I should of mentioned I was new to FTE, my 1st question was answered with the quickest response, thx guys. I've been reading threads and was wondering what is LLS, I want to change my shocks all the way around but Im confused. Are they regular shocks or special and how o you know if you have airsuspension? I have a '99 Eddie Bauer Expedition

 

Do a search for LLS and you will find tons of info...

Usually 2wd EB is rear air only...4x4 is four wheel LLS.

 

LLS on rear only is comprised of two tubular shocks that control motion while the suspension is of two airbags controlled by sensors. You get to put on any shocks you wish on front or rear.
The air system raises or lowers the rear only.

LLS on front and rear means that the front is suspended by coil springs controlled by air shocks that are adjusted by sensors. The rear has the airbags for suspension controlled by sensors and the tubular shocks. You must buy the front air shocks from Ford as they are the only place you can get them. The rear you can choose what you want for ride, towing or performance.

The 4 corner air system raises and lowers both front and rear according to sensor input as to load, gear engaged or motor on or off. When motor is off and all doors and windows closed, it lowers the entire vehicle 1" below ride hieght for easy ingress. When in 4x4 Low range the entire vehicle is raised 1" above ride height for traversing rough ground or deep mud, snow or water.
In addition, at all times, the sensor will keep the vehicle level from front to rear and from side to side. This means loading and unloading of passengers, cargo, trailers, etc. will not change headlight aim or ground clearance.

When I go off road towing my trailer and carrying a big load of firewood or other gear, I never drag the hitch or vehicle undersides because in rough or very deep conditions I switch to 4 low and just cruise on through.

I love always having my fog, driving, long range, headlights, and spotlight always aimed right where I want them, regardless of load!
Hope this helps.

 

Ok now I have a mild understanding, can anyone recommend good rear shock (nothing generic or standard). Oh yeah what does "LLS" stand for?

 

LLS = Load Leveling System (that damn air suspension)
Not sure about the shock recommendation

 

You'll find that one of the popular choices on this site is Bilstein (about $60/each). Mine are here (for my '00 EB Expy) in the box they shipped in, but it's been too cold to install them. The advice on this board has been excellent so far - I trust I'm going to like my Bilsteins if I can ever get them on.

 

once again more usefull info thx, i'll start looking for the Bilstein shocks. I can't believe that Ford is the only place for the front shocks.

 

It sucks but its true...I replaced mine a few months ago...$130/each...

 

You wont' be sorry with Bilsteins. I have more than 90K of on and offroad miles on my rear Bilsteins now and they still perform the same as new.

 

Meneslis, I just changed my shocks with ranchos. Here is the link

 

am a new 1997 White Eddie Bauer 4x4 5.4 Expedition owner who loves this site and has a lot of questions. I bought by Expy in beautiful shape for a killer price. I want to do everything at once and sit back and enjoy the ride. So here is the scoop I purchased my vehicle with 98 K for an awesome price. I believe in buying vehicles used, thus looking good and having a very low cost of ownership depreciation curb. Neighbor remarked liked your new ride, I feel sorry for the person who paid $40,000 plus for their new vehicle and gets the same comment. So after reading all the messages on this forum the plugs were my first major undertaking. I decided to go to the dealership to have my plugs replaced. The stories of the people taking all day to do their plugs, the one guy who experienced an earthquake and took 8 hours, another guy at six hours and a twelve pack of beer to get him through it discouraged me. The thought of me sitting at my friend's (mechanic's house) for 4 to 8 hours discouraged me. Luckily when I went to his house to replace my two front Sway bars (used TRW aftermarket due to forum's suggestion - don't use Ford). Also he replaced my PCV valve and fuel filter both were Motorcraft parts. He was actually glad I didn't come to him for the plugs- he tells you a cheap price and eats it if it takes longer. I can't believe the pickup of the truck with the new fuel filter, he even blowed through it and remarked how he wondered how the truck ran. He did all this for $40.00 bucks - 2 front sway bars, pcv, fuel filter and vehicle and brake inspection. Then he did a brake inspection and this is when we ran into trouble. I never question him - great guy. Although he said my front rotors had rust on them in the back and the time he spent hammering them off they would either break or be damaged and there was no way of turning them. He basically said every other time I need pads I will need rotors. What!!!!!!! He said the ford rotors and every other are notorius for rusting out, no matter how much I wash that area their is such a tight fitting and they try to use lighter and lighter materials they will rust - basically a design flaw - sounds like the 2003-04. What is your take, please help! He quoted me $75.00 for labor for four new rotors, 2 hardware brake kits and 2 pad kits. No calipers they are fine? Why do I need hardware kits? He said I could go somewhere else if I just wanted the pads replaced, safety was a main concern he knows I have kids! He said thumping and safety issues could occur down the road. What's your take! Also 100 k do I need shocks, he said they were the original by the top tab markings, vehicle rides good, he suggested the Rancho's. Thanks!

 

I have learned a great lesson over the years - I am 29 years old and on vehicles less the gadgets the better. Less things to break and less money out of pocket. Sure when you are at home and the parents are paying your bills the more the gadgets the better on your 1st car the better, especially when you are not fitting the bill. Now that I am married and have kids the less the better (the air suspension - glad I don't have it on my Expy). Wow thats weird how you sound like your parents over time never thought I would talk like Dad, although I know where he was coming from when I wanted a flashy a new hot rod and he said not so fast. Wow I am driving an Expy and only 29 - it is amazing how fast things change. Just my two cents, take it for what it is worth!

 

Monroe has a replacement front shock W/load leveling...... Much beter than OEM Go to http://www.rockauto.com/ 170.00 each. BUT it's MONROE NOT FORD! part number is 40004

 

Just to clarify, my 02 Navigator 4WD has torsion bar front suspension, rather than coil springs. I'm guessing that the front half-shafts and pumpkin makes coil springs difficult to implement.

The nice thing about torsion bars, of course, is that you can make minor ride height adjustments (along with the LLS front sensor) without changing components.

JAMES.