Ever look at your Ford Expedition and think, “This beast could go anywhere!”? If you’ve dreamed of tackling tougher trails, clearing bigger obstacles, or just giving your SUV a more commanding presence, then a lift kit might be calling your name. But let’s be honest, the world of lift kits can feel like a confusing maze. You want to upgrade your ride, but sorting through all the different brands, heights, and types can leave you scratching your head and wondering where to even begin. What’s the difference between a body lift and a suspension lift? Which one is right for *your* Expedition and *your* adventures?
Choosing the wrong lift kit can lead to more headaches than happy miles – think poor handling, uneven tire wear, or even damage to your vehicle. That’s why we’re here to cut through the noise. By the end of this post, you’ll have a much clearer understanding of what goes into choosing the perfect lift kit for your Ford Expedition. We’ll break down the key features, explain the benefits of different options, and help you avoid common pitfalls so you can confidently make a choice that will transform your Expedition into the off-road warrior you know it can be.
Our Top 5 Lift Kit For Ford Expedition Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Lift Kit For Ford Expedition Detailed Reviews
1. Waverspeed 3.5″ Front & 2.5″ Rear Leveling Lift Kit for Ford Expedition 2003-2018
Rating: 9.3/10
Ready to give your Ford Expedition or Lincoln Navigator a tougher stance and more capability? The Waverspeed 3.5″ Front & 2.5″ Rear Leveling Lift Kit is designed to do just that. This kit helps you lift the front of your SUV by 3.5 inches and the rear by 2.5 inches. This means you can fit bigger tires and make your vehicle look even and ready for adventure. It works with both standard and electronic suspension systems, making it a versatile upgrade for many owners.
What We Like:
- Great Fit: Works with Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator models from 2003 to 2018, for both 2WD and 4WD.
- Improved Stance: Lifts the front 3.5 inches and the rear 2.5 inches, leveling out your SUV and letting you use larger tires.
- Smooth Ride: Keeps your factory ride comfort because it bolts directly onto your struts without changing their geometry.
- Strong Build: Made from powder-coated steel for durability, even in tough conditions.
- Easy Installation: You can use your stock shocks and don’t need to take apart your struts.
What Could Be Improved:
- No Instructions Included: You’ll need to contact Waverspeed if you need installation help, as they don’t come in the box.
- Installation Time: The install process takes about 2-4 hours, which might be longer than some expect.
This Waverspeed lift kit offers a solid way to improve your SUV’s look and performance. It’s a good option for drivers who want a bit more ground clearance and a more aggressive stance without sacrificing their comfortable ride.
2. Rough Country 2″ Lift Kit for Ford Expedition 4WD (2018-2024) with CCD System
Rating: 8.9/10
Ready to give your Ford Expedition a tougher look and better stance? The Rough Country 2″ Lift Kit for 4WD models (2018-2024) with the CCD System is here to help. This kit is designed to level out the front of your SUV, making it sit just right. It lifts the front by 2 inches and adds a little extra height to the rear by 1 inch. This gives your Expedition a more aggressive profile and improves its ability to handle different terrains.
What We Like:
- It levels the front of your Expedition with the rear, giving it a balanced look.
- You get a 2-inch lift in the front and a 1-inch lift in the rear for a noticeable improvement.
- The installation is a simple bolt-on process, so you don’t need to make major changes to your vehicle.
- Rough Country stands behind their product with a Limited Lifetime Replacement Warranty, giving you peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the lift is noticeable, some users might want even more height for extreme off-roading.
- The 1-inch rear lift might not be enough for those carrying very heavy loads regularly.
This lift kit offers a straightforward way to enhance your Expedition’s appearance and capability. It’s a solid option for drivers looking for a subtle but effective upgrade.
3. ReadyLIFT 69-2831 3.0” Front with 2.0” Rear SST Lift Kit (incl. CCD Suspension) For Ford Expedition RWD
Rating: 9.5/10
The ReadyLIFT 69-2831 SST Lift Kit is a fantastic way to give your 2018-2023 Ford Expedition a tougher look and better stance. This kit adds 3 inches to the front and 2 inches to the rear, creating a balanced, slightly raked appearance that many owners love. It’s designed to work with both standard shocks and the more advanced CCD suspension systems, making it a versatile upgrade for your SUV. Plus, it’s proudly made in the USA!
