2003 Explorer Lift

CMuncher94 · 02-23-2012, 11:27 AM

I just bought a used 2003 Explorer and I was wondering what was the best way to lift it. It has coil springs all the way around.

*Ronin8002* · 02-23-2012, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CMuncher94

I just bought a used 2003 Explorer and I was wondering what was the best way to lift it. It has coil springs all the way around.

"best" is kind of vague. Depends on what you want to accomplish. What size tires do you want to clear? Is it for looks mainly or do you want to make it as capable as possible offroad? Do you have a limit to how much you want to spend? Do you mind wearing out and having to replace suspension parts from time to time?

Here is a ton of information that you can consider in making your choice. Take some time to research and you'll be able to make a better decision:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=290074
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=312012
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=219234
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=200639
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=279667
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=223741

CMuncher94 · 02-23-2012, 11:53 AM

i mostly want it for just looks. i go offroad sometimes. and i want to be able to clear 32" tires.

*Ronin8002* · 02-23-2012, 12:03 PM

In that case you might consider a 1.5" or 3" body lift. They are the cheapest options and will let you clear 265/75/16 or 265/70/17 tires (about 32"). Won't affect your alignment or suspension either.

Look at these links for info (the 2nd and 3rd ones I last posted):

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=312012
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=219234

Here are some pics of mine when it had a 1.5" body lift and 265/75/16 tires:

and here are some pics of a guy with a 3" body lift and 265/75/16 tires:

CMuncher94 · 02-23-2012, 12:29 PM

i want to have coil spaers all the way around.

3" in the front and 2" in the back

*Ronin8002* · 02-23-2012, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CMuncher94

i want to have coil spaers all the way around.

3" in the front and 2" in the back

Too big. Read through some of those threads I gave you and the problems people had and you might change your mind on those sizes.

06xlt · 02-23-2012, 08:03 PM

Just use the search function and you will find all kinds of information.

A 2-inch lift is all you can safely do, any more than that will put excessive wear on the upper ball joint and cause it to rip out of the control arm. A 2-inch lift and a body lift will let you clear even bigger tires.

Also, you can clear 32's bone stock without any rubbing.

IceMaNoFF · 02-25-2012, 06:27 AM

who can help me...? I install custom lift spacers (2.25/1.75). With front spacers, i have no questions...but with rear i have a little problem...
The spacers

after painting...

...The rear has established, a figured part to a coil spring, and a flat part to a body... I think it was necessary to make on the contrary...Is it rights?

...
After install i have a metal knock at movement on roughnesses or diagonal posting, at movement on a highway, knocks isn't present...i think need rotate rear spacers...
...before

...after...

*Wills05xlt4x4* · 02-25-2012, 07:41 AM

^^^ are those truxx? They don't look like btf
I've read with the rear truxx people had to modify it...
Looks like one rear has more bolt holes...
I think I remember truxx needed to be spun 180degrees and drill new holes like that back rear spacer in pic
May also need to trim the studs on strut assemblies...

*Ronin8002* · 02-25-2012, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wills05xlt4x4

^^^ are those truxx? They don't look like btf
I've read with the rear truxx people had to modify it...
Looks like one rear has more bolt holes...
I think I remember truxx needed to be spun 180degrees and drill new holes like that back rear spacer in pic
May also need to trim the studs on strut assemblies...

No I believe they are a Russian design...I have seen some diagrams on a Russian Explorer forum that look like these spacers.

IceMaNoFF,

The rear spacers need to be installed in such a way that the mounting surface on the top of the strut, the spacer, and the strut mount on the frame are all in a straight line. It looks like you have installed it at an angle, this is not correct (unless the Russian Explorer is different.)

Like this (disregard brake caliper hanging):

IceMaNoFF · 02-25-2012, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ronin8002

No I believe they are a Russian design...I have seen some diagrams on a Russian Explorer forum that look like these spacers.

yes, these spacers hand made =))

Quote:

It looks like you have installed it at an angle, this is not correct

...Not absolutely... On that photo they aren't installed yet... Here a photo of the installed...

...

Quote:

I think I remember truxx needed to be spun 180degrees and drill new holes like that back rear spacer in pic

yes, one of them have more holes...but i spun 180degrees both Absorber...that not correct?
well, need do more holes and turn back as was on not lifted suspension?

*Ronin8002* · 02-25-2012, 11:24 AM

I see now...that makes more sense.

You might try drilling the extra holes as you showed in the picture, then see if that fixes the problem.

Otherwise, your truck looks good

Quote:

Originally Posted by IceMaNoFF

yes, these spacers hand made =))

...Not absolutely... On that photo they aren't installed yet... Here a photo of the installed...

...
yes, one of them have more holes...but i spun 180degrees both Absorber...that not correct?
well, need do more holes and turn back as was on not lifted suspension?

