Readylift vs Bilstein 5100 on CCD EXPY?

[1alembic]

Hi all,
I'm pretty new here and I'm finding a lot of good information. I joined because I am in the market for a used 18 or 19 Expy. So still currently looking. When I get one I would like to lift it and add 20" wheels and 33-35 in tires.

My question is if I end up with a CCD model how much different is the CCD w/Readylift as compared to removing the stock shocks and replacing with Bilstein?

My assumption here after all the reading is that if I go with a Bilstein replacement, it negates the CCD system. so if that is correct can anyone provide any perspective/comparison on how the CCD Expy will drive with the Readylift vs the Bilstein replacement?

I know I have read that a few people have added the Readylift to CCD models but I have not seen that anyone has replaced the CCD stock shocks with Bilstien and commented on the difference in performance.

Thank you all in advance.

 

[Neil T Casey]

If you end up with CCD, I would keep it and when you lift it adjust the links to compensate for the lift. (there are members on here that sell new adjustable links) You can downsize your rims and it will ride just as good if you dont like the 22s. Otherwise I would just find a non CCD model (any without 22s) and lift that. I dont know that you can just remove the shocks and have it function properly. I guess you could find out by test driving a new one and pull off the suspension links and see what happens.

 

[1alembic]

Thank you for the feedback Neil.

 

[16plati]

Hi all,
I'm pretty new here and I'm finding a lot of good information. I joined because I am in the market for a used 18 or 19 Expy. So still currently looking. When I get one I would like to lift it and add 20" wheels and 33-35 in tires.

My question is if I end up with a CCD model how much different is the CCD w/Readylift as compared to removing the stock shocks and replacing with Bilstein?

My assumption here after all the reading is that if I go with a Bilstein replacement, it negates the CCD system. so if that is correct can anyone provide any perspective/comparison on how the CCD Expy will drive with the Readylift vs the Bilstein replacement?

I know I have read that a few people have added the Readylift to CCD models but I have not seen that anyone has replaced the CCD stock shocks with Bilstien and commented on the difference in performance.

Thank you all in advance.

Here’s how I see it with spacers vs an adjustable shock. Spacers are good for looks, adding 33”+ tires and light off-roading. I have Readylift 3/2 on my 16 with 35s and love it for what I do. Mostly off the road in sand. Slightly increased wear and tear on suspension components.

Bilsteins (if you do the expedition ones) will not get you the same amount of front lift as spacers however are probably a better route is you want some 33s and do decent off roading. Simple installation and a noticeable height difference over stock. If you want more than 1.6” of lift from the expedition Bilsteins (don’t quote me but I think it’s something like 1.6” and 1” of lift) you can get the F-150 fronts and set at second setting like @95cobby did. I’m not sure if you would even need to mess with the CCD link if you go the Bilstein route. I will be going the Bilstein route next year.

 

[95cobby]

Here’s how I see it with spacers vs an adjustable shock. Spacers are good for looks, adding 33”+ tires and light off-roading. I have Readylift 3/2 on my 16 with 35s and love it for what I do. Mostly off the road in sand. Slightly increased wear and tear on suspension components.

Bilsteins (if you do the expedition ones) will not get you the same amount of front lift as spacers however are probably a better route is you want some 33s and do decent off roading. Simple installation and a noticeable height difference over stock. If you want more than 1.6” of lift from the expedition Bilsteins (don’t quote me but I think it’s something like 1.6” and 1” of lift) you can get the F-150 fronts and set at second setting like @95cobby did. I’m not sure if you would even need to mess with the CCD link if you go the Bilstein route. I will be going the Bilstein route next year.

I have mine set at bottom ring on f150 4wd Bilsteins. If you have CCD it would go away with the Bilstein's and I wouldn't even bother going that route.

 

[1alembic]

Thank you 16plati.
I did read many of the posts and did see 95cobby's posts. I am in Florida myself so I will comment that the off roading would be light and more beach/sand focused (nothing extreme). And I am thinking 35s for tire size.

However, I did assume from some post that is the stock shocks were replaced then the CCD system would be negated. I don't know anything about how the CCD system works but I assumed that the sensors somehow created a change in the stiffness of the stock shocks. I have no idea if that is a correct assumption or not.

It sounds like the ride comfort should not change that much with the readylift 3/2.

 

[1alembic]

thank you for the perspective 95cobby