03 Expedition Strut Change
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03 Expedition Strut Change
Just wondering what the typical experience has been with the shock change. I had planned on doing Bilsteins, and a neighbor of mine who works at a Chevy dealership was going to swap them into the existing coils for me. Another friend whose family owns a dealership (formerly Lincoln, now Chrysler) says they always suggest doing all the components when they do coil over shocks. He says they wind up with noises and broken springs if they don't do everything. The Bilsteins are around $360, the neighbor route will cost a case of beer. The dealer option would be $380 for labor and if I chose to replace all parts with Ford parts it would be another $650 on top of the shocks and labor. I'm aware of the Monroe drop in solution that comes with the entire assembly for $180 each, but I'm not a fan of the Sensitrac shocks.
I'm in favor of doing the shocks and a case of beer, but don't want to do it half *** and have to re do it. I like doing it right and doing it once. Anyone care to weigh in on my options?
I'm in favor of doing the shocks and a case of beer, but don't want to do it half *** and have to re do it. I like doing it right and doing it once. Anyone care to weigh in on my options?
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From: Chesapeake, Va.
The "do it all" route the dealer wants to take is not a bad idea but, being the cheapskate that I am I would opt for just the Bildsteins and replace the insulators on the springs. I don't know how the '03 struts look but if they are like those on a T-Bird it should be an easy job. If you don't have noises now you shouldn't have any upon completion.
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I did make a mistake, and got jumped on. Rather than actually help, alloro, as is often the case with him, felt correction was more in order than help. Normally when he shows up with that attitude anyone willing to discuss or chime in stays away.
I'd appreciate the help, yes.
I'd appreciate the help, yes.
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From: Chesapeake, Va.
I did make a mistake, and got jumped on. Rather than actually help, alloro, as is often the case with him, felt correction was more in order than help. Normally when he shows up with that attitude anyone willing to discuss or chime in stays away.
I'd appreciate the help, yes.
I'd appreciate the help, yes.
Note; I have changed the coil springs on many cars and trucks over the years but not on a Navigator or Expedition as both of mine are torsion bar equipped.
I ain't skeered.
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Oh right, so you screw up and it's my fault?
Have you stopped to consider the reason you didn't get an abundant supply of responses to your inquiry is because no one could chime in and tell you their experiences with replacing struts on an Expedition. Why? Because Expeditions don't have struts, they have springs and shocks. So try and imagine how many people passed over your post because they had no idea if you were talking about shocks or something else!!
If I had truly "jumped" on you I would've said something more like, "hey dumb-***, Expedition don't have struts." Instead I threw out a simple and subtle question to help nudge your question back in the right direction.
Now as far as me being helpful around here; my history speaks for itself, so you've got your terminology wrong on that count too.
Have you stopped to consider the reason you didn't get an abundant supply of responses to your inquiry is because no one could chime in and tell you their experiences with replacing struts on an Expedition. Why? Because Expeditions don't have struts, they have springs and shocks. So try and imagine how many people passed over your post because they had no idea if you were talking about shocks or something else!!
If I had truly "jumped" on you I would've said something more like, "hey dumb-***, Expedition don't have struts." Instead I threw out a simple and subtle question to help nudge your question back in the right direction.
Now as far as me being helpful around here; my history speaks for itself, so you've got your terminology wrong on that count too.
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If you do the work yourself, you can avoid the noise, again as recommended, check the isolators. I see no reason for the springs to ever be changed out unless they've been damaged by heavy load bearing for many thousands of miles (or just always loaded with equipment in the back).
Do you tow alot? If you do I recommend the adjustable Rancho's, like the Rancho XL. If not, maybe the Monroe's. I'm preferenced to the Bilstiens myself, but I hear many people complain the ride is too stiff on the Expedition. Then again for trailering ect I switched my tires out from the 3Ply passenger car tire to a 10ply LT tire. (General Grabber HTS LT).
Do you tow alot? If you do I recommend the adjustable Rancho's, like the Rancho XL. If not, maybe the Monroe's. I'm preferenced to the Bilstiens myself, but I hear many people complain the ride is too stiff on the Expedition. Then again for trailering ect I switched my tires out from the 3Ply passenger car tire to a 10ply LT tire. (General Grabber HTS LT).
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Alloro,
I'd say your help is more bipolar, just like your posts. You either harass or help, depending on what I don't know. Too bad becuase you are clearly knowledgeable., I believe I've thanked you in the past, but more recently just find you to be sour. Your post speaks for itself.
I'd say your help is more bipolar, just like your posts. You either harass or help, depending on what I don't know. Too bad becuase you are clearly knowledgeable., I believe I've thanked you in the past, but more recently just find you to be sour. Your post speaks for itself.
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Moto mel and heymrdj thanks for the replies.
No towing as of late, and when I did it was a 4000lb boat a few times a year. Not an overstressed situation for the springs I wouldn't imagine. I'm partial to a stiff ride. I've never done shocks on a coil over, is it straight forward or do I need spring compressors? Any issues with the IRS? Thanks for your help.
No towing as of late, and when I did it was a 4000lb boat a few times a year. Not an overstressed situation for the springs I wouldn't imagine. I'm partial to a stiff ride. I've never done shocks on a coil over, is it straight forward or do I need spring compressors? Any issues with the IRS? Thanks for your help.
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From: Fort Wayne, IN
Moto mel and heymrdj thanks for the replies.
No towing as of late, and when I did it was a 4000lb boat a few times a year. Not an overstressed situation for the springs I wouldn't imagine. I'm partial to a stiff ride. I've never done shocks on a coil over, is it straight forward or do I need spring compressors? Any issues with the IRS? Thanks for your help.
No towing as of late, and when I did it was a 4000lb boat a few times a year. Not an overstressed situation for the springs I wouldn't imagine. I'm partial to a stiff ride. I've never done shocks on a coil over, is it straight forward or do I need spring compressors? Any issues with the IRS? Thanks for your help.