Shock absorbers too soft: 2015 XLT 4WD?

[stilbo]

Just replaced my 2003 EB 4WD with 207,700 miles with a 2015 XLT and 20” wheels/tires.
The ride seems way too floaty compared to the 2003.
I never had to replace the shocks on the EB and they were the factory OEM shocks.
I’ve read about “head toss” and sway issues but...
I’ve been driving the 2015 on the same stretch of interstate that I’ve
driven the 2003 for years and there are a few dips in the pavement that I barely noticed in the 2003.
The 2015 nearly throws my coffee into the headliner...
Did Ford purposely spec softer shocks for the Gen 3 Expedition?
I’m not really concerned about “sway” issues...
I just feel like I’m driving an inflatable bounce house.
Are there better shocks on the market? If so, what?
Not looking to make it into a rock crawler, just improved ride.
It also reminds me of a ‘68 Buick Electra 225 floater.
Thanks

 

[grdsman]

I’m running Bilstien 5100 because I wanted to lift it an inch, but you can get the same ride with 4600’s. They firm it up nicely and get rid of that float. I experienced the same thing in our 2015.


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[Jeremygsu]

I got my '15 XLT regular wheelbase back in March coming from a '16 Tundra.

I am experiencing similiar issues. If the road is smooth, it's good. But hit some bumps and the chassis bounces a lot and takes awhile to recover. I've read a lot of issues about the shocks and figured they were worn out even at 50k miles. My wife's '14 Highlander in comparison on the same roads is extremely night and day. I ordered a set of Bilstein 5100's and am waiting on those to replace the stock shocks to see if that improves the ride quality.

 

[Jeremygsu]

I’m running Bilstien 5100 because I wanted to lift it an inch, but you can get the same ride with 4600’s. They firm it up nicely and get rid of that float. I experienced the same thing in our 2015.


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They don't sell the 4600's for the '15-'17 models from the sources I've checked. They all recommend the 5100 only. Just an FYI. It's really supposed to be the same thing if you keep the 5100's on the stock height setting according to 4 Wheel Parts.

 

[grdsman]

I got my '15 XLT regular wheelbase back in March coming from a '16 Tundra.

I am experiencing similiar issues. If the road is smooth, it's good. But hit some bumps and the chassis bounces a lot and takes awhile to recover. I've read a lot of issues about the shocks and figured they were worn out even at 50k miles. My wife's '14 Highlander in comparison on the same roads is extremely night and day. I ordered a set of Bilstein 5100's and am waiting on those to replace the stock shocks to see if that improves the ride quality.

You’ll wish you had done it sooner.


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[07navi]

That's why I just use cheap Monroe garden variety ones. Somebody probably put stiff ones on the '15 before you bought it also.

 

[grdsman]

I got my '15 XLT regular wheelbase back in March coming from a '16 Tundra.

I am experiencing similiar issues. If the road is smooth, it's good. But hit some bumps and the chassis bounces a lot and takes awhile to recover. I've read a lot of issues about the shocks and figured they were worn out even at 50k miles. My wife's '14 Highlander in comparison on the same roads is extremely night and day. I ordered a set of Bilstein 5100's and am waiting on those to replace the stock shocks to see if that improves the ride quality.

You’ll wish you had done it sooner.


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[stilbo]

Wow!
Thanks all!
I’m going to check out the Bilstien 5100’s.
I’m even okay with an extra inch of ride height if the settings are adjustable..
Easier to clear road kill.

 

[grdsman]

2015 with 5100’s set at an inch and one size up tires.




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[Jeremygsu]

You’ll wish you had done it sooner.


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I probably will. They've been on back order for nearly 3 weeks now through Bilstein. Hopefully they come in soon. I'm ready.

 

[Chris Alcala]

I ordered mine from stage 3 and they took about 2 weeks for the backordered ones. The one they had in stock arrived in 2 days. Just order and they will source them from their suppliers.

got them finished last night and in a quick trip they stiffen it up quite a bit, but also don’t rattle your teeth out. Just a firmer more controlled ride.

I’ll report back after the commute this morning.

 

[Macho grande86]

I have the same issue on my 2012 2wd limited. Bought it with 100k about 5 months ago. Driving me crazy trying to self diagnose. Looks like the previous owner had replaced the OEM with monroe fairly recently. The red labels are still visible and barely worn.
My 06 EB had no such issues.
Looks like the consensus is that the blisteins is the way to go?

 

[Chris Alcala]

Ride is much improved. The rebound is the main difference. Will be using Bilsteins going forward, especially with the price for the mild lift of the 5100’s.

 

[travelingjohn]

I need to replace those rear shocks, but absolutely don't want to go back to stock after reading everything in the forum.
If I get the 5100's do I need to replace my springs? Do I need to put a lift on it?

 

[stilbo]

Travelingjohn:
It’s best to get the “Quick Strut” version with springs already installed..
1: Removing the shock cartridge is best done in a professional shop.. Dangerous and a PITA.
2: I haven’t installed the 5100’s yet.
the KYB quick struts have THREE extra coils over the factory springs 10 vs 7 in the fronts...
3: I might go with the KYB quick struts as they are made in Japan which is good and assembled in the USA..
I’ve replaced shock cartridges only on earlier Expeditions and Explorers only to find broken coils on the factory springs.