Suspension mods
Thread Starter
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Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 32
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From: Chicago
Suspension mods
Hello to all.
I was browsing and found this site, I had be looking at the SVT Lightning site for a few weeks, when all of a sudden I found this site.
I have recently purchased a new 2001 Expo XLT 5.4L Black with sport appearance package from a local dealer
The Expo was a 'Hotrod' built for the owner of the dealership.
The mechanic installed a "Pro-charger Supercharger, Bassini Cat-Back Exhaust, SVT Lightning wheels, K&N cone air filter, Lower gearing, aftermarket heated seats that are to hot to sit on, and the original 10 spoke rims and tires for to use in the winter".
I also got 0% finance becuase it was a dealer demo and still brand new, Warrenty is bumper to bumper for 6 years, including all the mods.
The thing goes like a bat out of hell, no-one thinks I can take them at a light, but I do. It feels like it could take my Porsche 968 Cab off the line to sixty. The mechanic who built it took it to the local track to see what she would do. Consistant mid 14's 1\4 mile.
My wife and kids all love the, the only thing is the suspension.
Can anyone recomend a kit to give a better firmer ride,
it feel like it's gonna tip over in a corner.
I was wondering if the Lightning suspension would work?
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks to all.
Eddie.
I was browsing and found this site, I had be looking at the SVT Lightning site for a few weeks, when all of a sudden I found this site.
I have recently purchased a new 2001 Expo XLT 5.4L Black with sport appearance package from a local dealer
The Expo was a 'Hotrod' built for the owner of the dealership.
The mechanic installed a "Pro-charger Supercharger, Bassini Cat-Back Exhaust, SVT Lightning wheels, K&N cone air filter, Lower gearing, aftermarket heated seats that are to hot to sit on, and the original 10 spoke rims and tires for to use in the winter".
I also got 0% finance becuase it was a dealer demo and still brand new, Warrenty is bumper to bumper for 6 years, including all the mods.
The thing goes like a bat out of hell, no-one thinks I can take them at a light, but I do. It feels like it could take my Porsche 968 Cab off the line to sixty. The mechanic who built it took it to the local track to see what she would do. Consistant mid 14's 1\4 mile.
My wife and kids all love the, the only thing is the suspension.
Can anyone recomend a kit to give a better firmer ride,
it feel like it's gonna tip over in a corner.
I was wondering if the Lightning suspension would work?
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks to all.
Eddie.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 252
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA, US
Hi EddieMc,
First of all, welcome to the site! That sounds like an awesome Expy that you have. As far as the suspension, you may want to look into the Edleboch shock and some sway bars. I think Familyride, another member here, can help you with that.
Where are you located? I have been contemplating a supercharger myself, but would like to check out other Expys with the set-up. Take it easy.
Robert
First of all, welcome to the site! That sounds like an awesome Expy that you have. As far as the suspension, you may want to look into the Edleboch shock and some sway bars. I think Familyride, another member here, can help you with that.
Where are you located? I have been contemplating a supercharger myself, but would like to check out other Expys with the set-up. Take it easy.
Robert
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 344
Likes: 1
From: Baltimore, MD
Suspension Upgrades
Speaking of FamilyRide (Howdy, Partner! 
) We have upgraded our Expy's with Edlebrocks, a rear Helwig snti-sway bar, and Energy Suspension poly bushings for the front OEM anti-sway bar.
What a difference for this vehicle. The lateral roll is almost gone, and the truck is much more responsive when cornerning.
You'll get a number of opinions here about shocks (Edelbrocks, Bilsteins, Ranchos) and anti-sway bars. But, I think we all agree that these upgrades are a definite improvement in the Expy. You can do them all for under $500.
For my 2 cents, I love the Edelbrocks and Helwig.
Hope this helps...
) We have upgraded our Expy's with Edlebrocks, a rear Helwig snti-sway bar, and Energy Suspension poly bushings for the front OEM anti-sway bar.What a difference for this vehicle. The lateral roll is almost gone, and the truck is much more responsive when cornerning.
You'll get a number of opinions here about shocks (Edelbrocks, Bilsteins, Ranchos) and anti-sway bars. But, I think we all agree that these upgrades are a definite improvement in the Expy. You can do them all for under $500.
For my 2 cents, I love the Edelbrocks and Helwig.
Hope this helps...
Last edited by jmartinb; Jan 14, 2002 at 11:53 AM.
Thread Starter
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Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
Suspension Mods
Thanks for the replies, I will have to have a serious look at the
suggestions you gave. I live just north of Chicago and will be taking some pics to show the truck and engine.
Thanks
Eddie.
suggestions you gave. I live just north of Chicago and will be taking some pics to show the truck and engine.
Thanks
Eddie.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,444
Likes: 0
From: DFW, Texas
EddieMc
Man, I'm jealous!! Sounds like a great Expy. jmartinb already filled you in on what we did. Pretty much the same things although he's a 4x4 and about 1500 miles from here.
One thing, if you have an XLT and don't have the tow package, I assume you don't have the LLS (air ride) rear suspension. I've heard that makes abig differnec in the ride of these things. I've only been in ones with rear LLS.
I think the biggest difference wil be shocks if you don't have tow package meaning you don't have the HD shocks. Edelbrocks are great and I've heard equally great things about Bilstien. I have heard that Bilstien are a tad bit stiffer. Since you're familiar with european cars, you should be familiar with Bilstien whether you know it or not. I think every one of the MB's we've had (about 14 in about as many years) have had them.
For replacing the anti-sway bars, I'm happy with the Hellwig rear. Another option would be the Hotchkis front and rear set. I've heard they are awesome, although about $500 for the set. The OEM anti-sway bars are pretty weak. I could stand on mine (after I pulled it off) and flex it and I'm not a big guy. The Hellwig was like trying to flex concrete.
Other than that, a 2-3 drop if you want to lower it might be good, but you'll still need shocks.
Good luck with it and when you get pictures, please post them!!!
Man, I'm jealous!! Sounds like a great Expy. jmartinb already filled you in on what we did. Pretty much the same things although he's a 4x4 and about 1500 miles from here.
One thing, if you have an XLT and don't have the tow package, I assume you don't have the LLS (air ride) rear suspension. I've heard that makes abig differnec in the ride of these things. I've only been in ones with rear LLS.
I think the biggest difference wil be shocks if you don't have tow package meaning you don't have the HD shocks. Edelbrocks are great and I've heard equally great things about Bilstien. I have heard that Bilstien are a tad bit stiffer. Since you're familiar with european cars, you should be familiar with Bilstien whether you know it or not. I think every one of the MB's we've had (about 14 in about as many years) have had them.
For replacing the anti-sway bars, I'm happy with the Hellwig rear. Another option would be the Hotchkis front and rear set. I've heard they are awesome, although about $500 for the set. The OEM anti-sway bars are pretty weak. I could stand on mine (after I pulled it off) and flex it and I'm not a big guy. The Hellwig was like trying to flex concrete.
Other than that, a 2-3 drop if you want to lower it might be good, but you'll still need shocks.
Good luck with it and when you get pictures, please post them!!!