Here is my '00 XLT 4x4 stock.
http://www.jefethegreat.com/truck/pics_00/12-09-00_Drinkwater/sm/dcp_0084.jpg
This last week in preparation for Truckhaven I did the following:
BFG All-Terrain T/A 31x10.5x15
Front tow hooks
Torsion Bar adjust (adding 1.25")
Pro Comp Add-a-leaf (adding .75")
Warrior Shackles (adding 1.5")
Add some Truckhaven mud and the final result is:
http://www.jefethegreat.com/truck/pics_01/01-14-01_Thaven/sm/dcp_0243.jpg

I never knew they made tires brown, I thought they only sell them in black.......lol! Looks great.

Looks good! What kind of wheels are those?

Originally posted by Brian1
Looks good! What kind of wheels are those?
According to Gary Steeber, who I just bought them from they are 15x8 Superior chrome steel wheels, blade design. I was going to mount the tires onto my stock wheels, but I'm starting to like these, especially for the off-road abuse they'll receive.

Why don't they come for the factory that height?!!!! Looks good, and keep the mods up!!

Okay thanks for the brand name. I will check into them.

How much did the front tires rub with only the TT?

Yomie,
I had to remove the inards of the wheel well, but I did not have to cut my fender.

cool, thanks

Are they 15X8 or 15X10

i've finally figured out why explorers don't come stock like that jefe. if they did, it would be more of a struggle to get the groceries in the back and the kids would have a hard time climbing into the thing for soccer games :)

Yomie,
They're 15x8's

Originally posted by Blue Steel
i've finally figured out why explorers don't come stock like that jefe. if they did, it would be more of a struggle to get the groceries in the back and the kids would have a hard time climbing into the thing for soccer games :)
Ha. . .I almost have a problem getting into it, and I have yet to put on my body lift. :)

jeez jefe! you're gonna need a roll out rope step ladder that automatically unrolls when you open your door if you jack that bad boy up any more! :)

Jeff, the tires & wheels look great on your truck!!!!!! I'm still looking for the wheel caps.

nice jefe....also, the wheels lok a lot like C/L HT Cast Wheels

Looking good man! I can't wait to get some 33's. It is nice to know they will fit. Make sure to post some pics after the lift.

Jeff, found the wheel cap's, still wraped in the plastic that they came in so I will send them to you.

Jefe.. how is that lifted (in the last of the pictures). That looks great! Is it more than just a torsion and leaf/shackle? It has to be.. right?

Paul,
Thanks a lot. You are awesome.

sectioin525,
Right now I only have the torsion and leaf/shackle lift. If I tried to do anything on a not-level surface the 33's would rub. But I'll have a 3" body lift on next week and it'll all work great.

looks pretty sweet, jefe. keep up he good work!

Ok, here's some shots with the 3" body lift on.

http://www.jefethegreat.com/truck/mods/sm/dcp_0445.jpg
http://www.jefethegreat.com/truck/mods/sm/dcp_0447.jpg

Yes, I know my bumper has a problem. . . :)

Jefe.. that is baaaaaad! Looks tight! Is that north of Valencia off the 5?

That looks awesome Jefe, you did a nice job. Did you adapt a 91-94' 3" Body Lift for that? How hard was it?

OK, everyone stop lifting your trucks, and getting bigger tires every 3 days and adding lockers and everything else, it all comes to a pause now! Let Yomie catch up real quick! J/K LOL

Your truck looks awesome! I like it alot!

section 525,
Yes, that's where I took the pic. How'd you know?

Sethro,
No, I used the Performance Accessories 3" body lift for 98+ Rangers. Part PA-883

Yomie,
I'll let you catch up just as soon as I get my locker and gears and . . .
:)

Jefe.. I used to live in Westlake Villiage and I'd drive up to Nor Cal every other weekend. 9 hours on the 5.
So how long did it take to do the lift? I plan on doing the same one in May. Was it a pretty smooth install?
Thanks for the info.

