New Shocks?

[Mako825]

My '03 needs new shocks. I've read lots of Forum posts about Monroe Quick-Struts, KYB Strut Plus, and the Rancho QuickLift.

I don't have 4WD so I don't go off-road. But I do have a classic car and am toying with the idea of buying an enclosed hauler and using my Ford Expedition as a tow vehicle.

I'm curious what replacement shocks other 2nd Gen Expedition owners chose?

Mako

 

[Hamfisted]

I had the Bilstein HD's on mine for about 75k miles. The Bilsteins combined with the stock springs gave the best ride, and handling was equal to stock new. If you don't want to bother breaking down the shock/spring assembly for that installation then I would recommend the KYB Strut Plus setup (my current shocks). The KYB's have a stiffer spring rate and will give you more of a 1/2 ton truck ride, which might be helpful for towing your trailer, depending on it's size and weight. The biggest improvement in handling came with the installation of the Belltech 5550 rear sway-bar. The heavy duty sway-bar also helps the handling during towing of my boat, even though it's only 2,000 lbs.



Belltech 5550 Rear Sway Bar .....

 

[Mako825]

I had the Bilstein HD's on mine for about 75k miles. The Bilsteins combined with the stock springs gave the best ride, and handling was equal to stock new. If you don't want to bother breaking down the shock/spring assembly for that installation then I would recommend the KYB Strut Plus setup (my current shocks). The KYB's have a stiffer spring rate and will give you more of a 1/2 ton truck ride, which might be helpful for towing your trailer, depending on it's size and weight. The biggest improvement in handling came with the installation of the Belltech 5550 rear sway-bar. The heavy duty sway-bar also helps the handling during towing of my boat, even though it's only 2,000 lbs.



Belltech 5550 Rear Sway Bar .....

Thanks Ham - I took your advice and went ahead and ordered the KYB's. I'm not a big fan of Monroe products. And, if I was trailering full-time I'd have probably purchased the Ranchos since they also level and lift. For what it's worth, of all the on-line suppliers, Rock Auto had the best deal and saved me close to $100 on a set of 4. They should be here later next week and in-time to keep me busy next weekend.

I took a look at the stock sway bar. It's pretty puny. I put a beefier sway bar on my son's Jeep Grand Cherokee - but it was mounted more toward the rear bumper. The one on the Expedition is forward of the rear tires. Did you have to put your Expedition on a lift to get to it (safely)?

Thanks again for the advice!

Mako

 

[Hamfisted]

No, I just did it there sitting in the driveway. The Belltech comes with polyurethane mount bushings with grease fittings.

 

[Mako825]

I found this link in the Forum to the torque specs: https://www.expeditionforum.com/threads/suspension-torque-specifications.9212/

I also just purchased a 1/2" impact wrench. Been needing an excuse to buy one

Mako

 

[Hamfisted]

Probably use a torque wrench more than you will an impact wrench, but a deep toolbox is always good !

 

[Mako825]

Luckily I already have torque wrenches. Speaking of torque... I found some better torque specs for my upcoming shock replacement job on this site:
https://cardiagn.com/2003-expedition-lincoln-front-suspension-4x2/

I have the service and repair manuals for all my other vehicles. But I don't have one for the Expedition. So the info I located on-line from cardiagn.com is helpful to me because it has some basic pictures

 

[Hamfisted]

If you don't already have one, you can download a copy of the factory service manual here: https://spaces.hightail.com/space/hoVVsN5P2A

It'll have all the torque specs and other recipes in there that you'll ever need ....

 

[Mako825]

Thanks Hamfisted! You have more tricks than a clown's pocket!

Mako

 

[Mako825]

Just wanted to provide an update on the shock install project. The 4 KYB Strut-Plus Strut and Coil Spring Assemblies arrived last week from Rock Auto in perfect shape. My 2003 Expedition is not 4WD and does not have air suspension. But it does have 200,000 miles and the shocks have never been changed.

I had every intention of installing them myself. Started with one of the rear wheels but couldn't loosen the shock eye bolt. Soaked it in penetrating oil over the weekend and it still wouldn't budge. Took it to my local mechanic on Monday and they installed them for me and did a re-alignment. Except for losing a corner off my Man Card, I'm happy with the ride so far !

Mako

 

[Hamfisted]

Yeah those lower shock bolts are torqued to 295 and 350 ft lbs, plus the age that they are, makes it almost essential to use an air impact on them. You'd blow a nut trying to do it with just a ratchet. The Expy will probably ride a bit stiffer than stock now with the KYBs on there. But it'll handle better too.

 

[Aspen03]

I didnt realize kyb made a drop in for these trucks. I have close to 20k more on here woth original suspension than yours, I dont have issues that I'm aware of but surely it has to be a little tired after almost 18 years. I dont really have a baseline for what new feels like, hard to compare to a new model being it's all so different. Fairly inexpensive all things considered, have to see how spring goes and if some extra $ lying around maybe I'll go for it.

I've ran the GR2/Excel G strut along with their AGX series on other vehicles and have always been impressed. Ride was more firm as they said but not jarringly so with exception to the AGX but that's a performance model and was combined w lowering springs that were much higher rate than standard.

 

[BrandonZ55]

Has anyone ran the adjustable coil overs on their expy yet?? You can supposedly get 1-3 inches of lift or lower out of them. Was just wondering if anyone had any luck with them

 

[Mako825]

Yeah those lower shock bolts are torqued to 295 and 350 ft lbs, plus the age that they are, makes it almost essential to use an air impact on them. You'd blow a nut trying to do it with just a ratchet. The Expy will probably ride a bit stiffer than stock now with the KYBs on there. But it'll handle better too.

I did drive a few city miles around town with the KYB Strut-Plus assemblies this week. A little stiffer rider, but not in a bad way. Held better in turns. After I settled in on my drive I noticed that my rear view mirror and seat level seemed just a tad off. I first chalked that up to the guys at the shop adjusting the seat and mirrors for the test drive after they installed them and did the re-alignment.

Before I had them installed, I took a measurement of the rear shocks from the floor of the garage to bottom of the shock eye bolt. I measured today and it's 1/2" higher. So I'm supposing that she's riding a little higher in the rear. If I was smarter and really wanted to know how much a difference the new assemblies made on ride height, I should have taken before measurements from the center of each wheel to the bottom of the fender lip opening and at different points around the Expy along the bottom of the rocker panel to the floor.

What I do know is, that over the years I have pulled some pretty heavy trailer loads and remember how much rear suspension sag there was. I figure that the age of the shocks and some of the long heavy loads probably caused some small amount of permanent rear sag. But, I'm no suspension expert so it's only a guess.

Again, happy with the KYBs and will see how they hold up over the "long haul"

Mako