Brand new to this forum. Thanks in advance to everyone here for your expertise.



I'm trying to figure out the correct replacement struts for my 2018 Explorer Sport. The first set of parts I got didn't fit and I can't figure out why.



Why: The local repair shop quoted me $1200. I did a bit of research and found that several companies make strut assemblies which include the strut and spring assembled ready to be swapped on the vehicle, total cost around $200. Then I researched the install and it's literally 7 nuts per side (excluding wheel lugs, of course). So I decided to DIY.



I purchased Monroe assemblies and started on the left side. I found it didn't fit. Checked the dimensions and the Monroe ones are about 1.5" longer and spring coil count is more. Called Monroe tech support and they verified that I have the correct parts vs. my VIN and advised that this may be a quality assurance issue and advised me to return the parts. Then I checked the right side by measuring (while still on the vehicle) and found the same issue.



Here they are (left side) side by side. Maybe I'm crazy but these look like they'll give my vehicle about a 1.5" lift when installed...




Every parts website (including Monroe) tells me that the struts for my VIN are the same as all 2018 AWD 3.5L Turbo Explorers. parts.ford.com seems to be telling me the same thing. Can someone help me understand what I'm missing and how I can find the correct parts? I'd prefer get strut assemblies so I don't have mess with a spring compressor, but will do it if necessary.

 

They don't look right to me either..
The stop length should be the same and it is not !

Where did you purchase them ?

Watch out for "Fits all" parts !

 

Thank you. I agree. I purchased them from Amazon. Monroe part numbers 272729 and 272730. These are, according to Amazon, Monroe tech support, and everywhere else I've checked, a fit for my vehicle.

 

Maybe just another case of "Fits all" that really don't fit !

 

OK. But the question is, what's the correct part? Are you suggesting that I try another brand?

 

You could always check what Ford sells and see what they use ..

 

Maybe try Rockauto.com. I’ve had great success with them.

 

That's super frustrating, especially with Monroe confirming the part. I'd double-check if your Sport has the CCD (Continuously Controlled Damping) suspension. It was an option on Sports and uses completely different struts. A regular parts lookup by VIN might not catch that.