Anyone replaced the front shocks on an Expy with rear LLS?
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From: DFW, Texas
Anyone replaced the front shocks on an Expy with rear LLS?
I swear, I think Edelbrock has a 3rd grade class responding to their email. I can't get anyone to actually read and answer my questions there.
So, my delima is that I want to replace my shocks. I can't replace the rear because I have rear load leveling. So I want to replace the fronts at least. Does anyone know of anyone that has replaced just the fronts?
The front shocks are the same on one with or without LLS. Of course 4 corner LLS is a different story since the sensors are at all 4 corners and only available on the 4x4.
Any help would be appreciated.
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<A HREF="http://home.att.net/~jmtkennedy/Expedition/Expy.JPG" TARGET=_blank>
2000 Eddie Bauer Expedition 4x2</A>
[This message has been edited by FamilyRide (edited 02-10-2001).]
So, my delima is that I want to replace my shocks. I can't replace the rear because I have rear load leveling. So I want to replace the fronts at least. Does anyone know of anyone that has replaced just the fronts?
The front shocks are the same on one with or without LLS. Of course 4 corner LLS is a different story since the sensors are at all 4 corners and only available on the 4x4.
Any help would be appreciated.
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<A HREF="http://home.att.net/~jmtkennedy/Expedition/Expy.JPG" TARGET=_blank>
2000 Eddie Bauer Expedition 4x2</A>
- Estate Green
- 5.4 ltr
- 3:55 LS rear
- Superchip!<A HREF="http://home.att.net/~jmtkennedy/Expedition/Airaidfr.JPG" TARGET=_blank>
- Airaid FIPK</A><A HREF="http://home.att.net/~jmtkennedy/Expedition/GibExitFr1.JPG" TARGET=_blank>
- Gibson S/S Swept Side Cat Back Exhaust</A>
- Tow Package
- Rear Load Leveling
- Moonroof<A HREF="http://home.att.net/~jmtkennedy/Expedition/CenturyChildSeat.JPG" TARGET=_blank>
- Century Child Seat!</A>
[This message has been edited by FamilyRide (edited 02-10-2001).]
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From: DFW, Texas
KSinLA,
I'm being told by everyone I talk to that the rear OEM shocks can only be replaced on one that has rear (or front and rear for that matter) load leveling if you disconnect the load leveing sensors.
I think first of all that some people think the LLS is simply an air shock which it isn't so that may be some of the confusion in what I'm being told by some. I assume that the reason you can't replace the rear shocks with LLS is that the replacement shock has to be able to adjust the 1" or so that the LLS will raise and lower the truck. I'm not sure why that would be an issue though since that's what shocks do. Maybe the rear shocks are tuned different for LLS.
At any rate, Edelbrock specifies the part number for "Expedition without 4-wheel air-ride suspension" and another as "Expedition lowered 2" x 4" (the later is irrelevant in my case)
When I ask them about rear only "air-ride" as they call it, they come back with some drawer statement that doesn't come close to my questions. There response is "...each shock is tuned for that specific vehicle and if that vehicle is even slightly different it has to be tested.....and we haven't done testing so we don't have shocks available for yours at this time".
I may have thrown them off by calling it load leveing suspension which is what Ford calls it. Although "air-ride" is also accurate. I've found other manufactures like Gabriel that show parts numbers specific to rear LLS and they include part numbers for front and rear shocks.
So after this really long post, my question is why can't I replace the shocks, or can I? As I've typed, I've come up with another plan. I'm going to check with Ford for part numbers for both no LLS and rear LLS only and see if the OEM shocks are different.
Hope that clears up what I'm looking for. SOunds like you have replaced your shocks. Do you have rear LLS or front and rear LLS and what did you replace them with.
And yes I've heard the rears are a pain in the a$$ to get to. But at this point, I'd love to get to find out.
------------------
<A HREF="http://home.att.net/~jmtkennedy/Expedition/Expy.JPG" TARGET=_blank>
2000 Eddie Bauer Expedition 4x2</A>
[This message has been edited by FamilyRide (edited 02-10-2001).]
I'm being told by everyone I talk to that the rear OEM shocks can only be replaced on one that has rear (or front and rear for that matter) load leveling if you disconnect the load leveing sensors.
I think first of all that some people think the LLS is simply an air shock which it isn't so that may be some of the confusion in what I'm being told by some. I assume that the reason you can't replace the rear shocks with LLS is that the replacement shock has to be able to adjust the 1" or so that the LLS will raise and lower the truck. I'm not sure why that would be an issue though since that's what shocks do. Maybe the rear shocks are tuned different for LLS.