Hey Jefe! That is soooo sweet! Are u still up to helping me out with mine? I'm still deciding wether to get the 2inch or 3 inch. Was there any problems? I have a grill guard so I was wondering if you would know how to deal with that?


-Ray

The body lift took me about 8 hours all by myself. That includes setup, cleanup, throwing the tires on, and a trip to the hardware store inbetween. It was very easy mentally. . . just follow the intstructions. Physically it was a lot more work. :)

SCEXPLORER,
I'd be glad to help, as I'm sure it would make the lift a lot quicker. As far as the grill guard, I wouldn't have a clue. I didn't even touch my front bumper, and I've never seen how the grill guards mount.

What did you do to the front bumper? Did you cut the bottom off?

SplashMan,
I just took the trim and the fog lights off it. All that is left is the actual bumper. Looks pretty bad, but my angle of attack increased by 200 - 300%, and thats what's important. . :)

I put the 2" lift on and I thought about cutting the bumper too, but I kind of like the look of it. I went threw Attica this weekend and my bumpers are still in the stock location and I only hit them once (very small scrape). I have a guy here at work that is making me a set of bumper brackets (based on the 3" lift kit bumper brackets) to raise my bumper two and a half inches and push it out an inch so I can put 32" BFG M/Ts on (I'm running 31s now) and have room behind the bumper and in front of the radiator for a winch later on. I guess if I tear up the front later on I can always do what you did, it don't look too bad. Have you thought about getting a bumper from a 98? They go on the same way. Just a thought. Nice X by the way.

Sorry I didn't make it clear. I never cut my bumper. . just removed a dozen screws and the trim came off. So I could put it back on now that I have 3 more inches of lift to clear it. But I like these PIAA fogs a lot better than my stocks anyway.
I did think about going for an older bumper. . but then everyone'd think its only a 98. . :)
I think I'm gonna get a custom steel bumper with hidden winch, etc. and a rear bumper to match with spare tire carrier, etc. as soon as I can scrounge up some [more] money. :)

Do u think a 2inch body lift would work with 33's? I just don't want to deal with the steering problem with the 3 inch. Or am i worng and steering is ok with eth 3inch?

-Ray

SCEXPLORER,
1. I do not have a problem with steering with the 3" lift. I don't know what percentage of 3" lifts do. I haven't heard of it much on the newer trucks.

2.How much lift did you get with the torsion twist? I've got 1.25" torsion twist and the 3" body, and I still rub a little on-road, not to mention offroad. It also depends on how much you mind modifying your fenders.

I installed the 2" lift(with 1" T/T and 1" back shackles) on my 99XLT(still working on lifting my bumpers), and I am currently running 31x10.5R15 BFG MTs and I had slight rubbing in the front when I was going in reverse with the tires turned(every other lug is a little bigger on the side of the tread and it would hit). I just cut an inch off the corner and that solved that. Other than that, 31s fit perfect.
I am also looking at new tires and all tho you could get 33s to fit it would take alot of cutting. That is why I am going to go with 32s(32x11.5R15). I only rubbed a little with the 31s while offroading(back tires only), but I am still going to twist the front up another inch and put the add-a-leafs on the back to help when I put the 32s on.
Also if you stick with the 2" and decide to go with 31s or 32s definatly get a gas tank skid plate(it is a good idea regardless), I dented mine up a little
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1470813&a=12685298&p=47285605

Just my $.02. Hope it helps a little.

Ouch that wast too good, I thought all the 4X4's had the skid plates on the gas tanks, mine does? Why would thay put one on some and not on others?

I'm not sure, I thought maybe it came with the "Sport" package or the "Off-Road" package or something, but my 98 Sport has both packages and it didn't come with one and my dads 01 XLT has both packages and he didn't get one either.
I'm stumped.
I am getting the gas tank skid plate and the transfercase plate for $155 plus $36 shipping and handeling.

