Shocks for a 2002 Expedition

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Oct 30, 2005 | 10:44 PM

DrewCosgrove

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Shocks for a 2002 Expedition

Hey folks!

I have been doing some research and reading especially here about Shocks. A lot of folks have been saying Bilsteins. I am looking for a comfort shock. I am a Sale Rep and do nothing but drive the interstate with some occasional (Once a month) hauling of my Church trailer.

It seems that Bilsteins were buit to turn my Expy into a Lotus! I am not in the LeMans Gran Prix. I want the comfort ride. Anybody have any input? Am I way off base here as to Bilsteins being a heavy duty stiffer ride?

Any help is appreciated!

Drew
02 Expy XLT "Big Red"

Oct 31, 2005 | 12:08 AM

ToolTime

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From: Las Vegas

Bilsteins are one of the best upgrades money can buy. Not only do Bilsteins make the veh. handle better, but most importantly handle SAFER...Yes, they are pricey, but probably the last shock you will buy for your truck. I had Ford replace my factory shocks under warranty because they went bad, and about 20k later they were bad again. Even my wife likes the truck better now.

Oct 31, 2005 | 12:12 AM

DrewCosgrove

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Quote:

Originally Posted by ToolTime

Money is not so much the issue. Afterall the company is paying for it. However I don't want a ride that is real stiff. I understand the Bilstein Quality. Trust me you are preaching to the converted. My question is though how is the ride? Can I get the comfort ride or more of a comfort ride than the stock OEM's. Will Bilsteins do that? I do not know that is why I ask. Everythig I read says that they handle better etc. That I get. But will I loose my back molars from feeling every grain of grit on the road?

Oct 31, 2005 | 08:21 AM

01silvergt

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From: Richmond, TX

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrewCosgrove

At first the Bilstein will give you a truck like ride, but after a short time they will give you a ride between. Something a bit stiffer than stock, but not as stiff as some trucks.

What kind of suspension do you have? Are you 4wd, 2wd, LLS, coil springs, what? I ask, because these answers can have some limits to what kind of shocks you can get. For example; Bilstein does not make front shocks for 4 wheel LLS, Rancho does not make shocks for rear LLS, etc. Let us know what your setup is and we can provide you more information on shocks to consider.

Oct 31, 2005 | 08:38 AM

DrewCosgrove

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Thanks guys! I really do appreciate the help.

I am in a 4x2 with LLS in the Rear.

Drew
02 Expy XLT "Big Red"

Oct 31, 2005 | 08:51 AM

01silvergt

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From: Richmond, TX

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrewCosgrove

Thanks guys! I really do appreciate the help.

I am in a 4x2 with LLS in the Rear.

Drew
02 Expy XLT "Big Red"

Ok, well you are kind of limited here now. Any of the LLS suspension Expys are limited to shock choice. You can get Bilstein, Monroe, or Stock. I have not found that any of the other manufacturers make a rear LLS shock (Like Edlebrock, Rancho, KYB, etc).

As before, Bilstein will seem harsh / stiff at first, but will soften up with time and still maintain the handling. Monroe (depending on the shock you get) will seem nice at first, kind of stock feel, but will soften up big time and give you that floating Cadillac feel and have very poor handling characteristics. Then there is stock, well you know how that goes.

I would do the Bilstein. I have these on my wife's Expy and she loves them, they really are not bad, kind of a supportive feel. I had Monroe on them before that, and she liked those for about 10k, then it all went to ****.

Good luck with you decision.

Oct 31, 2005 | 01:46 PM

n2umr

Tuned

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From: NY

I just put a set of Gabriel Max Control mono-tube shocks on my 99 XLT 4x4 w/o LLS. I couldn't believe the difference, it was like driving a new truck. I bought the truck with 72000 miles and it now has 104000 and to my knowledge the shocks were never changed, and boy did they need it.

I can't say anything about other shocks but these made my truck feel like new, I would recommend these. They were $50/piece at autozone, with a buy 3 get 1 free deal.

Mark