At any rate, Edelbrock specifies the part number for "Expedition without 4-wheel air-ride suspension" and another as "Expedition lowered 2" x 4" (the later is irrelevant in my case)
When I ask them about rear only "air-ride" as they call it, they come back with some drawer statement that doesn't come close to my questions. There response is "...each shock is tuned for that specific vehicle and if that vehicle is even slightly different it has to be tested.....and we haven't done testing so we don't have shocks available for yours at this time".
I may have thrown them off by calling it load leveing suspension which is what Ford calls it. Although "air-ride" is also accurate. I've found other manufactures like Gabriel that show parts numbers specific to rear LLS and they include part numbers for front and rear shocks.
So after this really long post, my question is why can't I replace the shocks, or can I? As I've typed, I've come up with another plan. I'm going to check with Ford for part numbers for both no LLS and rear LLS only and see if the OEM shocks are different.
Hope that clears up what I'm looking for. SOunds like you have replaced your shocks. Do you have rear LLS or front and rear LLS and what did you replace them with.
And yes I've heard the rears are a pain in the a$$ to get to. But at this point, I'd love to get to find out.
------------------
<A HREF="http://home.att.net/~jmtkennedy/Expedition/Expy.JPG" TARGET=_blank>
2000 Eddie Bauer Expedition 4x2</A>
- Estate Green
- 5.4 ltr
- 3:55 LS rear
- Superchip!<A HREF="http://home.att.net/~jmtkennedy/Expedition/Airaidfr.JPG" TARGET=_blank>
- Airaid FIPK</A><A HREF="http://home.att.net/~jmtkennedy/Expedition/GibExitFr1.JPG" TARGET=_blank>
- Gibson S/S Swept Side Cat Back Exhaust</A>
- Tow Package
- Rear Load Leveling
- Moonroof<A HREF="http://home.att.net/~jmtkennedy/Expedition/CenturyChildSeat.JPG" TARGET=_blank>
- Century Child Seat!</A>
[This message has been edited by FamilyRide (edited 02-10-2001).]
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2000
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From: Baton Rouge, LA, US
Actually, I didn't replace the rear shocks. I discovered how difficult they are to replace when I tried to tighten the shocks to cure a thumping noise in the rear. Most times this noise is cured by tighening the shock bolts. The upper bolts are difficult to reach.
I have 2WD with LLS. My mods include lowered 1 1/2" front end (Eibach Springe), SVO Lighning wheels & Micheline Pilots 285/60/18 tires. All I had to do to the rear to level was change the LLS adjuster. This set up lowered the center of gravity and greatly improved the ride & traction.
I don't understand why Edelbrock doesn't offer a rear shock for LLS equiped vehicles. You may want to try Bilstein (sp) or other brand. The OEM are not bad shocks. A lot depends on what you do with the Exp.
I have 2WD with LLS. My mods include lowered 1 1/2" front end (Eibach Springe), SVO Lighning wheels & Micheline Pilots 285/60/18 tires. All I had to do to the rear to level was change the LLS adjuster. This set up lowered the center of gravity and greatly improved the ride & traction.
I don't understand why Edelbrock doesn't offer a rear shock for LLS equiped vehicles. You may want to try Bilstein (sp) or other brand. The OEM are not bad shocks. A lot depends on what you do with the Exp.
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From: DFW, Texas
Well believe it or not, Bilstein has a shock specifcly for the 2 WD with rear LLS. The part number is different but only one off in sequence so I guess they actually do tune one differently. The fronts are the same.
I'm not sure why Edelbrock doesn't care to get one out for it but I'm sure they have their reasons. I am surprised however, that they didn't even try to keep what business of mine they could by addressing replacing only the fronts, since they are the same as without LLS. Appearently on the 4 corner LLS, the fronts actually are air shocks, where on the rear LLS none of them are.
So my next question. I've always heard great things about Bilstein (and have had about a dozen MB's in the last 10-12 years I've actually driven with them) but does anyone have any real life comparisions? KNow anyone that's used Bilstein on an Expy or any other Ford truck?
Bilstein's are priced about the same as the Edelbrock's too. I can get a set of 4 for about $250. I'd really like to know if they are really worth it.
I think I'll try the next best thing to new anti-sway bars too. For about $40 I can replace all of the sway bar bushings, front and rear, with polyurethane. I think that's got to be worth something.
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<A HREF="http://home.att.net/~jmtkennedy/Expedition/Expy.JPG" TARGET=_blank>
2000 Eddie Bauer Expedition 4x2</A>
I'm not sure why Edelbrock doesn't care to get one out for it but I'm sure they have their reasons. I am surprised however, that they didn't even try to keep what business of mine they could by addressing replacing only the fronts, since they are the same as without LLS. Appearently on the 4 corner LLS, the fronts actually are air shocks, where on the rear LLS none of them are.
