Replace Front Air Struts on 2005 Exp Limited with Arnott

[BUCKSTER]

Hi guys, first Post on this lovely Board - I've done an hours worth of Searches & no luck - All I want is procedure / guide for straight up Replacement of the 2 Front Air Shocks w/my new Arnott's I have in hand - Thanx in advance.

 

[GAINMOB]

welcome to the site...traditionally the first post is in the "NEW MEMBER" section where u give a quick intro and details about ur truck...im shocked the air shocks didn't come with instructions...especially being top of the line Arnott...have u tried contacting them for instruction sheet?

 

[BUCKSTER]

Thanx & glad to be here... you were correct Super Mod - No doubt why you are a Super Mod - www.arnottmanuals.com has the Guide & that site is in Warranty Disclosures with my $730 worth of Arnott 's (that was a deal best I can tell) - Warranty is in 10 Languages telling you only a Pro should put them in & has that site - Eddie at Air Suspension Parts & Air Suspension Conversion Kits just says do away with Air Suspension on EXP & NAV & hence does'nt have any install help in his DIY section for our models w/air Suspension - Maybe I'm the only one dumb enuff to keep the Air Suspension on this thing ___? - I'm 60, worked on Submarines until I was 40 & cars all my life including 17 years on my beloved 96MKVIII w/180K Miles via www.MKVIII.ORG & www.TCCOA.com & GF's not so beloved 2002 TBIRD w/40K miles via www.ThunderbirdNest.com - Only FORDS in my Garage.

Arnott's Video @ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72UR1hxo0gc - Might be nice time to have some new Upper Control Arm Ball Joint Seals handy http://www.energysuspension.com/products/Tie-Rod-Ball-Joint-Boots.html - I see zero reason you would need an Alignment after installing new Shock.

- 2005 EXPEDITION LIMITED 4WD 136K Miles, bought it new & it's a keeper.

 

[GAINMOB]

Not sure if that is sarcasm or joking as to why im a super mod...moving on...I had full air suspension myself and did the conversion...get rid of the air and never worry bout the problems it presents again

 

[BUCKSTER]

Just jokin as you WERE right... Replacement was quite easy, 3 hours taking my sweet time - I've worked harder replacing conventional Shocks - Suspension is up on this chilly AM so it looks like it's fixed~! - I thought $730 & Free Shipping was a deal but there's a new set on Ebay for $670 now - The Arnott's are nicer than Stock w/one piece Aluminum upper & an Aluminum Sleeve on Strut where Stock is Plastic - I think I'm gonna try & fix the old ones w/ new O Rings just for fun.

- In addition to the Arnott Instructions I'll add:

- With it safely up on Jackstands & Rear Wheels chocked I removed one wheel at a time
- I Removed Lower Shock Bolt first w/my handy $40 Electric Impact fm Harbor Freight
- Unbolting Upper Control Arm Ball Joint next makes getting to Solenoid easier although removing Solenoid Connector without breaking the PITA Ford ClipS on it is probably hardest part of the job.
- 15MM Ratcheting Box end comes in handy for upper 3 fasteners
- Turn wheels slightly to lower Shock between Lower Control Arm & Tie Rod then snake the old Shock out upwards.
- Snake in new Shock & make up 15MM Nuts & Connectors.
- Jack w/wood piece under Lower Control Arm helps raise it up to reconnect Upper Control Arm Ball Joint.
- Handle of Sledge bumps new Shock Bushings into Lower Control Arm slot.
- Tighten Lower Shock Bolt with weight still on Jack under Lower Control Arm to lessen Shock Bushing "wind up" then release Jack.

 

[GAINMOB]

Glad it worked out...welcome to the site