Thats cool, not too expensive, I have both and i find it weird cause i got power NOTHING (hate it when it breaks) with a 5 speed. How much are you paying just for the Trans plate (i gotta huge dent in mine!

I am not sure, but when I called a month ago for the gas tank plate only they said $109 plus shipping(wish I had bought it then). Drop Torrie a line at Ford Parts Network and he'll tell you for sure. He responded to my e-mail in about an hour on a Saturday.

SplashMan,
That picture looks exactly like the first trail modification I did. I didn't have a skid plate either. I've heard that they just stopped putting them on after '97.

Jefe, how did the 33's work out for you this pass weekend?

Paul,

We didn't do any trail running this weekend. Jawbone was not what we expected. But, I did run something local, and was very impressed how much better the M/T's do over the A/T's. . .and how much faster they dig. . . :)

I just got my 4.10's and Powertrax in, so we'll soon see how much more capable my truck is. (having to break everything in for 100 miles is killing me. . .arrrrggghhhhh)

Well Jeff, if you want to really test it out, Tom Rio (FAKRWEE) & I are planning on doing a one day trip up to Big Bear and doing the John Bull Trail sometime at the end of May. Are truck's are still being worked on and when they are finished we want to test them out and get any bug's worked out on them before our big run in August. If you are interested in joining us let me know. By the way the John Bull Trail is a Black Diamond run.

Wow

I ran a trail fri night/saturday to test out my new locker and gears. It is awesome.

Paul,
I'd love to run with you guys. That way I can see if I can keep up with the big dawgs yet. . . :)

I read earlier in this thread that you didn't (don't) have any problems with your steering, did you put the extention that came with the lift on?

Splashman,
yes, I used the steering extender that came with the body lift and do not have any problems.

Splashman,

Sorry, but I want to jog your memory. Did you have to modify your fenderwells (either front or back) when you simply added the 31x10.5x15's with the torsion twist and the shackles?

Not the fenderwells, but when I was going in reverse with the tires turning I would nick a lug or two(every other lug on the edge of the M/T is alittle bigger.) on the front bumper edge. I cut the corner off on the inside(just in front of the screw that holds the bottom of the crome onto the bumper,about an inch) and that was it. On a side note, the crome has not come loose with out that screw there.

Truck looks killer!!! will the ranger 3" body kit fit 95-98 explorers.

davesexplorer,
yes, the 98+ Ranger is the same as the 95+ explorer so the same kit should fit.

Jefe, have you put the shell for your bumper back on yet?

Nope he didn't. I actually ran into him yesterday and saw his truck in person. Man it looks more aggressive in person than on the pictures. I noticed his car like a few hundred feet away.
After looking at his truck, I want a body lift for sure.

-Ray

Jefe-
Truck look real good. Amazing how much difference a locker makes huh? Anyway, I'll probably see you when we do the John Bull trail at the end of the month.

Jefe,
nice truck! especially those Centerline wheels.....
Rick H.

Ok guys, For those that have been asking, I finally finished my body lift. I fabed up some front bumper mounts and put my bumper shell back on.

Here's a pic.
http://www.jefethegreat.com/host_pics/DSC00002a.jpg

I love how I make that blazer look lowered. =)

Jefe, your truck looks GREAT!!! By the way we had to postpone the Big Bear run because my truck is not quite finished yet, so we
will let you know when we can do it, probably later this month.

Originally posted by Paul M Bredehoft
By the way we had to postpone the Big Bear run because my truck is not quite finished yet, so we
will let you know when we can do it, probably later this month.
That's cool. Hope everything's going good with the truck.

How hard was it for you to put on the lights on your bumper? I am thinking of mounting some there next week.