So my next question. I've always heard great things about Bilstein (and have had about a dozen MB's in the last 10-12 years I've actually driven with them) but does anyone have any real life comparisions? KNow anyone that's used Bilstein on an Expy or any other Ford truck?
Bilstein's are priced about the same as the Edelbrock's too. I can get a set of 4 for about $250. I'd really like to know if they are really worth it.
I think I'll try the next best thing to new anti-sway bars too. For about $40 I can replace all of the sway bar bushings, front and rear, with polyurethane. I think that's got to be worth something.
------------------
<A HREF="http://home.att.net/~jmtkennedy/Expedition/Expy.JPG" TARGET=_blank>
2000 Eddie Bauer Expedition 4x2</A>
- Estate Green
- 5.4 ltr
- 3:55 LS rear
- Superchip!<A HREF="http://home.att.net/~jmtkennedy/Expedition/Airaidfr.JPG" TARGET=_blank>
- Airaid FIPK</A><A HREF="http://home.att.net/~jmtkennedy/Expedition/GibExitFr1.JPG" TARGET=_blank>
- Gibson S/S Swept Side Cat Back Exhaust</A>
- Tow Package
- Rear Load Leveling
- Moonroof<A HREF="http://home.att.net/~jmtkennedy/Expedition/CenturyChildSeat.JPG" TARGET=_blank>
- Century Child Seat!</A>
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Joined: Jan 2001
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snap on has a special tool for those tight shock bolt on the upper end its a ratch box end with a long handle about 40 bucks
have a nice day
have a nice day
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Joined: Feb 2001
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From: Charlotte, NC
How did you adjust the height sensor?
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by KSinLA:
Actually, I didn't replace the rear shocks. I discovered how difficult they are to replace when I tried to tighten the shocks to cure a thumping noise in the rear. Most times this noise is cured by tighening the shock bolts. The upper bolts are difficult to reach.
I have 2WD with LLS. My mods include lowered 1 1/2" front end (Eibach Springe), SVO Lighning wheels & Micheline Pilots 285/60/18 tires. All I had to do to the rear to level was change the LLS adjuster. This set up lowered the center of gravity and greatly improved the ride & traction.
I don't understand why Edelbrock doesn't offer a rear shock for LLS equiped vehicles. You may want to try Bilstein (sp) or other brand. The OEM are not bad shocks. A lot depends on what you do with the Exp.</font>
Actually, I didn't replace the rear shocks. I discovered how difficult they are to replace when I tried to tighten the shocks to cure a thumping noise in the rear. Most times this noise is cured by tighening the shock bolts. The upper bolts are difficult to reach.
I have 2WD with LLS. My mods include lowered 1 1/2" front end (Eibach Springe), SVO Lighning wheels & Micheline Pilots 285/60/18 tires. All I had to do to the rear to level was change the LLS adjuster. This set up lowered the center of gravity and greatly improved the ride & traction.
I don't understand why Edelbrock doesn't offer a rear shock for LLS equiped vehicles. You may want to try Bilstein (sp) or other brand. The OEM are not bad shocks. A lot depends on what you do with the Exp.</font>
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From: DFW, Texas
fordtech2001,
Is that tool a box end ratchet wrench? Looking from the left to right or visa versa over the rear wheels, the top of the rear shock looks pretty easy to get too. The nut on the outside looks like the only thing that might be tough. The bolt head is out in the clear. I'm sure once I get under there it may be a whole new story. Too many of you have confirmed what a pain in the a$$ they are.
And one more chapter in my Edelbrock saga. I'm looking at their application guide and mine is described (except the year which should be irrelevant since from 1999 to 2000 they're the same).
I'm asking them in their words, whether 3322-3422 are the part numbers for my truck which they describe as "Expedition without 4-wheel air-ride suspension", "2 wheel drive" and confirm the year of 2000.
Man, this is a pain but I really want to improve the handling.
One more thing for you fordtech2001, If I've read the posts right, you're involved with tranny's? I your opinion, what's the best way to improve shifts and do you know what kind of line pressure they should take? I may have my Superchip reprogrammed to increase line pressure even more, but I wonder if I should go another route. I don't want to grab rubber when it shifts, but I think it could be even more "crisp".
------------------
<A HREF="http://home.att.net/~jmtkennedy/Expedition/Expy.JPG" TARGET=_blank>
2000 Eddie Bauer Expedition 4x2</A>
Is that tool a box end ratchet wrench? Looking from the left to right or visa versa over the rear wheels, the top of the rear shock looks pretty easy to get too. The nut on the outside looks like the only thing that might be tough. The bolt head is out in the clear. I'm sure once I get under there it may be a whole new story. Too many of you have confirmed what a pain in the a$$ they are.
