Replace Suspension on 98 Expedition
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Replace Suspension on 98 Expedition
I've got 173K on my 98 XLT, 4WD. I plan on keeping it for another three years or so, and will have over 200K when done. I am to the point where I can no longer take the terrible ride. Basically I feel every crack in the road. I installed HD Bilstein shocks at about 100K or so (they've always been a little stiff in my opinion). I'd like to get the ride back to what it was when I bought it with ~ 40K on it, or like new if I can do it. I need advice on how to do that. I am assuming just about every suspension component is worn out, although I have had ball joints replaced at times.
The big question is can I assume the suspension springs need to be replaced? It seems to me if they are replaced you may as well replace every other suspension component. Has anyone attempted this and what kind of effort does it take? I've done quite a bit of work on the truck (and my cars) myself, but not the suspension parts.
Thanks for your time and advice..........
The big question is can I assume the suspension springs need to be replaced? It seems to me if they are replaced you may as well replace every other suspension component. Has anyone attempted this and what kind of effort does it take? I've done quite a bit of work on the truck (and my cars) myself, but not the suspension parts.
Thanks for your time and advice..........
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Your question is pretty vague...If you think you need to replace all of the parts, isn't that pretty simple? Upper and lower ball joints, shocks, lower a-arm bushings, tie rod ends, idler arm, pitman arm. In back you can do bushings in the upper and lower arms and panhard rod, shocks and maybe the coils have sagged. Front springs should be fine.
That is a lot of work, but maybe worth it for three more years of use. You only put 9,000 miles a year on? I think I am over 20,000
That is a lot of work, but maybe worth it for three more years of use. You only put 9,000 miles a year on? I think I am over 20,000
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I agree it's a pretty vague question, but I guess I am just looking for past experience from other guys who have attempted to smooth out their ride. I suppose I could start with the easier stuff and worst case look at replacing the suspension springs as a last resort. Rotor removal required to replace the springs, and we all know how fun that is 
.
I was averaging 12-15k per year, but since my daughter left for college a couple of years ago it sits in the driveway quite a bit, outside of vacation trips or hauling needs. Depending on how far we go year-year, I could still hit the 12k/year mark in the next three years.
.I was averaging 12-15k per year, but since my daughter left for college a couple of years ago it sits in the driveway quite a bit, outside of vacation trips or hauling needs. Depending on how far we go year-year, I could still hit the 12k/year mark in the next three years.
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I dunno, my rotors just fall right off the hubs still
"Smoothing out the ride" is the part I am having trouble with. I have almost new Bilstein shocks on mine, new lower ball joints and a few other replaced parts. I think it still rides like a big green marshmellow.
If the front end is making noises, clunk, snap, or pop, you have some parts to replace. If the tires wear incorrectly or the truck wanders on the road, you have some parts to replace. If everything is working properly and all you want is a softer ride, you can just change the shocks to something like a Monroe SensaTrac.
"Smoothing out the ride" is the part I am having trouble with. I have almost new Bilstein shocks on mine, new lower ball joints and a few other replaced parts. I think it still rides like a big green marshmellow.
If the front end is making noises, clunk, snap, or pop, you have some parts to replace. If the tires wear incorrectly or the truck wanders on the road, you have some parts to replace. If everything is working properly and all you want is a softer ride, you can just change the shocks to something like a Monroe SensaTrac.
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