Here's what I did to mount my PIAA fog lights: I made 2 brackets out of 1"x1/4" flat stock. They then bolt between the frame and bumper on the inner bumper bolts. I also made 2 spacers out of the same material to use on the outer bumper bolts.

http://home.socal.rr.com/jsg32/images/light_mount.jpg

(these are not exact measurements)

you did a clean job on your truck! It looks great!
You must be lovin that powertrax!
SDMike

Originally posted by SDMike
you did a clean job on your truck! It looks great!
You must be lovin that powertrax!
SDMike
Thanks. The Powertrax is awesome. Now if only someone would make something (anything) for the front.

hi i have a 200 xlt 4x4 also and i didnt know how to lift it since theyt dont sell any kits i read you did some stuff to your torsion bars and a helper spring can you tell me what you did and how so i can look into it for mine i have 31x10.5 mickey thompson tires i need a quick inexpensive lift so my tires dont rub when i put them on so far all i have done so far is a performance cam a helix intake hypertech chip 3" flomatser catback, brush gaurd side bars and 8" of the complete sides of my truck are rhino lined if you have any tips please let me know

Love2scuba, do a search on torsion twist and you'll come up with TONS of info.

luv2scuba -
If you are goin to do the TT/Shackle lift for 2" you should get 32X11.50 instead. All you will have to do extra is trim the front fender VERY slightly on each side of your front wheel. I trimmed mine and theres absolutely no way you can tell.

31X10.50 should fit with no mods or lifts.

Grant-P

I have a 98 XLT that I'm planning on doing the tt and shackle treatment too. I wouldn't mind trimming the ferders a little bit, but would I be able to fit on the 32 11.5's onto the stock 15" rim? I'm afraid that even if i did get them on, they'd bulge to the point of being dangerous while running down the highway (and especially at speeds over 100 mph, which to be honest, I do all the time.)

adambone,
I've seen people put 33x12.5's on their stock 15x7 rims and they seem to work alright so I'm pretty sure an 11.5 would work.

Hey Big Jefe,

1. Did you raise the back bumper too or just the front?
2. Can you take pictures of the bumper brackets you made?
3. Do you have any side view pics of your hi riser?
4. Can you explain how you made the brackets?

As much info as possible would help. I think I'll probably end up doing the 3 inch body lift and want to be as prepared as possible.

Thanks,
Raphael

Big Jefe huh? I think just Jefe is fine. =)

1. both bumpers are raised to match the body.
2. give me a day or two
3. check my web page: http://www.jefethegreat.com/
Here's a good one:

http://www.jefethegreat.com/truck/pics_01/08-26-01_Misc/sm/12_09.jpg

4. yes:

Rear brackets: from the PA Body lift kit, where I hammered it flat, and drilled 3 new holes in it so it would work with the explorer rear as opposed to the ranger rear.

Front brackets: The PA bodylift came with brackets, but on installing them i 'tore' 3 of the 4 welds to the studs and decided they werent strong enough. I went with 1.5x.25 flat stock steel and modeled them after the PA ones with caraidge bolts instead of welded studs.

Im thinkin about puttin 31's on my x. Will it work without a lift. Also Im really interested in the torsion twist. how do I go about doing that?


Thanks, Richard

Originally posted by Jenkins1581
Im thinkin about puttin 31's on my x. Will it work without a lift. Also Im really interested in the torsion twist. how do I go about doing that?

Welcome to the site,

As far as 31's are concerned, you could put them on without any lift, with little, if any rubbing, etc. However I think I'd suggest a Torsion twist lift and warrior shackle for a 1.5" to make it look right. the second picture in my first post shows exactly what that'd look like. Just do a search on the site for 'torsion twist' and 'warrior shackles' and you'll get everything you ever wanted to know about it.

As always happens with 4x4's, I got some new toys for the night runs:

http://www.jefethegreat.com/truck/pics_01/11-24-01_Thaven/sm/Pic019.jpg

In case you didn't catch it : I put on 4 PIAA Pro 80 XT's (thanks Goober)

Sure looks good....I'm glad you....**sob**...like them...*sniff.....

did you just mount them to your stock roof rack

So Goober you got any extra to give me?:wink:

Looks good, just check the bolts alot. They tend to want to back the nuts off on the factory roof rack.

