Will these Fit my Navigator?

Staytuned25 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-21-2009, 04:51 PM

It's a 2001 Navigator RWD and I've been looking at coil springs to replace my rear airbags to eliminate my troublesome air rear suspension. These say they are for the Expeditions but won't it still fit the Navs? I also noticed that it says it will lower the truck 1 1/2 but I figure that's not too much for the rear? Opinions please??

97 02 EXPEDITION ROUSH AIRBAG REPLACEMET REAR SPRINGS:eBay Motors (item 270470892150 end time Oct-22-09 19:39:04 PDT)

dirtmonkey11 · #2 (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 11:07 AM

Sounds like a cool swap, the only thing that I would be concerned about is ride quality and towing ability. The towing shouldn't be a problem but I would be more worried about ride quality. I would do some research and make sure it is a perfect kit for your truck. The Navigator and Expedition should be similar in the rear but I'm not 100% sue. If the air suspension isn't giving you any problems I wouldn't worry about it. If the air suspension starts to give you problems their are some aftermarket kits to replace the factory air bags with higher quality aftermarket air bags that shouldn't give you any problems. I personally would leave the factory suspension because if that is your only vehicle and you have it taken apart and it doesn't fit, you don't have a car.

Staytuned25 · #3 (**permalink**) 11-11-2009, 01:35 PM

Well I ordered the springs and I also ordered new Bilstein shocks for the rear with them. I sure hope they fit without any problems. The seller did tell me that they will fit so I'm going off his words. I can't wait to get rid of my air susp, right now my truck is lopsided and looks like ****. Anyone have any info on removal and installation???

go_phx · #4 (**permalink**) 11-11-2009, 07:21 PM

Removing the rear shox is pretty straight forward. The driver side is a PITA because it's difficult to get to the top bolt with the gas tank in the way. Once you get the socket on - by feel only - you'll only get about a 1/4 turn each time. Extensions don't help much. Just be patient. Bilstien's are the best...you made a good choice.

Staytuned25 · #5 (**permalink**) 11-15-2009, 01:12 PM

Ok so looks like they sent me the wrong shocks. The ones they sent are for a F150 4X4 and won't fit so this might be done next weekend. Do I have to take off the rear wheels to do the job? The instructions I've read says so but I have a dilemma because my wheels all have locking lug nuts and I dont have the key for them so now Im stuck. Don't know what to do about that...Any suggestions????

c_hohensee · #6 (**permalink**) 11-16-2009, 04:12 AM

I have gotten locking lug nuts off a couple of ways. If you are really lucky and you can get a good grip with some vice-grips is one way. I have also masked the wheel off and tack welded a nut on the top and removed them that way.

Staytuned25 · #7 (**permalink**) 11-23-2009, 01:26 PM

So I ordered my key for the lug nuts and finally was able to do the job this past weekend. It was a pretty straighforward job, although somewhat dirty and time consuming. I kinda like the way my Nav sits now. It is a little lower since the springs lower it about an inch and a half but everything is level and the ride is smooth.