New guy with questions

[sxk122]

Hi all. Just got an 2004 Eddie Bauer Expedition with the purchase of a business last March. This is the first SUV I've owned-- everything else has been cars and bikes. I'm used to tinkering, and I normally lower my cars..... that said, I'd like to raise and level out the Expedition and I almost need new tires too. I think I'd like to run slightly bigger tires on the existing wheels.



I'm looking at this leveling kit--

2.5in Leveling Lift Kit for 03-13 Ford Expedition [585] | Rough Country Suspension Systems®

Suggestions of a better kit, or are they all similar?

As far as tires, I want something a bit larger and more aggressive. The ones on there now are 265 70 17. I don't want to have to remove the running boards. I like the look of 'Big Red Monsters' wheels and lift... does anyone know what size tires those are?

http://www.expeditionforum.com/members/40337-albums155-picture873.html


Also, the puddle light-bulb in the passenger side side-view mirror needs to be replaced. How on earth do you get to it......
Thanks,
Simon

 

[Gruz7]

That's a pretty good looking level for it but go with like a 285x70r17 BFG ko2 it's a pretty aggressive tire and j heard they're getting some good reveiws


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[rosario1991]

Idea isn't bad at all. Carry on with this. Welcome!

 

[Lostneye]

Also, the puddle light-bulb in the passenger side side-view mirror needs to be replaced. How on earth do you get to it......

There is a clip and screw holding the mirror turn signal/puddle assembly.If you fold the mirror in there is a screw(I think it's a a torx) to take a small cover off. There is another screw inside you remove and you can pull down and out on the clear part of the puddle/turn signal.

 

[sxk122]

There is a clip and screw holding the mirror turn signal/puddle assembly.If you fold the mirror in there is a screw(I think it's a a torx) to take a small cover off. There is another screw inside you remove and you can pull down and out on the clear part of the puddle/turn signal.

Awesome, I'll give folding the mirror in a go. Thanks!

 

[Skauber]

Here's a thread on our fellow Ford Trucks forum showing how to replace the puddle light, if you have the one with integrated blinker.

2003 Expedition Side Mirror Lamp Replacement - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

 

[sxk122]

Skauber, that looks like mine.
They didn't make it easy to get to.

Just replaced the wheel arch trim tonight where the prior owner hit a trashcan...... thankfully just the one piece of trim was mangled. No body damage or damage to any other trim......

Thanks for the tire suggestion gruz 7

 

[sxk122]

Gruz 7, what do you think of the
BRIDGESTONE DUELER A/T REVO 2 in the P285/70/17 ?

Also, will these fit before I get the leveling kit?

 

[Gruz7]

Gruz 7, what do you think of the
BRIDGESTONE DUELER A/T REVO 2 in the P285/70/17 ?

Also, will these fit before I get the leveling kit?

Those look like pretty decent tires I believe a buddy of mine has them on his with no level as well so you should be fine there with the fitment... Seems like it's a high mileage tire to based on the reviews they get but they don't exactly live up some of the other ats in the mud and dirt but then again it comes to the point where do you really drive in mud an dirt as much as the highway? So all in all I think they're pretty good tires and that size shouldn't be problematic with fitting at all without the lift.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[GAINMOB]

welcome to the site

 

[sxk122]

Thanks guys--
One more potentially stupid question..... The spare.

If I go with the 285/70/17 will my 265/70/17 spare be useless, or would that limp me somewhere (on a non-drive wheel) in an emergency.

If my spare will be useless, will a 285/70/17 fit up under?

 

[Gruz7]

Thanks guys--
One more potentially stupid question..... The spare.

If I go with the 285/70/17 will my 265/70/17 spare be useless, or would that limp me somewhere (on a non-drive wheel) in an emergency.

If my spare will be useless, will a 285/70/17 fit up under?

To be honest I've had spare off a few times now and there is what seems to be a lot of room under there I'm sure fitting a lightly larger size under there won't be a problem as long as you tighten up the spare rope pretty good and also sure there's no real problem drive with the slightly smaller OEM spare until you get to a tire shop that will be fine for a bit but don't make it something I you drive on a for a week you know?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[GAINMOB]

its not larger...its wider...20mm from 265 to 285...same side wall ratio and tire size...70/17...I think it should fit

 

[GAINMOB]

instead of 17x8 its a 17x8.5 for example

 

[tsingson]

That 70 stands for 70 percent of the tires width. So 70 percent of 285mm. That would be 7.85in. 70 percent of 265mm is 7.3in.

 

[GAINMOB]

calls for measuring

 

[Mediamonkey11]

A 285 will be slightly taller as well as wider than the 265, 1" taller overall IIRC. The 70 as stated above is the percentage of the width the sidewall is tall. I went with 285/70/17's and they are noticeably larger overall, fit perfect stock on a 1st gen but look better with a lift.

 

[sxk122]

That 70 stands for 70 percent of the tires width. So 70 percent of 285mm. That would be 7.85in. 70 percent of 265mm is 7.3in.

Thanks, I knew the overall size was bigger due being a percentage, I didn't think to do the math. Brain fart. Do you think that a 1/2" smaller tire would be sufficient to 'limp' somewhere, or should I replace the spare tire too?

 

[Jb14]

Welcome, the 285 will fit on the stock wheel even with out the leveling kit (no trimming needed). I had 285 Toyo Open Country A/T on stock wheel Great tire on and off road.

I updated my suspension and put on a leveling kit F: 3 1/2 R: 2 1/2 (also bilstiens and moog constant rate coils) I now have 35 (Toyo Open Country R/T on Silver Method 17x8.5 wheels) The R/T is a cross between the M/T and A/T (AMAZING TIRE)

with 35 a little trim on the front lower lip of the plastic will need to be done (trim is very minor and you wont notice)

 

[tallsville]

285/70/17 will fit on stock height, you will have rubbing on the inner fender when turning. You can run the stock spare with no problems. I ran mine for a couple days with the spare on the rear axle, until i could get the new tire.