shocks
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Freshman User
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shocks
A friend of mine has a 2000 expedition 4wd and is wondering how to replace the shocks. He doesn't know much about working on vehicles and any input would be helpful. How hard is it to replace the shocks and about how much is he looking at buy them.
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Joined: Jun 2003
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I have a 2000 also and I put 4 new Bilsteins on mine last year and I did it myself in my garage. And trust me I am not much of a mechanic. It wasn't too bad. If I remember right the front were fairly easy, it was the back top bolts that were the worst. Not alot of room up in there. I would say in all honesty if he has the right tools he should be able to do it. Brian 
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: North Attleboro, MA
Yes, replacing shocks is pretty straight forward, jack up one tire, secure vehicle, unbolt bottom and top bolts, remove old shock, insert new, bolt in and repeat. Manipulating the shocks into their respective positions can be tricky, and manuvering the tools to tighten and loosen the nuts can also be a pain but it is not complicated. I also reccommend the Bilsteins as I put a set on my '99 and love them. Enjoy.
Smitty
Smitty
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 153
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From: NW Ohio
Just changed shocks on my 2000 expy, worst one is driver's rear cause the top bolt
is pretty hard to reach. Took longer to do that one than the other 3 and rear brake
pads combined! Figure on a couple hours and maybe a skinned knuckle or 2.
is pretty hard to reach. Took longer to do that one than the other 3 and rear brake
pads combined! Figure on a couple hours and maybe a skinned knuckle or 2.
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Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Connecticut
I did it twice, once for my since-totaled 00 EB 4x4 w/o LLS and again on my current 99 4x4 XLT w/ LLS. I have to agree, the rear driver side is the challenge - but not as nearly as hard as changing the plugs on #4 and #8 on 5.4 motor (had to do that twice too!). Just work safely and secure the beast before going under her - the reward of like new (or better) handling and ride and satisfaction of knowing you did it yourself far outweigh the prospect of a few skinned knuckles and guilt after possible outburst of a few expletives 
Tell your friend to wear an old, long sleeve shirt that can be discarded while working on it - he might thank me for suggesting so.
As for the price, around $300 for 4 Bilstein which is really firm and reputedly good for off-road. I also tried Rancho RSX which is kind of good for my application of mostly highway use which should run to around $200. There are pricier, more exotic shocks out there too, and then there are cheaper ones. If price is an issue, I suggest to use at least Rancho RSX.
Good luck
Orlee
Tell your friend to wear an old, long sleeve shirt that can be discarded while working on it - he might thank me for suggesting so.
As for the price, around $300 for 4 Bilstein which is really firm and reputedly good for off-road. I also tried Rancho RSX which is kind of good for my application of mostly highway use which should run to around $200. There are pricier, more exotic shocks out there too, and then there are cheaper ones. If price is an issue, I suggest to use at least Rancho RSX.
Good luck
Orlee
Last edited by orleec; Aug 12, 2005 at 09:16 PM.