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I called the Monroe people today and was informed that in the third quarter of 2005, they will be offering a Reflex replacement shock for the newer Expeditions (front only). He told me that if their F150 was any indication, it should really smooth out almost every road surface. I know this will be good news to all the owners who posted regarding this subject.
If you want to upgrade your struts there is only one way to go. FX4! I have the FX4 package on my 03. I've almost got 30k on it and it still handles like a car! When it gets serviced My Brother who is a Senior FORD Master Tech. He says that its night and day compared to all the other Expeditions. Of course you gotta go with the progressive rate coil springs for each corner! Check it out if you can test drive an FX4 optioned Expedition you'd wonder how you ever got along without it!
Thanks. I'll try to find an NBX to drive. However, I'm looking for a plusher ride than I now have (with a 2WD). Compared to my 2000 which plowed through every road condition, I feel jarred with every bump in my 2004 XLT Sport.
The FX4 package is not a well known option. Probably only due to the fact that I worked at the dealership at the time was I aware of it. My 03 XLT not only has the capability of switching from 2WD High to 4WD High or 4WD Low. I can also Switch to AWD! I pretty much utilize AWD all the time and love it!
Be aware that the NBX, Eddie Bauer and Limited cannot perform all of these absolutley necessary Drivetrain functions!
Do yourself a GREAT BIG FAVOR and at the very least TEST DRIVE an FX4 optioned EXPEDITION you'll be glad you did!
I think "worked at a dealership" (being past tense) says a lot here.
While true that the FX/4 (renamed NBX in '04) supposedly has differently tuned shocks, I wouldn't say they are the greatest ever. Unfortunately, they may be the best that are currently available.
Regardless, it seems odd that Monroe would only manufacture shocks for the front. Then again, the rear shocks of a non-LLS vehicle may be the same as the front... guess I need to check that out.
I don't have 4WD, and I'm not looking to furthur improve the handling. I just want a more plush and forgiving ride quality than I now have. I know Monroe has a reputation for providing that.
1) In reference to the dealership "I worked at" remark.
I want to set the record straight so quick & hasty judgements won't be assumed.
I am now retired due to a work related accident which resulted in a spinal injury
that required my spinal cord to be fused.
I left the dealership on good and friendly terms not as I was prejudged.
2) I never said that they are the greatest thing ever.
3) All Ford Expeditions utilize McPherson Strut cartridges and not shocks.
4) Handling and ride quality go hand in hand. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
That Sounds Like Good News About The Shocks. Exspecially For Those Of Us Who Think And Feel Like Our Expy.rides Like A Brick. Keep Me Posted Please.
Later,
Lee
Sorry to hear of your accident. I've had back surgery myself and I truly hope you get better. Luckily, I didn't have to have anything fused this time. Next time I will.
Originally Posted by mrung0wa
Be aware that the NBX, Eddie Bauer and Limited cannot perform all of these absolutley necessary Drivetrain functions!
All of the 4x4 models have 2HI, A4WD, 4HI and 4LO capabilities regardless of luxury level. The only exception may be those with the traction control system. I haven't seen an Expy with that option, so they may not have the same settings.
Originally Posted by mrung0wa
3) All Ford Expeditions utilize McPherson Strut cartridges and not shocks.
I think it's a coil-over-shock suspension; which is different than a strut setup.
Originally Posted by mrung0wa
4) Handling and ride quality go hand in hand.
Yes, but they are somewhat mutually exclusive. A good ride generally equates to reduced handling because the soft bump-absorbing suspension allows excessive body roll while cornering. High performance road racing vehicles usually have a bone-jarring ride. So, you have to compromise to have a decent handling vehicle with a decent ride.
I can understand wanting the car like ride, I had that on my 03 expy until I put the bridgestones on it - now a terrible ride. I had a Aerostar that I put Monroe sensa-tracs on and it road 200 % better than stock, if Monroe can make that same ride for the expy they should sell a bunch of them.
I agree that Monroe should sell a bunch. I hope they will eventually supply replacements for the rear as well. There are a bunch of us on this site that would prefer to sacrifice some of the tight handling characteristics of the new Expy in order to gain a more plush ride with everyday driving. I don't think it's an either/or proposition as some have stated.
I Agree Wiyh You Greg, I Think There Should Be A Happy Medium In There Somewhere. And To Be Quite Honest,and I Speak Just For Myself,i Do Not Need My Suv To Handle Like A Sports Car.
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
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