Sorry if this has been answered before, I went back 15 pages and didn't find anything.

I need to replace the rear springs and shocks in my Expedition. This is the non-air ride. Looking at rockauto, I see both variable rate and constant rate springs; which one should I go with, and which one originally came on these?

And since I'm having to post this, I figure I'll ask this as well since I've never replaced springs before... A buddy of mine figured it's possible that about all I'd have to do in order to replace the springs is remove the shocks, and the axle should drop far enough to have the proper clearance. Is this accurate, or is there more I'd need to do?

Thanks for any answers provided.

 

Almost 80 views, and no one has an answer for either of my questions? Is there information I didn't include which is required?

My biggest question is between the variable rate and constant rate spring... Which one came with it? I can't find that answer anywhere! Am I just ignorant on suspension? (It wouldn't surprise me a bit... I've never done suspension work like this.)

 

No, it's just that those 80 people don't have the answer to your question. Eventually someone might, but there are never any guarantees on a forum.

 

Alright, thanks for at least letting me know... I didn't figure there was anything on this forum people didn't know though!

 

I can't really comment on the spring choice, but as for replacing them...you need to watch the rear ABS sensor wiring, the length of the flexible brake hose, and the e-brake cables going to the rear axle.

 

Thanks for the advice... This is the kind of stuff I need to know about in advance, having never dropped an axle. With luck, my buddy will have time to help me out, but in case he doesn't - and there is a good chance he won't - I figured I'd ask.

 

Got this one done today, and figured I'd put some info out there for anyone else trying this.

First, it's a little more difficult than simply disconnecting the shocks. I disconnected the sway bar from the axle, and could have made it easier by also disconnecting the torsion bar (I think that's what it is, the one which connects to the axle on one side of the truck, and the frame on the other side). As it was, the only added hassle was needing a spring compressor. The torsion bar does make it a little tighter to get the driver's side spring back in, but not impossible. With it connected, at least the axle had no chance of dropping too far.

As for spring choice, I went with a Moog variable rate spring. Having gotten it installed, I think the constant rate spring would have been the better choice simply because the back still sags a little, but you live you learn.

I also changed the shocks while I was at it. Not terribly hard, except the drivers side upper shock mount; at first glance, it doesn't look like there's very much room in there to get to the bolt. But while you certainly can't use air tools, it's not all that terribly hard. I ended up breaking it free with a breaker bar, then using a ratcheting wrench.

 

Just an FYI for the future...it's called a track bar.

 

Thanks, I wasn't certain.