Hello everybody. I have a 2007 Lincoln Navigator with 49,000 miles on it.

I was under the car and noticed one of the front shocks is leaking oil. The underside of the spring perch is wet but the oil has not reached the bottom of the shock tube.

All the other shocks are dry and the car drives & rides good. The tires are wearing good so far.

I am wondering if I should replace just the one shock, both front, or all four shocks. How long do the factory shocks usually last on Navigators, Expeditions, and Ford trucks?

Richard

 

At 50K they all need replacing.

 

I am starting to look at 4 new shocks for the Navigator.

Can anybody recommend what brand of shock rides as good as the Motorcraft shocks?

I like the idea of a monotube gas shock. Has anybody installed Bilstein shocks on thier Navigator/Expedition? How do they compare to the stock Motorcraft shocks. I had some on my '96 Ford E150 van and liked them very much.

Richard

 

You don't have rear air suspension? Bilsteins are always a great choice, just know they provide a firmer ride than stock overall. If you can live with that then that is the best way to go.

 

No I don't have rear air suspension. Just RWD and coil springs front and back.

I priced parts at a dealer ($995.). They said it is recommended to replace all the nuts and bolts during installation.
Their Motorcraft shock installation cost would be $1,667. for everything.

Is it really necessary to replace the nuts and bolts?

Richard

 

pgonza2723,

I see that you have an '08 L Navigator. Do you have Bilstein shocks on it. Or do you have the Motorcraft?

I am wondering just how much difference in stiffness there is between the two brands.

Richard

 

I have the rear air suspension and the stock OEM up front (137k miles). They aren't leaking and I'm sure they are due for a replacement but presently there is no excessive bouncing and the ride is still smooth and controlled. I put on Bilsteins in my 02 Expedition when I had it and the ride was noticeably firmer without question.

 

pgonza2723,

Thanks for the reply regarding the Bilsteins.

One big reason I bought the Navigator was the ride so that tells me to put Ford shocks back on it.

Presently my Navigator rides good and has good control in the turns. I just returned from a 3,000 mile trip and I didn't notice anything wrong with the control or ride.

If the one shock was not leaking I would be happy. I am a little dissapointed that there is a leak. Lots of shocks last longer than 60,000 miles but not all.

I am going to replace all 4 shocks and I may do it myself. I am getting up in age but am thinking I have one more shock absorber job left in me.

We'll see.
Richard

 

I have read good things about the KYB Excel G's so you might give those a look before going back to OEMs. There are better choices out there than OEM ...

 

pgonza2723,

I will check out the KYB Excel G's. I have set on my '95 Cougar and like them ok.

They replaced a set of Monroe Sensa-matics that wore out in less than 20,000 miles.

Replacing worn shocks is a very common car repair and I thought there would be lots of posts abut shocks here on the forum. I tried to find some posts but couldn't find any.

Thanks for the information,
Richard

 

Well my problem of a leaking front shock is solved.


I installed 4 Bilstein 4600 shocks and like them very much. The ride is smoother on the little bumps and yet firmer on the big bumps. So far I have only run a few errands around town. I am looking forward to a long trip for a final impression of the ride.


The total cost was $402. The shock replacement job wound up costing less than the Motorcraft shocks.


I bought the shocks on line for $312. to my front door. I installed them myself but paid a shop $90. to switch the springs onto the new shocks.
Thanks to all for the advice regarding shocks.
Richard