And one more chapter in my Edelbrock saga. I'm looking at their application guide and mine is described (except the year which should be irrelevant since from 1999 to 2000 they're the same).
I'm asking them in their words, whether 3322-3422 are the part numbers for my truck which they describe as "Expedition without 4-wheel air-ride suspension", "2 wheel drive" and confirm the year of 2000.
Man, this is a pain but I really want to improve the handling.
One more thing for you fordtech2001, If I've read the posts right, you're involved with tranny's? I your opinion, what's the best way to improve shifts and do you know what kind of line pressure they should take? I may have my Superchip reprogrammed to increase line pressure even more, but I wonder if I should go another route. I don't want to grab rubber when it shifts, but I think it could be even more "crisp".
------------------
<A HREF="http://home.att.net/~jmtkennedy/Expedition/Expy.JPG" TARGET=_blank>
2000 Eddie Bauer Expedition 4x2</A>
- Estate Green
- 5.4 ltr
- 3:55 LS rear
- Superchip!<A HREF="http://home.att.net/~jmtkennedy/Expedition/Airaidfr.JPG" TARGET=_blank>
- Airaid FIPK</A><A HREF="http://home.att.net/~jmtkennedy/Expedition/GibExitFr1.JPG" TARGET=_blank>
- Gibson S/S Swept Side Cat Back Exhaust</A>
- Tow Package
- Rear Load Leveling
- Moonroof<A HREF="http://home.att.net/~jmtkennedy/Expedition/CenturyChildSeat.JPG" TARGET=_blank>
- Century Child Seat!</A>
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 1999
Posts: 1,327
Likes: 2
From: OK
I kind of debated on whether to even post this since I have the regular suspension, but I don't want you to feel the task is overwhelming.
I changed all four shocks in less than an hour. Truck sat in the driveway with all four wheels on the ground. The left (drivers) rear was the most difficult- only because the fuel tank is kind of in the way. All you need is 18-24" of extensions to get the ratchet away from the tank enough to turn. On mine, only the bolts come out. The nuts are "clipped" onto the mounting brackets which means you don't have to "hold" them while taking the bolts out. That really was one of Ford's better ideas!
I changed all four shocks in less than an hour. Truck sat in the driveway with all four wheels on the ground. The left (drivers) rear was the most difficult- only because the fuel tank is kind of in the way. All you need is 18-24" of extensions to get the ratchet away from the tank enough to turn. On mine, only the bolts come out. The nuts are "clipped" onto the mounting brackets which means you don't have to "hold" them while taking the bolts out. That really was one of Ford's better ideas!
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From: DFW, Texas
nomo,
Thanks for that. I hated to say that it didn't look like much of a problem when so many have talked about what a pain it is. Hearing what you say makes me feel much more comfortable. I guess it's tough to judge what's difficult to one is not to another and although it's been a long time since I've yanked an engine out and rebuilt it or snatched a tranny out just because, except for my lack of patience in my more mature years, I don't have a problem with these kinds of things usually.
And by the way, the rear "airboost" or "airbags" whatever you want to call the LLS, are close but not anyway in the way. The shocks are just shocks.
Thanks for the encouragment!!
------------------
<A HREF="http://home.att.net/~jmtkennedy/Expedition/Expy.JPG" TARGET=_blank>
2000 Eddie Bauer Expedition 4x2</A>
Thanks for that. I hated to say that it didn't look like much of a problem when so many have talked about what a pain it is. Hearing what you say makes me feel much more comfortable. I guess it's tough to judge what's difficult to one is not to another and although it's been a long time since I've yanked an engine out and rebuilt it or snatched a tranny out just because, except for my lack of patience in my more mature years, I don't have a problem with these kinds of things usually.
And by the way, the rear "airboost" or "airbags" whatever you want to call the LLS, are close but not anyway in the way. The shocks are just shocks.
Thanks for the encouragment!!
------------------
<A HREF="http://home.att.net/~jmtkennedy/Expedition/Expy.JPG" TARGET=_blank>
2000 Eddie Bauer Expedition 4x2</A>
- Estate Green
- 5.4 ltr
- 3:55 LS rear
- Superchip!<A HREF="http://home.att.net/~jmtkennedy/Expedition/Airaidfr.JPG" TARGET=_blank>
- Airaid FIPK</A><A HREF="http://home.att.net/~jmtkennedy/Expedition/GibExitFr1.JPG" TARGET=_blank>
- Gibson S/S Swept Side Cat Back Exhaust</A>
- Tow Package
- Rear Load Leveling
- Moonroof<A HREF="http://home.att.net/~jmtkennedy/Expedition/CenturyChildSeat.JPG" TARGET=_blank>
- Century Child Seat!</A>