Juat a little question. How many have replaced/changed shocks on a 2000 or newer expedition? What type did you install? Is the ride better, or even the same as when the vehicle was new?

My exped has 45k miles and rattles, shakes over bumps like it is 10 years old--often feels like the tires are bouncing down the road instead of rolling, any ideas?

The tire are fine, balanced and wheels are round, etc.

 

I know your looking for a 2000 or newer info but I'll add info about my '99.
I just installed a set of Bilsteins at 30K miles.The ride is much better with better cornering and bump dampering and but not as smooth as when my '99 was new. The ride definitely has deteriorated over the years.
I guess everything has loosened up a bit.
We're not driving Toyota's.

 

Ranchos are by far the most popular truck and SUV shock. I've had several sets throughout the years and appreciate the improved ride quality and handling.

 

Edelbrock Performer IAS. Nothing beats it. Ranchos are not valved specific to their application/vehicle. That makes them versatile, but at a cost to you. There's a fine line between compression & rebound control, and the Ranchos sacrifice a bit in order to acheive both. Not saying they're a bad shock, but you could do better. Bilsteins are nice -- very nice. Great performance as they are actually valved for each vehicle. One of the best shocks for controlling body lean, good at making bumps less harsh, but still a little firm for my taste on the potholes.

The Edelbrock Performer IAS line absolutely the most advanced shock you can get. The unique inertia valve basically turns this into a 3 valved shock. Provides optimum performance in all situations, as the shock's performance is dictated by the type of compensation it needs to provide. When cornering it becomes more firm, controlling body roll (much like the Bilsteins) optimally. But when you hit those potholes & bumps, it dynamically adjusts to allow for the type of rebound you need to lessen the effects of the irregular road surface. This is the shock I use on my F-250.

In the end, you can't go wrong with any of the top 3 I mentioned. But I think you can see my preference is Edelbrock first, Bilstein at a close second, with Rancho getting honorable mention.

 

I appreciate the input on the Edelbrocks. They seem good on paper, but I haven't known anyone who has actually used them.

Anyone else?

 

The Bilsteins I have installed seem to have the best ride with passengers.
Even feel a difference in the rear with a full tank of gas vs a quarter tank.
The truck does handle great with Bilsteins all the time.

 

I know many who have owned the Edelbrocks and wish they never did. They are good shocks on paper, but are very poorly constructed and leak...maybe that has changed in the past year or so. I personally didn't want to risk it.

 

Several makers have good shocks... for awhile. Bilsteins are great shocks and stay that way for the life of the vehicle or reparir or replacement is free. I've used them all but Bilstein's have proven the very, very best for performance, handling and value.

If you want mushy car like ride, then anything will do.

 

I have the Edelbrock performer shocks on the front of my '00 F-150, they are 50X better than the stock shocks! I will tell you with 100% confidence you will love them. They are about 100 bucks a piece, but well worth EVERY PENNY!!!

Later, Blue

 

My Bilsteins definitely improved the ride. I can't vouch for any other manufacturers, though (except Monroe - we sell them at NTB, and they get a lot of complaints - we usually end up replacing them under warranty after about 10,000 miles of use due to ride complaints)

What kind of tires do you have? I ask because all the OEM tires for these trucks are crap - especially the Wrangler RT/S. The tread dries out and the ride deteriorates after 30,000 miles.

Just my $.02

XXL

 

At 55K I did all the suspension mods listed below - what a difference in the ride. The wife was complaining and I didn't realize how bad things had gotten. My next step is to replace the Goodyear Wranglers (free at 30K on the recall) with Bridgestone Dueler Revo's. Will have the Goodyears balanced for the 3d time since install to see if the ride improves even more. Seems to be a waste to throw partly used tires away for new, but then they were free in the first place.

 

Rancho 9000's are nice word to the wise dont buy the remote control system for them though, or you will be chasing air leaks. I have them fro my 97 Expy I leave the front's on 3.75 to 4 and the rears on 4 to 4.25 and my Expy drives like a GT around corners and curves at high speed

 

 

Hi Matt,

I have Michelin M/S LTX tires on the stock Eddie Bauer crap wheels. You live fairly close to me, can you recomend a local shop to do suspension work on my Expedition? Where could I get a set of shocks like you have on your truck installed into mine?

 

The Michelins are nice -- if you're having problems, you can't really blame the tires. Just make sure you're not pumping the pressure too high (remember, the pressure rating on the tire is for MAXIMUM load, not regular driving). As far as suspension work, if you have a fair amount of knowledge and are able to turn a wrench or two replacing shocks is not the most difficult project. I did my F-250's shocks in the driveway, took about 2 hours. Hardest part was freeing the frozen bolts (I suggest soaking with liquid wrench for a few days prior to the work).