Suspension Modifications
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2006
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Suspension Modifications
Hi -
My wife and I dog sled and one of the things we carry with our 1998 Expedition are wheeled rigs. The rigs are basically carts that the dogs pull. We use a custom (i.e. myself) hitch mounted carrier based on the VersaHauler VH90. For more information: www.marylanddogsledding.com/hitchcarrier.htm
With the hitch mounted carrier and a 125 lb cart, we get a lot of bouncyness in the ride at road speed. According to VersaHauler, the Expedition can take a 325 lb ATV in their similarly built hitch mounted carrier. So we should be within our weight capacity.
I measured the highest point on the front and rear wheel wells.
Rear Front
No load: 35 1/4" 36 3/4"
Carrier: 35 1/4" 37"
Rig + C: 34 3/4" 37 3/4"
So it's settling at the back a lot.
We have about 113k miles on the truck and are not the original owners. One option is to simply change the shocks to heavier duty shocks. We probably have the originals in now, so the change would probably help. Another option would be air helper springs, but we only use the rig carrier a portion of the time.
Any thoughts or options?
-Eric
1998 Ford Expedition 5.4L XLT 4WD
My wife and I dog sled and one of the things we carry with our 1998 Expedition are wheeled rigs. The rigs are basically carts that the dogs pull. We use a custom (i.e. myself) hitch mounted carrier based on the VersaHauler VH90. For more information: www.marylanddogsledding.com/hitchcarrier.htm
With the hitch mounted carrier and a 125 lb cart, we get a lot of bouncyness in the ride at road speed. According to VersaHauler, the Expedition can take a 325 lb ATV in their similarly built hitch mounted carrier. So we should be within our weight capacity.
I measured the highest point on the front and rear wheel wells.
Rear Front
No load: 35 1/4" 36 3/4"
Carrier: 35 1/4" 37"
Rig + C: 34 3/4" 37 3/4"
So it's settling at the back a lot.
We have about 113k miles on the truck and are not the original owners. One option is to simply change the shocks to heavier duty shocks. We probably have the originals in now, so the change would probably help. Another option would be air helper springs, but we only use the rig carrier a portion of the time.
Any thoughts or options?
-Eric
1998 Ford Expedition 5.4L XLT 4WD
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 288
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a better place to measure to is the bottom of the doors. the front and rear wheel wells are not the same height from the bottom of the truck. im also wanting to know what these measurements are. with and with out full air ride
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 317
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From: Omaha, Nebraska USA
Air helper springs would help a lot. You would need to experiment with them as to what the correct air pressure would be when you are using the carrier, but then you can let some of the air out (not all of it) to get a good ride. New shocks will also be needed to help with the bounce. I changed mine at 55,000 with Bilstein in the rear and they work very well. On the higher end price wise, but any good shock will be better than what you have.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 249
Likes: 0
From: South Alabama
I would replace the shocks since you said that the ones on the vehicle are probably original. A good shock should take most if not all of your bounce out. Maybe add more to suspension afterwards if needed. I like to make changes one at a time untill I get the results I need. Saves money which is hard to come by.
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