Shocks and struts
- Thread starter panama
- Start date
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ExplorerTom
Full Access Members
Motorcraft.
07navi
Full Access Members
Just put some Monroe shocks in it then and keep the springs.
Original springs have been gone a long time ago.
I just can’t believe that it’s so difficult to find oem feel and drive shocks and struts for an American built vehicle.
07navi
Full Access Members
Everybody seems to think a little stiffer is going to be a little better and I think many makers can't really perfect the original spring rate. I would either go with the springs in it and just get some shocks like Monroes or take a chance on some new spring/shock assemblies.
ManUpOrShutUp
Full Access Members
Feel is a very subjective thing, so I don't think you're going to get a real consensus on this. I have the Bilstein 4600s w/ OEM springs and while they're not a huge deviation from stock imho, they are stiffer. The Motorcraft shocks just don't hold up. Not a fan of Monroe for durability either.
JExpedition07
That One Member
I’ve never heard good things about Monroe. Always about them wearing out and being bouncy. I like a stiffer spring myself, an F-350 feel is perfect.
You may think I'm joking , but I'm not. How do you know when your shocks & struts & springs or whatever is "bad"? My 2014 seems fine but I don't know how to know when the stuff is not working right. 108K miles on her. No leaking.
I still have all original parts on my 2003 with 180K and it seems fine also.
Neither does any pogo stick over bumps in the road.
I still have all original parts on my 2003 with 180K and it seems fine also.
Neither does any pogo stick over bumps in the road.
07navi
Full Access Members
I agree, I think people just like to throw parts at vehicles for no good reason. They put new springs in along with the shock just because it is easier and faster even though the springs are perfectly fine. I will change my shocks (only) when the truck feels like a pogo stick going down the road and over bumps. Also the new spring/shock combos they put in is usually stiffer because the maker wants to give the sense of stiffer is better.
This is a good discussion. This is how things get resolved and we can all enjoy the benefits of figuring things out.
Opinions are great but knowledge or experiences based replies would lead to a much faster result. Of course, feel and drive of a vehicle are subjective, what’s not subjective is the original feel and drive of a 3rd gen expy if you owned it from new or fairly new with original suspension parts. Our ***** are all calibrated differently while sitting in that driver’s seat, but all expy’s that rolled off the line where made exactly the same based on the models we purchased.
Another question, if you know the answer and not an opinion in this case -
Can I used the standard duty suspension rear coil spring for a 119” wheel base 2008 expy on an 2008 131” wheel base standard duty suspension. Are they interchangeable?.
I’m assuming not, do to the extra weight of the extra 12” on the EL (131”) rear end. But who knows and can confirm that for me.
Opinions are great but knowledge or experiences based replies would lead to a much faster result. Of course, feel and drive of a vehicle are subjective, what’s not subjective is the original feel and drive of a 3rd gen expy if you owned it from new or fairly new with original suspension parts. Our ***** are all calibrated differently while sitting in that driver’s seat, but all expy’s that rolled off the line where made exactly the same based on the models we purchased.
Another question, if you know the answer and not an opinion in this case -
Can I used the standard duty suspension rear coil spring for a 119” wheel base 2008 expy on an 2008 131” wheel base standard duty suspension. Are they interchangeable?.
I’m assuming not, do to the extra weight of the extra 12” on the EL (131”) rear end. But who knows and can confirm that for me.
shinysideup2
Full Access Members
Parts catalogs don't appear to differentiate between EL and standard length. I would think the GAWR would be the same, but you may have more payload capacity on the non-EL due to the lower relative weight vs. the EL.
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I have an 03 expy with over 250,000. I've been slowly having to change things out cause it has all original parts still on it. I have 6 kids and noted on our spring break trip from TX to SC this year that our back shocks n struts needed to be replaced because once fully loaded with all 8 of us plus the luggage rack added to the back we squatted bad. Seemed as though every little pebble we went over caused us to bounce and scrub the fender wells with the tires. Replaced the back struts with masterpro strut assembly. They may not be the best out there. But they didnt break my pocket and they work for me. I've since towed a 27.5 ft travel trailer with passengers no problem. Some squatting noticed but expected and no scrubbing of tires. Don't know if any of this helps. But I love my Expy! Its the XLT with 5.4 triton in it. They dont put engines like that in these vehicles anymore. Most standard on the lots now a days a v6 unless you wanna pay a whole lot more for that already 50,000 vehicle.
ManUpOrShutUp
Full Access Members
Awesome. Thanks for the feedback. My ‘08 is still one of favorite vehicles I’ve owned. Don’t have to worry about power to tow, space or comfort. Just got to good morning get these shocks (feel and drive) back.
