04 Expy Struts
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04 Expy Struts
Wifes 04 expy needs tires it has 118k. To my knowlege the struts have never been changed. The tires always cup and wear on the edges really bad. When we bought the thing the dealer aligned it and we had a frame shop do it also later on and have come to except that is the way it is. I'm thinking about changing the struts before she gets tires. The Monroe Senseatract are buy 3 get one free. Are they worth it or should I look for something else. I will get another 4 wheel alignment done also.
Thanks
Thanks
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,082
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From: Melbourne, FL
A lot of guys here rave over the Bilsteins, so that's what I planned on getting. Shockwarehouse was the best price last time I looked online, all 4 for about $360 shipped. If you get the Monroes, post back how you like them.
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I'm far from an automotive expert, but this was my experience on the topic:
I agree that it's a good idea to replace them before getting new tires. You will need a 4-wheel alignment after installation anyway (or so I was told), so I'd get them installed, then have the tires replaced and alignment done in that order and at the same time or a close to it as possible.
That's what I did on my '03 at 100K - 4 new Bilsteins from 4wheelparts.com for about $400, free shipping to their local store in town, and 25% off installation with the purchase. So for around $650 (about the same price I was quoted from several locations for the Monroes) you get the Bilsteins. The combination of the new Bilsteins, new tires, and an alignment made a huge difference in how my SUV rode and handled - better than new in my opinion, given that new was with the super-soft OEM components and the lousy Continental tires...
Your ride will firm up but in no way be 'stiff' given that the Expedition's suspension is so cushy anyway.
Hope this helps...
I agree that it's a good idea to replace them before getting new tires. You will need a 4-wheel alignment after installation anyway (or so I was told), so I'd get them installed, then have the tires replaced and alignment done in that order and at the same time or a close to it as possible.
That's what I did on my '03 at 100K - 4 new Bilsteins from 4wheelparts.com for about $400, free shipping to their local store in town, and 25% off installation with the purchase. So for around $650 (about the same price I was quoted from several locations for the Monroes) you get the Bilsteins. The combination of the new Bilsteins, new tires, and an alignment made a huge difference in how my SUV rode and handled - better than new in my opinion, given that new was with the super-soft OEM components and the lousy Continental tires...
Your ride will firm up but in no way be 'stiff' given that the Expedition's suspension is so cushy anyway.
Hope this helps...
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Lancaster, Pa.
You'd be amazed what a simple shock change out will do for your wifes ride. Although my control arm bushings are almost shot but the Monroes I put on my wifes Expy really helped out ride and wear wise. Bilstiens would be my first choice, what I have on my truck but ran into a deal on the Monroes.
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Installed the Monroe Reflex struts Sunday. 419$ for all four including tax. Mail in rebate for 1 basically 100$ back. Everthing else felt and looked ok ( ball joints tie rod ends sway arm bushings)
4 New tires Firestone Destination Le 265 70R 17 and four wheel alignment for 709.00$
The ride is good really soft feeling. But a lot better than the old. So I guess it is true struts wear over time so you really do not notice them changing.
4 New tires Firestone Destination Le 265 70R 17 and four wheel alignment for 709.00$
The ride is good really soft feeling. But a lot better than the old. So I guess it is true struts wear over time so you really do not notice them changing.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,082
Likes: 40
From: Melbourne, FL
I saw the Monroe rebate and started thinking about getting them. I'm pretty sure my wife wouldn't be able to tell the diff between the Monroes and Bilstiens, so why bother spending the extra cash. Probably gonna order them up later this week.
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new vibrations
After all of the work it has developed a vibration. Took it back to the tire installer they drove it and agreed there is a problem. I stood there and they rebalanced all 4 tires. Drove it again same issue. Put it on the alignment rack it checked good. Jacked it up on the alignment rack all 4 wheels off the lift it still vibrates and 4 wheel drive makes it worse. Ran it in 2 wheel drive all 4 off the lift it still vibrates. The front drive shaft turns but not the front wheels not turning. I thought the front shaft would not turn if it was in 2 wheel drive? The tech said the drive shaft turns but the front hubs are not pulled in or locked in?
We looked for a while no noticeable bad u joints. But the drive shaft section closes to the transfer case seems to be out of balance shaking the front section to the differentail does not seem to shake. Anyone seen this problem. I'm going to remove the drive shaft and drive the car and see what happens.
thanks
We looked for a while no noticeable bad u joints. But the drive shaft section closes to the transfer case seems to be out of balance shaking the front section to the differentail does not seem to shake. Anyone seen this problem. I'm going to remove the drive shaft and drive the car and see what happens.
thanks
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From: TN Foothills
After all of the work it has developed a vibration. Took it back to the tire installer they drove it and agreed there is a problem. I stood there and they rebalanced all 4 tires. Drove it again same issue. Put it on the alignment rack it checked good. Jacked it up on the alignment rack all 4 wheels off the lift it still vibrates and 4 wheel drive makes it worse. Ran it in 2 wheel drive all 4 off the lift it still vibrates. The front drive shaft turns but not the front wheels not turning. I thought the front shaft would not turn if it was in 2 wheel drive? The tech said the drive shaft turns but the front hubs are not pulled in or locked in?
We looked for a while no noticeable bad u joints. But the drive shaft section closes to the transfer case seems to be out of balance shaking the front section to the differentail does not seem to shake. Anyone seen this problem. I'm going to remove the drive shaft and drive the car and see what happens.
thanks
We looked for a while no noticeable bad u joints. But the drive shaft section closes to the transfer case seems to be out of balance shaking the front section to the differentail does not seem to shake. Anyone seen this problem. I'm going to remove the drive shaft and drive the car and see what happens.
thanks
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,082
Likes: 40
From: Melbourne, FL
Ok, just to be clear...by "rear joint", you mean the rear joint of the front driveshaft, the one nearest to the transfer case? And by the way, a u-joint with one bad side will give you a vibration like you described.
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No we very seldom do we use anything but 2wd. But at the tire shop as I said above the front shaft turns all of the time. When you move the switch it locks in the front hubs. I was suprised to see this. It has to lower mpg. . Also i had to put the trans in neutral to turn the front drive shaft to get to the bolts that hold it in. That was with all 4 tires off the ground.
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