Suspension Enhancements to Help with Sagging

[zhbernal]

Hi Everyone, new to the forum here. Looking to do some mods to our 2004 Expedition with HD tow package. 3.73, 5.4, V8. Tow rated for 8950 w/ a weight distribution hitch. Dropping it off tomorrow at garage.

We tow a 2016 Jayco X254. UVW is 4705. GTWR is 5995. Dry hitch weight is 625.

Looking at installing air bags. Possible with this SUV? Any other enhancements we could do?

Thanks!



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[zhbernal]

Hi Everyone, new to the forum here. Looking to do some mods to our 2004 Expedition with HD tow package. 3.73, 5.4, V8. Tow rated for 8950 w/ a weight distribution hitch. Dropping it off tomorrow at garage.

We tow a 2016 Jayco X254. UVW is 4705. GTWR is 5995. Dry hitch weight is 625.

Looking at installing air bags. Possible with this SUV? Any other enhancements we could do?

Thanks!



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Picture of setup.




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[montecarlo31]

It'll be hard to find airbags. There is a complete air ride kit out there from someone but I can't remember now. That's quite a bit of sag for 800 lbs on the rear end. How many miles are on the truck? How many on the springs and how many on the shocks?

 

[zhbernal]

115,000 miles on all I believe. Truck was just inspected and all checked out well.

Changing tires today. Ford told me couldn't add airlift to this model.

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[barricade]

Look into Rancho quick struts, just added a set to my 04 in July they are adjustable.

 

[zhbernal]

Look into Rancho quick struts, just added a set to my 04 in July they are adjustable.

Thanks, will do. They help with the sag?

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[zhbernal]

Just looked up those struts. Seems so easy. Why would mechanic and Ford parts not suggest this and tell me there was nothing I could do? Because it's after market? Because they want me to buy a new car? Or could there be another reason like really not being able to change them out?

Just to clarify, would I only put these on the rear for towing? What about when not towing. Adjust them so car level?

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[46L281GT]

They might have meant that you couldn't add FACTORY air suspension. These vehicles had factory rear self leveling suspension. It was full of issues and wasn't the best from what I've heard. Most people fix it by replacing it with conventional suspension. I would think that the aftermarket is a much better source for something like this

 

[GAINMOB]

spring conversion

 

[barricade]

I never tow anything large enough to have sag but with the adjustable dampering the struts have should be the trick. I would contact Rancho or Bilstein to see what they can offer or hopefully someone will chime in the does tow to help you out as well.

I installed a full set of 4 to replace factory nbx struts with 150k

 

[zhbernal]

I just talked to a retailer about the Rancho Struts and they said that they were more for off roading and over $200 a piece. He suggested the Monday roe Sensa Trac Auto adjust struts. Thoughts?

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[zhbernal]

I just talked to a retailer about the Rancho Struts and they said that they were more for off roading and over $200 a piece. He suggested the Monday roe Sensa Trac Auto adjust struts. Thoughts?

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Monroe not Monday. Darn auto correct!

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[montecarlo31]

Just because the springs and struts check out doesn't mean they are not worn out. With 115,000 miles of flexing metal changes it's molecular structure and weakens. Struts start losing their charge and oil breaks down inside. I would as noted start with a nice set of adjust struts and new springs, I'm guessing that new struts and springs, even factory would make quite the difference.

 

[Sknybkr44]

Barricade when you installed the struts are the adjustment knobs facing toward the rear of the truck or front I'm having a few problems putting mine on and this info will help a lot thank you

 

[jasanto]

Im new to the forum but i have some slight sagging when i hook up my TT to my 2016 expedition. I have been looking on the internet for something that might help and i came accross a product called sumo coil spring helpers. They are polyurethane inserts??? Does anyone have any experience utilzing them? Your comments would be greatly apprecieted. Thanks

 

[barricade]

Barricade when you installed the struts are the adjustment knobs facing toward the rear of the truck or front I'm having a few problems putting mine on and this info will help a lot thank you

sorry for late reply, but the adjustment knob on the rear shocks are facing to the rear of the truck also. ill have to check the fronts again but i think they are facing forward.

 

[StephanSloan]

I just put the Ranchos on my 2008 Expedition EL. The adjuster is on the outside - closer to the rim (front and back not an option) as inside would not be reachable. It is a chore to get to these adjust knobs. So far, at the middle stiffness setting there is no big change in ride characteristics. The +3/4 inch height is welcome when trailering.
I will report when I have some more trailering experience.

 

[johnboneske]

Hate to ask, but do you have a weight distribution hitch? That WILL take care of the problem!

 

[johnboneske]

I have an Equalizer hitch and works perfect. My trailer has 725 pounds of tongue weight, and I used 1000lbs bars and no more sag...

 

[USMCBuckWild]

Im new to the forum but i have some slight sagging when i hook up my TT to my 2016 expedition. I have been looking on the internet for something that might help and i came accross a product called sumo coil spring helpers. They are polyurethane inserts??? Does anyone have any experience utilzing them? Your comments would be greatly apprecieted. Thanks

Those are a poor fix. They fill the space that the coil would compress effectively limiting spring movement. This applies more stress to the the other coils forcing them to do added work (which can result in premature failure). It also results in a different ride quality; tends to be more bouncy. They are the same as the old metal screw in “ride adjusters” sold at parts stores: junk! (Those have had so many issues to include literally shooting out of the spring when driving down a bumpy road and causing body damage and tire sidewall punctures, very dangerous) All in all, not recomended.