I have a 2003 Ford Expedition with 250k miles with all original suspension (non-air) components that needs work.
The ride is getting real loose and there is a lot of bumping knocking suspension travel sound at low speeds. I want to start replacing components to restore handling and safety. The vehicle is in great shape otherwise (one owner, well maintained), only uses 1 quart of oil every 2k miles, so I plan to keep it another 100k miles. I don't want to replace everything at once, so where should I start and how much should be replaced. I know shocks and struts, but what about springs, ball joints, sway bar bushings and so forth?
For under $300 you can buy an entire front end rebuild kit on Ebay. I would replace the struts/shocks first. Those take up most of the abuse. Front springs will usually come with the new struts if you buy the struts that come all together as one unit. You can reuse the strut body and springs if you just replace the cylinder. All depends on how much you want to spend. If you buy your own parts, some little back yard shops won't mind doing the work for you without buying the parts themselves and then marking it up. Ask around.
http://fastoemparts.com/parts/2003/FORD/Expedition/XLT/?siteid=214455&vehicleid=50839§ion=STEERING
http://fastoemparts.com/parts/2003/FORD/Expedition/XLT?siteid=214455&vehicleid=50839§ion=FRONT%20SUSPENSION&group=FRONT%20SUSPENSION&subgroup=&component=&diagram=viewAll
http://fastoemparts.com/parts/2003/FORD/Expedition/XLT/?siteid=214455&vehicleid=50839§ion=REAR%20SUSPENSION
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