What We Like:
- Gives your Expedition a cool, lifted look with a subtle rake.
- Works with both regular shocks and the CCD suspension.
- Features strong, aircraft-grade aluminum strut extensions.
- Made right here in the USA.
- It’s a mild lift solution, perfect for daily driving and light off-roading.
What Could Be Improved:
- The kit is specific to certain Expedition models and years.
- While it offers a great stance, it doesn’t dramatically increase ground clearance for extreme off-roading.
If you want to improve your Ford Expedition’s appearance and capability without going overboard, this ReadyLIFT kit is a solid choice. It delivers a noticeable upgrade that enhances both style and function.
4. ReadyLift 69-2070 3″F / 2″R Lift Kit – Ford Expedition/Navigator 2003-2017
Rating: 9.0/10
The ReadyLift 69-2070 3″F / 2″R Lift Kit is a fantastic upgrade for your 2003-2017 Ford Expedition or Lincoln Navigator. This kit gives your SUV a mild lift, making it look tougher and letting you fit bigger tires. It’s designed to work with your factory suspension, so your ride stays comfortable. Plus, it’s easy to install without any tricky cutting or drilling.
What We Like:
- It lifts the front by 3 inches and the rear by 2 inches for a balanced look.
- It keeps your smooth factory ride quality.
- You can fit up to 35-inch tires with this kit on your stock wheels or similar ones.
- Installation is straightforward, with no cutting or drilling needed.
- It includes the 66-2050 component, making it a complete SST kit.
What Could Be Improved:
- Professional installation is estimated at 4 to 5 hours, which is longer than some might expect for a “user-friendly” kit.
This ReadyLift kit offers a great way to give your Expedition or Navigator a more aggressive stance and better tire clearance. It’s a solid choice for those wanting a noticeable upgrade without sacrificing ride comfort or dealing with complicated installation.
5. TOWGUARD 3.5″ Front & 2.5″ Rear Leveling Lift Kit Compatible with Ford Expedition 2003-2018
Rating: 9.3/10
Want to give your Ford Expedition or Lincoln Navigator a tougher stance and more capability? The TOWGUARD 3.5″ Front & 2.5″ Rear Leveling Lift Kit is here to help. This kit is designed to fit 2003-2018 models of both SUVs, whether they’re 2WD or 4WD. It’s built to work with standard and electronic suspensions, so you don’t need to make extra changes to your vehicle.
What We Like:
- It gives your SUV a noticeable lift: 3.5 inches in the front and 2.5 inches in the rear. This helps balance the look of your vehicle.
- The kit is made from tough, powder-coated steel. This means it resists rust and can handle rough use.
- It allows you to fit bigger tires on your SUV.
- The kit keeps your original ride comfort. The strut spacers attach directly to your struts without changing how they work. This is great for daily driving and light off-roading.
- Installation is relatively straightforward and typically takes 2-4 hours. You don’t need to take your struts apart, and you can reuse your original shocks.
What Could Be Improved:
- You’ll need a special tool: a heavy-duty 54-inch pry bar. Smaller bars won’t work to lower the control arm.
- The kit doesn’t come with a physical instruction manual. You need to contact customer service for installation documents.
- It’s recommended to have two people for installation to make it safer and quicker.
- You should check the welded studs before installing and adjust them if they are not straight.
This TOWGUARD lift kit offers a great way to improve your SUV’s appearance and function. It’s a solid choice for those looking for a moderate lift and the ability to run larger tires while maintaining a comfortable ride.
Lift Kits for Your Ford Expedition: A Comprehensive Buying Guide
Thinking about giving your Ford Expedition a rugged new look and some extra ground clearance? A lift kit is the answer! It’s a fantastic way to upgrade your SUV for off-roading, hauling, or just that imposing stance. This guide will help you choose the perfect lift kit for your needs.
What to Look For in a Lift Kit
When you’re shopping for a lift kit, a few key features really matter.
Lift Height
- How high do you want to go? Lift kits come in different heights, usually from 1 to 6 inches or more. A 2-3 inch lift is great for bigger tires and a mild upgrade. Higher lifts (4-6 inches) are for serious off-roading and a dramatic look.
Type of Lift Kit
- Suspension Lift Kits: These are the most common. They actually raise your vehicle’s body by changing out or adding to your suspension parts. They offer the best ride quality and off-road performance.
