My 2WD Expedition has pretty big gaps between the tires and wheel wells...how can I make the car look lower (like the EB version) without playing with the suspension?? My car comes with the optional air suspension so I don't want to mess with the springs or anything like that, so I was thinking about getting bigger tires...would that help??

 

You can't lower it without making changes to the suspension. You mentioned you have the auto leveling air bag rear stock. I also have the 2WD w/ Tow pak & load leveling suspension. The rear can be "adjusted" up or down through a range of about an inch and a half. However, this will do nothing for the front and will only make it look like you are dragging a poop loaded diaper.

By far the "cheapest" way to go would be to simply fill out those fenders with bigger rubber. I have been looking at my own wheel wells and am going the rubber route as it will increase your ground clearance, as opposed to decreasing it in addition to just looking better then a lowered Expy with stock rims and tires on it.

Mine has the stock size 255/70-16's that are 30.2" dia and like you have a couple easy choices when considering that I want to save the expense of new rims. (good new rims will cost you from $200-$500 ea) You can go with 275/70-16's which on your 7" wide rims will give you 31.2" dia and a wider footprint as well. You could go with 265/75-16's on your 7" rims and get 31.7" dia. Either of these should fill the fenders nicly. I made a couple inquireries and found that either of these present not fitament problems. You will however, by switching to a larger dia tire be changing your gearing slightly. I did the math for my self the other day but don't have it with me now. Mine has the 3.73 Limited Slip (check your axle code if you don't know what you have) and the 265/75-16's would change that to about 3.59 (this from memory)which would be acceptable. you just don't want to go to far or your truck will really bogg down at launch.

This site is great, check the wheel & tire conferance, there is a lot of info if you look back in past topic lines. I find a lot of the bantering very funny reading too.

Petrol
99 XLT 5.4L