Long time reader about F-150's but new to the site as a member. I've been wanting to do something different around this town of mine, I don't see many lifted suvs; actually none that is a ford expedition. Its a 2004 EB edition Expedition 2wd (I read the 4wd is no different in regards to suspension and stock height). The kit I found is on ebay. It is 3.5" in the front and 2.5" in the rear. So, if I put the strut spacer in there, will I need new, longer shocks or will the factory be good enough? I know its not an F-150 question but this is the best site; I have gained a lot of info on here in past. Thanks.

Here is a link to the level/lift kits; which is better nylon or carbon steel?

nylon: http://www.ebay.com/itm/LIFT-KIT-NYLON-B-FRONT-3-5-REAR-2-5-EXPEDITION-03-11-2WD-4WD-/130948743227?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3AExpedition&hash=item1e7d27403b&vxp=mtr
Carbon steel: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Carbon-Steel-Coil-Spacer-Lift-Kit-Front-3-5-Rear-2-5-4X2-2WD-4X4-4WD-/261311353907?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3AExpedition&hash=item3cd75ed433&vxp=mtr

 

First, 3.5 inches of lift is way, way too much lift for just a spacer. The CV joints will be at too severe of an angle to last. You don't want to go over 2.5 inches with a leveling kit/spacer. As for steel vs. polyurethane, it really doesn't matter. And you use OEM length coilover shocks with a spacer lift.

 

considering its a 2wd Idk why his cvs would bind

and yes you will need longer shocks. you change the height you have to either change mounting points to keep the same stroke, or a longer stroke to couple with this longer height.

 

Still gonna cause the ball joints and tie rod ends to get trashed. Angles are gonna be pretty rough.

 

Wellll duhhh! But we don't care about that right?!

 

I remember the first time I saw a 3.5" spacer on eBay, thought they were insane for even producing it. Actually, I don't know why they do . . .

 

Because they know people won't do their research or listen to others advice and they'll buy them anyways...

 

Sorry, I meant to type ball joints as obviously a 4x2 doesn't have CV joints up front.
But, he doesn't need longer shocks. The Expy has coilover shocks up front and in the rear. These spacers just bolt on top of the coilovers to achieve a little lift. If he was adding longer or adjustable coilovers, he wouldn't need the spacers.

 

you're right, Idk I didn't think about that more.

 

Don't the 97-03 2wds, which I assume this Expy has the same exact suspension(?), need to stay at 2" for the stock UCAs?

 

haha Rize makes a lift for the expys, I saw one a couple months ago but couldn't get a good look to see the suspension mods it had

 

Rize: Go big(gest) or go home, right?

I'd love one fer my little 2wd . . . Hate that I'll likely need a body lift to get what I want

 

The 2003-2014 Expy 4x2 and 4x4's have IFS and IRS with coilover shocks. The front IFS is basically identical to the 2004-2014 F-150 4x2 and 4x4's. So his limit, according to members of this site is 2.5 inches. Many 04-14 F-150 owners have found that the 3 inch leveling kits leave the ball joints (and CV joints on 4x4's) at too severe of an angle to last.

 

Ahh I was thinking his Expy was an older one instead of one like yours. But yup, the 2.5" rule is what I go by because of this site!

 

It would cost a little more but they have the 3" spindles he could use with a small spacer if he wanted to try that .