discussing the various options. Do some reading and start there. There are pictures, and even many who have towed with the various setups.

 

[Moeman]

I worked for Ford for many years, and in particular during the transition to 2002 Expedition. I was working on the 2004 F150 which used nearly identical in front frame architecture. 4x2 and 4x4 frames differed in that they would lower the 1A and 1B cross-members and shock towers on the 4x4's (this raises the frame rails, in effect). F150 kept different frames configs for 2004, but Expedition went to a single ride height in 2002. I'm nearly certain they kept the 4x2 and 4x4 commonality ever since then. There are lots of spring and shock combinations based on vehicle configuration, but you I believe you'd be correct saying that there is no different in geometry between the two.

BTW, I installed my F150 33x12's with +18 offset on my wife's 22 Expedition just to see how they would look. They did fit, so you may be ok without having to lift. Not sure if the +18 offset helps anything on the inner side of the wheel, but it would hurt on the outer circumference when it comes to rubbing the splash shields. They did clear on our vehicle with about a half inch to spare.

 

[ManBearPig]

In case anyone stumbles across this in the future and can use this information

Bilstein 24-24189 for a 4x4 F150 did not work out for me. I tried the lowest clip position (stock height for an F150) and got right at .5" of lift. The overall shock is nearly 2" longer than OEM, but I noticed that at the lowest clip setting, there is very little preload on the spring. Much less than with the facotry strut. I also STRUGGLED to put everything back together, and there is way too much downward travel. The UCA does not contact the spring at full droop, but only because it hits the frame first. There's just way too much droop here. To the point the UCA contacts the hard brake lines attached to the frame. It shouldnt see this kind of travel under normal use.....but I don't want even that chance.

I could try clip position #2 and would probably see the 2" of lift I hoped for, but I'm just not comfortable with these angles. Everything looks maxed out in here and I just cant see it being great for long term use.

I ordered the correct 24-285056 Expedition specific strut and will install tomorrow. I intend to run these at the top clip position for 1" lift. I'd love an inch and a half but I just don't see it being reliable. I'll set the rear to match whatever I get from the front.

Also worth noting that the F150 Bilstein comes with a "spring seat adapter" that effectively puts more preload on the spring by raising the seat. The Expedition shock does not come with this, but it does fit. Part of me wants to experiment with using this extra piece to try and get right where I want....but I see a lot of trial and error there I'm not willing to deal with.