what mods have y'all done to improve the handling characteristics of your Expy? We came out of a 2001 SuperCrew that drove, handled, and rode exceptionally well. I want my wife's Expy to at least drive and handle as well as her Screw. I'm afraid of the "loose" steering the Expy has. I can drive it, but I'm afraid of what might happen if she gets into a panic situation. I am aware of a firmer feeling steering gear available from Ford. Has anyone had this gear installed? Does it help?

R

 

Bilstein shocks and Michelin LTX M/S tires. Worked for me.

Regards Tim

 

Tim, In what way did these items help? Is your Expy a 4x4 or 4x2?

R

 

Hmm, I've got a 2WD with tow package including rear LLS. I can't say I've ever thought of the sterring as sloppy, but replacing the rear anty-sway bar with a Hellwig and Edelbrock IAS shocks made a huge difference.

A good test after I did this is a frwy exit to another frwy that is a complete circle. I used to hit it slowing down and if I wasn't doing 25-30 max or so half the way through, I felt like I would just about lose it striaght off the road with all the body roll and front end plow. Pretty normal for a 6000lb SUV.

After these 2 mods, I took at at 45 like nothing and was even kicking myself for not accelerating harder going through it. I had a Vette behind me almost keeping up. I feel I could have pushed it really hard at 50+MPH. Of course I wouldn't trust the General tires on it though.

Oh, I think the Edelbrocks actually gave me a smoother ride, but a whole lot more control and a ton better response to road conditions.

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2000 EDDIE BAUER EXPEDITION 4x2

• Estate Green
• 5.4 ltr
• 3:55 LS rear
• Superchip!
• Airaid FIPK
• Gibson S/S Swept Side Cat Back Exhaust
• Hellwig Rear Anti-Sway Bar
• Edelbrock Performer IAS Shocks
• Xenon Super White Head and Driving Lights
• Clear Corners (installed then removed and reinstalled OEM's)
• Tow Package
• Rear Load Leveling
• Moonroof
• Century Child Seat!
• Front Polyurethane Anti-Sway Bar Bushings recieved, wrong part number

-->Follow Me...<--

[This message has been edited by FamilyRide (edited 04-30-2001).]

 

I've done the Hellwig rear anti-sway bar, and the Edelbrocks shocks. They have made a tremendous difference in the handling of this vehicle. I think I'll see a even more impovement when I put on new tires. The problem is, with 20K on my POS Firestone's, I have to wait until they wear out a little more. It's hard to say to the wife, "Honey, I', spend $500 on new tires for the truck." Wife replies, "What's wrong with your current tires?". I sheepishly reply, "Nothing." Wife then chases husband around the house swinging his 5 iron.

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2000 Wedgewood Blue Expy XLT 5.4L 4WD, C&C group, towing package, beige leather interior, captain's chairs, 6 CD Changer, 255/70R16, all-weather floor mats, factory fog lamps, Mobil1 5W-30 Synthetic w/ Puralator filter

MODS
Ford Bug Deflector (2/15/00)
Superchip (3/11/00)
Airaid (3/23/00)
Edelbrock IAS shocks (3/23/00)
Under Seat Locking Storage Drawer (6/6/00)
MPC Rear Air Foil (7/2/00)
Wizard Super-White Headlamps and Foglamps (1/15/01)
Gibson Swept Side catback (2/8/01)
Hellwig Rear Anti-Sway Bar (2/8/01)
Ventshade Window Ventvisors (3/4/01)
Stull Billet Grill (4/21/01)
APC Clear Corners (4/21/01)

 

Put the Bilsteins on two years ago and it helped reduce body roll and made the Expedition seem more stable on the highway. This year I put on the Michelin tires. I used to think that tires didn't make a real huge differance but now I know that they really can. The Goodyear tires suck when compared to the Michelins. Quiet, smooth stable ride. I have the 4x4 with 17" rims.

Regards, Tim