IceMaNoFF · 02-25-2012, 09:24 PM

tnx!=)
front wheel

...rear

...frame

...front axle

IceMaNoFF · 02-27-2012, 08:29 AM

i did it! All ok...=)

*Wills05xlt4x4* · 02-27-2012, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IceMaNoFF

i did it! All ok...=)

good deal looks good man
Love those taillights

02-23-2012, 11:27 AM	#1
CMuncher94 Wannabe Elite Explorer Atlanta 2003 Explorer Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 4 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	2003 Explorer Lift I just bought a used 2003 Explorer and I was wondering what was the best way to lift it. It has coil springs all the way around.

02-23-2012, 12:03 PM	#4
Ronin8002 Elite Explorer Virginia 2008 XLT Ironman Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 3,894 Vehicle Specs	In that case you might consider a 1.5" or 3" body lift. They are the cheapest options and will let you clear 265/75/16 or 265/70/17 tires (about 32"). Won't affect your alignment or suspension either. Look at these links for info (the 2nd and 3rd ones I last posted): http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=312012 http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=219234 Here are some pics of mine when it had a 1.5" body lift and 265/75/16 tires: and here are some pics of a guy with a 3" body lift and 265/75/16 tires: __________________ Mods: 265/70/17 Mickey Thompson Baja STZ on 17x8 Black Rock Viper 900B wheels, Bentley style grille, Raptor style LED grille lights, Pacer performance clearance lights, 30" 180W LED light bar behind grille, BTF upper control arms, Fox 2.0 5" travel emulsion coilover shocks in front/rear Truxx spacers, 1" body lift, front skidplate under radiator, recovery shackle mounts My Rig:http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...47#post3004247

02-25-2012, 06:27 AM	#8
IceMaNoFF Wannabe Elite Explorer Russia, Abakan, Republic of Khakassia 2004, FE 3, V8 Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 17 Vehicle Specs	who can help me...? I install custom lift spacers (2.25/1.75). With front spacers, i have no questions...but with rear i have a little problem... The spacers after painting... ...The rear has established, a figured part to a coil spring, and a flat part to a body... I think it was necessary to make on the contrary...Is it rights? ... After install i have a metal knock at movement on roughnesses or diagonal posting, at movement on a highway, knocks isn't present...i think need rotate rear spacers... ...before ...after... __________________ My truck here...http://www.drive2.ru/p/c/4S29F8D

02-25-2012, 07:41 AM	#9
Wills05xlt4x4 Elite Explorer Ashland Va 2005 Xlt 4x4 Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 879 Vehicle Specs	^^^ are those truxx? They don't look like btf I've read with the rear truxx people had to modify it... Looks like one rear has more bolt holes... I think I remember truxx needed to be spun 180degrees and drill new holes like that back rear spacer in pic May also need to trim the studs on strut assemblies... __________________ Factory DVD, third row, rear A/C, Moon roof, Advancetrac RSC, Tow package, Leather everything, Eddie Bauer running boards.MODS- deep transmission pan w/dipstick, 1.5" Body lift, Expedition front tow hooks, Treadwright Guard Dog M/T 265-75/16 C Ply, Telescoping steering wheel mod, 4.56 gears limited slip front and rear,brembo brakes,front skid plate, Cb.FUTURE MODS-rock sliders, oba, steel front bumper w/ warn VR12000, possibly a M90

02-25-2012, 09:24 PM	#13
IceMaNoFF Wannabe Elite Explorer Russia, Abakan, Republic of Khakassia 2004, FE 3, V8 Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 17 Vehicle Specs	tnx!=) front wheel ...rear ...frame ...front axle __________________ My truck here...http://www.drive2.ru/p/c/4S29F8D

02-23-2012, 11:53 AM	#3
CMuncher94 Wannabe Elite Explorer Atlanta 2003 Explorer Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 4 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	i mostly want it for just looks. i go offroad sometimes. and i want to be able to clear 32" tires.

02-23-2012, 12:29 PM	#5
CMuncher94 Wannabe Elite Explorer Atlanta 2003 Explorer Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 4 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	i want to have coil spaers all the way around. 3" in the front and 2" in the back

02-23-2012, 08:03 PM	#7
06xlt Wannabe Elite Explorer Denver, CO 2004 XLT V6 Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 16 Vehicle Specs	Just use the search function and you will find all kinds of information. A 2-inch lift is all you can safely do, any more than that will put excessive wear on the upper ball joint and cause it to rip out of the control arm. A 2-inch lift and a body lift will let you clear even bigger tires. Also, you can clear 32's bone stock without any rubbing.

02-27-2012, 08:29 AM	#14
IceMaNoFF Wannabe Elite Explorer Russia, Abakan, Republic of Khakassia 2004, FE 3, V8 Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 17 Vehicle Specs	i did it! All ok...=) __________________ My truck here...http://www.drive2.ru/p/c/4S29F8D

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