So it took a bit longer than planned as the rears are no fun to get back in.
Parts list:
Bilstein 5100 2” leveling struts (Front)
Bilstein 4600 with 2” Readylift spacer (Rear)
Falken Wildpeak AT3Ws 275/70/18 (roughly 33.5x11.5)
RCI Metalworks transmission skid plate (still need to get on)

Don’t mind the dusty Goat in the background. I hope to have her running this summer.







So doing the job on jack stands made it much more difficult having the fronts and rears off at the same time made it exceedingly difficult! I had not planned on that but before I went and rented a spring compressor I asked the neighbor if he had one (he owns an auto shop) He said not at the house but the shop has a wall mounted one. Run the coilovers down there and I’ll tell them to swap them out for you. Huge plus for me as the springperches are a gigantic pain to get off so I did not have to bother.
Everything came out easy. Getting back in was a chore but got done.
I am very happy with how it turned out. Only one minor issue. Bilstein does not make front struts for the Expedition though the strut is shared with the F150. The strut is spec’d To the F150 and spring. Folks have used the 4600 in the front with a spacer with great results. I figured I would give the 5100 a try since it is a adjustable leveling strut and skip the spacer.
The Bilstein top adjustement is a lift of 2”
Well it would seem that when mated with the Expedition spring you get 4” of lift. While under most driving this is not a big deal I found that large bumps really over extended things.
So I will he taking off the fronts and dropping the adjustment down 2 notches hopefully taking me to the desired 2” lift.
Kind of sucks but doing the job once already it won’t take too long 2.5 hours would be my guess.

Looks fantastic. Took a truck and turned it into a beast.

Today’s SUV’s have way too little ground clearance. Your Expedition looks great and not the least bit over-tall. I want to add about 2.5” of lift to my 02 Grand Cherokee- it already has respectable clearance but a little more would really make it more capable.

Looks good! That is about what I'm planning for my '16 F150. Just a skosh of lift and level and a little bit bigger tire.

That GTO...What?!

Dude, c'mon...spill them beans!

Yeah... forget the bus. More on the goat.

I have a 2016 Expedition EL 4wd. I'm rather ignorant to vehicle mods and things like this. But what's the purpose of doing this? Are you planning on off roading and if so what kind?

I consider mine to be almost a luxury suv and couldn't imagine taking it down some old logging road and getting the body all scratched and dinged up. You mentioned a transmission skid plate so that made me think you are going rock crawling or something with it.

Got the GTO in 2000 and drove it some in High School and College been sitting till I had money to fix it right (still waiting on that) though figure it is not going down in value.
1969 Pontiac GTO with the 400 it is an auto but has the his and hers shifter (I don’t know if all auto were his and hers or if that was an option).
My understanding it is pretty much original. It has American Racing Craiger type wheels so they are not original. Had a Holley 750 double pumper that was shot. It was a beast on the highway but not very good to drive in traffic.
I was very young in my car working on days and bought an Edelbrock 650 single pumper Performer and matching intake. The car ran very nicely just cruising but was an absolute dog on the highway.
The main carb fuel line is kinked (have no clue how that happened). I have the new line to install and hope that will give it some go on the highway and not have to swap carbs again.
It was in a damp garage for awhile so the interior is a bit mildewy. I have scrubbed the interior, used an ozone generator but the light musk is still there. I have a humidity controlled garage now.
Hoping just a carpet swap will do away with the must as the seats are vinyl and it is not in the foam.
I am going to try to get her up and running again this summer. Then see what she needs.

quote:

Originally posted by lastmanstanding:
I have a 2016 Expedition EL 4wd. I'm rather ignorant to vehicle mods and things like this. But what's the purpose of doing this? Are you planning on off roading and if so what kind?

I consider mine to be almost a luxury suv and couldn't imagine taking it down some old logging road and getting the body all scratched and dinged up. You mentioned a transmission skid plate so that made me think you are going rock crawling or something with it.

More of an overlanding/camping set up. No crazy rock crawling need lockers and a snorkle kind of stuff. There is about 1,000 miles of mapped and routed light off road, heavy gravel, mining, and logging roads here in KY.
There are also a bunch in Indiana I am still researching. Many of them are technically unmaintained county roads.
I also plan on heading out to Colorado to go the fire roads and Alpine loop.
I have dreams of doing the Alcan Highway thanks to our member here that recently did it.
I have an XLT so no luxury. The skids are mainly gravel protection and not huge rocks but may see some.
I am likely going to cut magnets for the doors and fenders to protect from brush stripes on the trails.

Good job!! How do those tires sound going down the highway? They look like they might be pretty noisy but I like the looks of them.

quote:

Originally posted by Bassamatic:
Good job!! How do those tires sound going down the highway? They look like they might be pretty noisy but I like the looks of them.

They are amazingly quiet.
They are a touch louder than the C load rated highway tread tire they replaced. The ones are 10 ply E rated. Highway speed with the radio at a normal level one does not notice the sound.
Nothing like the ATs of old or the MTs that just moan all time time.
Very impressed.

Good job, Black92LX!
I like the way it looks a little taller.

Black, nice job on your Ford.
How bout a GTO pic?

Looks great and with the 5 star tune should run great.

My son had his 76 Bronco delivered 2 wks ago and the guy who delivered it had an Expedition on the trailer just like yours. He was delivering it to Cleveland. It was in great shape and had low miles on it.

Definitely agree with you about lowering the front back down 2". Otherwise, looks great.

It looks a lot better with a slight lift.

quote:

Originally posted by gearhounds:
Today’s SUV’s have way too little ground clearance. Your Expedition looks great and not the least bit over-tall. I want to add about 2.5” of lift to my 02 Grand Cherokee- it already has respectable clearance but a little more would really make it more capable.

My 2015 JGC has 8.6" of ground clearance, nearly an inch more than my 2007 TrailBlazer had, and that had had all I ever needed.

I wouldn't mind adding a skid plate, though... just in case

Every truck and suv looks better with a 2 to 4 inch lift. You did a good job.

Does it fit in the garage now??

quote:

Originally posted by Aquabird:
Looks great and with the 5 star tune should run great.

My son had his 76 Bronco delivered 2 wks ago and the guy who delivered it had an Expedition on the trailer just like yours. He was delivering it to Cleveland. It was in great shape and had low miles on it.

5Star tune is on the wish list

quote:

Originally posted by YellowJacket:
Definitely agree with you about lowering the front back down 2". Otherwise, looks great.

4” was not the plan. 2” was I did not think the difference in springs between the F150 and Expedition would make that large of a difference.

quote:

Originally posted by walker77:
Does it fit in the garage now??

Yup still under 7’ in overall height.