Originally posted by Yomie
did you just mount them to your stock roof rack
I did. However I had heard that this setup is very weak, so I reinfoced it with 2 pieces of 1/8" steel, sandwiching the top of the crossbeam between them, and drilling a hole big enough on the bottom of the crossbeam to access the bolts. This turned out very clean, and very strong.

Cool, thanks!

Those cross bars are pretty strong, I have had mine up there for awhile...
Jefe', I see you took your stock driving lights out, do you plan on putting them back in? If not I would like to buy them from you...

Alright. . .Check it out. . .35" tires

http://www.jefethegreat.com/truck/pics_01/12-07-01_Misc/sm/Pic1002.jpg

It just keeps getting bigger and bigger. . .:D

And for those of you wondering . . . here's how I fit 35's:

http://www.jefethegreat.com/host_pics/ht_35-1.jpg

http://www.jefethegreat.com/host_pics/ht_35-2.jpg

1. I'm 'cheating' by using used 35's bought from RangerX up front still. I do have new BFG KM's in back with minimal rubbing at full stuff.

2. Lots of trimming:
Yellow Arrow: start of fender trim

Blue Arrow: the origional fender was 1.25" forward of this

Red Arrow: still rubbing, but easy to take care of. funny thing is my 33's rubbed there :)

Wow! Do you have a sideview picture of the truck where it's just sitting on a flat surface?

How's this?

http://www.jefethegreat.com/host_pics/ht_35-3.jpg

Very impressive......that thing is big.

Damn. Your truck looks great! :bounce:

Lookin good Jefe. I'm gonna be seeing that at Truckhaven right?

I'm gonna be seeing that at Truckhaven right?
Yup, I'll be at Truckhaven in Jan

Welcome to the 35" tire club. Also your lift is like 4-4.5 right? So that means you are the second lowest explorer with 35s. :D

Looks real good man. See you at Truck Haven.

Originally posted by Fenderguy
Welcome to the 35" tire club. Also your lift is like 4-4.5 right? So that means you are the second lowest explorer with 35s. :D
LOL :)

Yes, about 4.5" of lift. . .however, I still rub a bit :rolleyes:

hey jefe,

i just noticed that you live over in valencia... i live in fullerton. im waiting to get a my explorer pretty soon, and im planing on setting up the exact same lift you have and running 33's. i have been planing on having custom motor sports install a 3'' body lift for me, cuz i am only 16, and i dont have the tools or knowhow to perform it myself. maybe once i get everything together with the explorer we could get together and you could help me out with some stuff. or maybe we could put on the 3'' body lift ourselves seeing as you have already done it to your own X. its just a thought, but its kinda cool to see that you live so close, cuz i remember looking at pics of your explorer a long time ago and thinking "thats what i want my explorer to look like". well maybe ill see you around!

-chris

Chris,
Sounds cool. I'm always up for helping a fellow 4x4er gain a few inches. . .that is, until their rigs become better than mine. . ;) I'm sure we could pull off a 3" body lift in no time.

sweet, thanks jefe. how much do the performance accessories 3'' body lifts cost anyway? custom motor sports was charging 500$ for 3'' BL installed, but i seem to rememver that the PA kit was around $140-180 or somthing like that, i dont remember.

Jefe,

Did you find that your PIAA 9007's made a big difference during your normal driving conditions? And the 520's...are they a big help both on and off the trail??
thanks.....

Couple more ??s for ya.
1. What backspacing do you have on your rims?
2. What did you use to cut the fender to fit 35s?

Chris,
Sorry i never saw your post. a 3" PA body lift is $120 - 140 i think.

nkrax,
I didn't notice much of a difference with the 9007's. . .but i never really compared them.
I only use the 520's off the trail (they're REALLY bright) and they are awesome. . . much better than my headlights. They also are great in Fog, amazingly enough. . :)

SplashMan,
1. Rims were used, but I beleive its standard backspacing.
2. I removed the fender, taped where i wanted to cut and used a jig-saw. I followed a write-up on how to trim fenders somewhere on this board, and it turned out very nice.