- Body Lift Kits: These kits add spacers between your SUV’s frame and body. They are simpler and cheaper. Body lifts are good for fitting larger tires but don’t improve suspension performance.
Components Included
- Check the box! A good kit usually includes everything you need: lift blocks, control arms, shocks, springs, and all the necessary hardware. Some kits might require additional parts like longer brake lines or a steering stabilizer, especially for taller lifts.
Important Materials for Durability
The materials used in your lift kit directly impact its strength and how long it lasts.
- Steel: Most lift kit components are made from high-strength steel. Look for forged or billet steel for the strongest parts.
- Aluminum: Some components, like shock bodies, might be made of aluminum. This helps with weight and heat dissipation.
- Polyurethane: Bushings and isolators are often made of polyurethane. This material is tough and absorbs vibrations well.
Factors That Affect Quality
Several things can make a lift kit better or worse.
Quality of Components
- Top-notch parts are essential. Kits from reputable brands use better materials and have stricter quality control. This means they’ll hold up better under stress. Cheap kits might use lower-grade steel that can bend or break.
Ease of Installation
- Some kits are easier to put on than others. Kits that use bolt-on parts and don’t require cutting or welding are usually simpler. If you’re not a seasoned mechanic, look for kits designed for easier DIY installation.
Ride Quality
- How will it feel to drive? A good lift kit shouldn’t ruin your Expedition’s comfortable ride. Kits with quality shocks and springs maintain good handling and absorb bumps. Some cheaper kits might make your ride feel stiff or bouncy.
User Experience and Use Cases
How people use their lift kits shows what they’re best for.
- Off-Road Adventures: Many Expedition owners lift their SUVs to tackle trails, mud, and rocks. A lift kit allows for bigger tires, which give better traction and help you get over obstacles.
- Towing and Hauling: A lift kit can help your Expedition handle heavy loads better. It can also provide more clearance for larger trailer hitches.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Let’s be honest, a lifted Expedition looks awesome! It gives your SUV a commanding presence on the road and makes it stand out.
- Daily Driving: Even for everyday use, a lift kit can improve the look and allow for slightly larger tires for a more rugged feel, without sacrificing too much comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Ford Expedition Lift Kits
Q: How much does a lift kit for a Ford Expedition typically cost?
A: Prices vary widely, from a few hundred dollars for a basic body lift to over a thousand dollars for a complete suspension lift kit.
Q: Will a lift kit affect my Expedition’s fuel economy?
A: Yes, generally a lift kit and larger tires will decrease your fuel economy because the engine has to work harder.
Q: Can I install a lift kit myself?
A: Some simpler kits can be installed by a DIYer with basic tools and mechanical knowledge. However, more complex kits often require specialized tools and expertise, so professional installation is recommended.
Q: What is the difference between a suspension lift and a body lift?
A: A suspension lift raises the entire chassis by altering the suspension components, improving ride and handling. A body lift adds spacers between the frame and the body, primarily for fitting larger tires.
Q: How tall of a lift can I put on my Ford Expedition without major modifications?
A: For most Ford Expeditions, a 2-3 inch lift can usually be installed without needing extensive modifications. Taller lifts may require adjustments to drivetrain components or exhaust.
Q: Do I need to get an alignment after installing a lift kit?
A: Absolutely! It is crucial to get a professional wheel alignment after installing any lift kit to ensure proper tire wear and safe handling.
Q: Can I still tow a trailer with a lifted Expedition?
A: Yes, you can still tow with a lifted Expedition. However, you might need to adjust your trailer hitch height to compensate for the lift.
Q: What size tires can I fit with a lift kit?
A: The tire size you can fit depends on the lift height and your specific Expedition model. Generally, a 2-3 inch lift allows for about 33-inch tires, while taller lifts can accommodate 35-inch or larger tires.
Q: Will a lift kit void my Ford Expedition’s warranty?
A: Modifying your suspension with a lift kit can potentially void certain parts of your vehicle’s warranty related to the suspension and drivetrain. It’s always best to check with your dealership.
Q: What are the best brands for Ford Expedition lift kits?
A: Popular and reputable brands include Rough Country, Skyjacker, BDS Suspension, and Rancho. These brands are known for their quality and durability.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.