i know a good bit about cars but i just got a 02 XLT and i want to lower it with the eibach kit. My friend went to a local car shop and they told him if you lower a truck, you can no longer use the 4wheel drive. Anyone know the answer to this?? I think its complete bullshit, i just wanna be 100% sure.

I'm guessing it's the same issue as with lifting. Because of the way the way the driveshaft, suspension, and frame are made (I think the halfshafts go through the frame), the you can't lift or lower because the the shafts will hit the frame. Not completely sure about this though.

You can always lower your truck using the torsion bar method. I was able to lower my 4wd Jimmy 3in in the front and used 3in blocks in the rear.

Only thing is, the inside of the wheel wears a bit faster.

You can always lower your truck using the torsion bar method. I was able to lower my 4wd Jimmy 3in in the front and used 3in blocks in the rear.

Only thing is, the inside of the wheel wears a bit faster.

02+ 4-doors use coils in all 4 corners so that wouldnt work.

Do an advanced search for user name 'NaplesBill' and then look at his post 'Big Changes' to see pix of what he did to get a 1.6" drop on an 'o3. sorry didn't know how to put up the direct link. Or should I say didn't take the time!

RSXRACER, its not that you can't use the 4WD any more, its the way the drop affects the angle of your CV Joints. A Mild 2" drop (maybe 3-but that's borderline) shouldn't affect the angle of your CVs too terribly much, as 2" is well within the suspension travel of the Explorer. I would pay close attention to the CVs if you plan on driving in 4wd for any extended periods of time or over any overly bumpy terrain(I'd worry about anything beyond your average pothole), and keep a keen ear for any unusual knocks or clanks in the front.

There are a few lowering kits you can buy - they just replace the old coils for new ones. The Ground Force and Ford Racing coils only allow a 1.6" drop and the Eibach has a 1.4" rear and 1.1" front. These kits are made specifically for the third gen 4X4 and I don't think they would make them so you couln't use the 4wd - especially the one from ford.

Ground Force #9952
Eibach #3595.540
Ford Racing #M-3000-F

thanks to all that responded. All make good points, i really dont know at this point. I only want about a 1.5, 1.6" drop at the most, i was looking at the eibach kit. I'm gonna do some more research and see what i can come up with.

I just purchased the one from Ford Racing today. Give me a few weeks and I will tell you if 4WD still works ;)

You can still use the 4WD.

I have the Eibach installed and it lowered 1.1'' rear and 1.6'' in the front.

http://eibach.com/cgi-bin/htmlos.exe/00849.2.7457723319100020759

All I needed was a simple alignment. Let me tell you that she drives like a dream.

It actually feels smoother in the straights and handles like a dream around turns... I have 295-45-20's all the way around so she hugs awsome.

If anyone is interested in Eibachs they better move.. when I bought mine about 6 months ago Eibach direct told me that they had discountinued springs for 3rd gen explorers due to the low volume in demand. They only had 35 kits left on their shelves. If they are sold out maybe you will be lucky enouph to find them from a distributor.

Oh and yes you can still use 4WD.

when i had airbags i was able to use 4wd with no problems

Wouldn;t You Get A 2wd If You Wanted To Lower It..
Kind Of Defeats The Purpose Of 4wheel Drive??

got a deal on the truck and wanted to do a bagged vehical but it will never see airbags again

Wouldn;t You Get A 2wd If You Wanted To Lower It..
Kind Of Defeats The Purpose Of 4wheel Drive??

Nope. Not all people want 4wd for the same reason.

I have a lowered 4wd 2004 Explorer (with the Ground Force Springs). I use 4wheel drive when I drive up to the ski slopes on snow covered roads. I would also use it possibly on a boat launch when pulling a boat out of the water.

I used 4-low today when I was backing my tent trailer onto the gravel parking on the side of my house that's slightly uphill and I needed a bit more traction than rear wheel drive could provide.

Sometimes you have to think outside the box. Not everyone has the same needs and 4wd can be advantageous in conditions other than the typical "mud-bogging, offroading, hitting the trails" type aspect.