Originally posted by Jefe
2. I removed the fender, taped where i wanted to cut and used a jig-saw. I followed a write-up on how to trim fenders somewhere on this board, and it turned out very nice. [/B]

if someone finds this thread, can you please post it, i too am gonna trim my fenders. Hopefully soon, to be welcomed into the 'big boy club' lol

Jefe,

I'm getting ready to do my 98 xlt lift pretty much the same way you did yours (with the 33's that is). Just in case I don't miss anything, here is what I believe I need. Performance Accessories body lift for Ranger, shackles (1.5"), tortion twist (1.5"), and 33x12.5x15 on 15x8 rims. Correct? I know SplashMan just asked you what your backspacing was on your rims, but i'm still not sure what it was. SplashMan sais he has a 4" backspace. Since it appears that your wheels stick out a little more than his, does that mean that your backspace is larger (like 5") or does it go in the other direction? I want my wheels to stick out a little bit on the sides like yours does and don't want to buy the wrong wheels. Anyway, I think I am about ready to place a couple of orders and get this thing rolling. Any other info/suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Should I do the add-a-leaf in the rear? Thanks to all for your help!!!!!

Jefe, I gotta say, the 35's look wicked on there! :bounce:

Just one question though, do you have any room for suspension flex? It looks awfully tight in the rear fenderwells. Would hate to be ripping against the fenders every time the rear axle flexed any significant amount...

His wheels are off of Paul Bredehoft's X. I believe the backspacing is 3.75"

nkrax-
The lower the # the farther out it sticks. Backspacing is measured from the inside lip of the rim to where it mounts up against the rotor. Looks good Jefe, see you this weekend.

nkrax,
it shouldnt matter much but the wheels are 15x8.5 not 15x8. they are Centerline HT-31's, when i put them on my truck they stuck out alot farther than stock. i never asked what the offset was though and i no longer see them on centerlines website.

nkrax,
Your backspacing question was answered i hope. They're right. they are 15x8.5 rims with 3.75" of backspacing. As far as the add-a-leaf, i would recommend against it. ..it only provides 1/2" at most of lift, and will be more trouble than good further down the road.

bigDerk,
Oh yeah. . there's room. . .just enough. :) There is rubbing, but very minor, and only at extreme flex. Thanks for the compliment.

FenderGuy,
Thanks for the info. This weekend will be great. :cool:
BTW, I hope you weren't wanting those 35" M/T's . . i've still got em on because of rubbing issues ;)

Just re complimenting you and your truck. I'll be going now (wishing I had a big explorer like this):D

Question????

Before I order my 3"body lift, I have yet another question...Do I need the steering extention for a 95-97 in order for the 3" kit to work for my 98?

Thanks again......

nkrax,
No. . the 98+ Ranger body lift has the correct steering extension for a 98+ explorer.

I went through all the bad picture links and fixed them, and it was fun to read through this. :)

http://www.jefethegreat.com/truck/mods/sm/dcp_0445.jpg

That's the pic that did me in soo long ago. :cool:

Hi everyone. im from Australia and want to put some Warrior Shackles at the rear to raise it about 2". Noone sells them out here so its abit of a problem. Id only need to get to right? 1 for each side. And i was then looking at rasing it a further 2" by adding tough dog leaf springs- 8 in total... any comments on how i might work ? im abit confused cause ive just purchased my first explorer. Its 2000 xlt with only 29,000 km on the clock :) cheap to with no problems!!!

Jefe,
It's good that these photos are back up. I remember looking at these and convinced me that I had to raise my explorer. It has been a long time. My dad drives my explorer now but i'm planning on getting it back later this year and continue with the project.

Ray