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Do expeditions have shocks or struts?

Yes, expeditions typically use specialized suspension systems that include shocks or struts to provide a smooth and stable ride over rough terrain. These suspension components play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and comfort of expedition vehicles and their occupants.


Understanding Expedition Suspension Systems


Expeditions often take place in remote, rugged environments where the terrain can be highly uneven and challenging. To navigate these conditions effectively, expedition vehicles are equipped with robust suspension systems that can absorb the impact of bumps, rocks, and other obstacles. The two main components of these suspension systems are shocks and struts.


Shocks vs. Struts: What's the Difference?


Shocks and struts serve similar functions in a suspension system, but they have some key differences:



  • Shocks are hydraulic dampers that absorb the vertical movement of the vehicle's wheels, helping to smooth out the ride and prevent the vehicle from bouncing excessively.

  • Struts are a combination of a shock absorber and a structural component that also provides support for the vehicle's weight. Struts are typically used in the front suspension, while shocks are more common in the rear suspension.


Both shocks and struts are essential for maintaining control and stability in expedition vehicles, as they help to keep the wheels in contact with the ground and prevent the vehicle from becoming unstable or difficult to steer.


Expedition-Specific Suspension Features


Expedition vehicles often feature specialized suspension components that are designed to withstand the rigors of off-road travel. Some common features include:



  • Increased travel to accommodate larger tires and more extreme terrain

  • Adjustable damping to fine-tune the suspension for different driving conditions

  • Reinforced construction to withstand the stresses of heavy loads and rough terrain

  • Increased ground clearance to avoid obstacles and improve approach and departure angles


These features help to ensure that expedition vehicles can navigate challenging environments safely and comfortably, even when carrying heavy loads or traversing uneven terrain.

What kind of suspension does the Ford Expedition have?


The four-wheel independent long-travel suspension itself is a purpose-built version of race suspensions found on off-road desert race vehicles. The Expedition also gained a hydroformed fully boxed frame providing a 70 percent improvement in torsional stiffness.



How long do struts last on a Ford Expedition?


Generally, shocks and struts wear out every 50,000-100,000 miles.



What are the symptoms of a bad strut?


Read on to learn the signs of worn shocks & struts:

  • Nose dive when braking.
  • Bouncy ride.
  • Vehicle rolls or sways when cornering.
  • Uneven tire wear.
  • Rear squat during acceleration.
  • Vibration in steering wheel.
  • Unusual noises.
  • Leaking fluid on exterior of shocks/struts.



How much does it cost to replace struts on SUV?


How Much Would It Cost to Replace Your Shocks and Struts? A typical shock and strut replacement can set you back anywhere between $450 and $1,100. However, keep in mind that this can vary depending on the type of vehicle suspension you have and your location.



Can you just replace shocks and not struts?


Shocks and struts should always be replaced in pairs or, better yet, all four, for even, predictable handling and control. After all, all four have been on the vehicle for the same number of miles and worked under the same conditions.



How do I know if my car has shocks or struts?


Look Underneath Your Vehicle.
In many cases, shocks will look like a hand pump. Struts, on the other hand, typically look like a coil spring with a shock in the center, but occasionally, the shock is mounted next to the spring.



Do Ford Expeditions have shocks or struts?


At the heart of the suspension is the strut assembly, a mechanism that combines a shock absorber and a coil spring into one unit to absorb bumps in the road and to keep the tires in contact with the ground at all times.



Is it better to have struts or shocks?


Shocks are the piece that absorbs the bounce of a vehicle driving over bumpy roads. This makes the vehicle a lot easier to control, especially at higher speeds. Struts, on the other hand, help support the car's steering and suspension.



Do SUVs have shocks or struts?


Any car has four struts/shock absorbers; one at each wheel. Most cars and SUVs have struts in the front suspension and shock absorbers or struts in the back. Struts and shock absorbers are maintenance-free units.



What is the suspension problem on the Ford Expedition?


When a vehicle sags in the rear and maintains its ride height in the front, the problem is almost certainly the air suspension. Like most cars with an air suspension, the rear is the most common point of failure in the Expedition. This is usually caused by degraded air bags.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.