Lifting a '95-01 IFS Article

ExplorerDMB · 05-05-2005, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheRookie

I fit a set of 33's on a 98 sport with only a 3 inch bl and tt. Trimming was needed but not terrible. little metal and fair plastic. but you couldnt tell anything was cut from the outside

Well, a sport has bigger front fenders and yours had 5" of lift. It probably wasn't too hard fitting 33s in your case.

-Drew

*TheRookie* · 05-05-2005, 04:57 PM

Only did the TT to 1 inch. making 4 inches. The fender difference is true

**JDraper** · 05-05-2005, 05:08 PM

I put a Superlift 4" on Explorereb96's 4 Door X, and we put 34's under it with only some minor trimming on the rear of the front fenders. A lot of depends upon the wheel offset and the width of the tires. Check out http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...t=80310&page=1

davidmmm69 · 05-05-2005, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ExplorerDMB

I do not think it is possible. I have 7" of lift (via 4" suspension, 3" body) and I can only clear 33s without rubbing!

-Drew

7 INCHES OF LIFT YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO AT LEAST 35'S

I HAVE JUST TORSIAN BARS CRANKED AND I CAN PUT 33'S ON AND THEY JUST RUB A VERY LITTLE AT FULL TURN...

ExplorerDMB · 05-05-2005, 06:08 PM

Like everyone has said - every truck is different. I do not rub, and I had 34s at one time. But people do not realize what size my 33s are. Most 33s are 32.6 while mine are about 33.4 -- so really mine are still 34s! I didn't not want to put 35s due to the stress on the front Dana35. I'm glad I didn't put 35s on or I would rub like mad at full lock. I also did not want to trim. I think the the truck is fine with 33s with 7" of lift.

-Drew

ExplorerDMB · 05-08-2005, 08:53 PM

Many people don't really know the difference between the two kits. To be honest, they have small differences, but they both reach the same goal. The biggest draw back of the Trailmaster kit is that it does not use a full-blown spindle, it uses only a spacer. Superlift, on the other hand, uses a full spindle, which both kits achieve the upper control arm at the same angle (close to stock). I've taken pictures of my Trailmaster kit on my truck to show some differences between the Superlift and Trailmaster kits!

Superlift Front Side Suspension:

Trailmaster Front Side Suspension:

Trailmaster Front Crossmember:

You can see how the Trailmaster kit maintains the origional spindle, and uses drop down brackets for the rack and pinion. Some say the drop down brackets are cheesy and somewhat pitiful, but I have expierenced no problems. If you look at the actual rack and pinion, on the Superlift kit you can see the horrible angle that the kit puts on the rack. The Trailmaster kit doesn't put the strain on the rack and pinion! I think Trailmaster did a great job on that part. The crossmembers are different, but they serve the same purpose and get the same job done!

Trailmaster Upper Control Arm/Spindle Spacer:

This is Trailmasters flaw. This is used on the Explorer and Ranger kits that they put out for these years vehicles, and they haven't had any problems with them, but people find them to be not as reliable as a full spindle like Superlifts. I couldn't find a picture of the Superlift spindle, but it's basically just a full spindle to connect the lower control arm to the upper control arm (like factory).

Superlift Rear Suspension:

I have the Superlift rear suspension on my truck (except shocks), because I modded the Trailmaster Ranger kit to fit on mine. Anyway, the Superlift and Trailmater rears are the same: Huge drop down brackets for the sway bar, 4" leaf springs, and all the bushings.

Trailmaster Drop Down Brackets:

Crossmember and DANA 35-IFS Brackets:

Torsion Bar Brackets, and Tranmission Brackets:

The Superlift and Trailmaster setups are very similar. Besides the spindle and the rack and pinion, the kits are pretty much the same. In my opinion, the Superlift kit is the better of the two. The Trailmaster kit came out first, which in turn, gives Superlift the advantage to fix Trailmasters flaw (i.e. spindle setup). I give both companies thumbs up!

-Drew

r37ribution · 05-08-2005, 09:27 PM

I'm very interrested, but what of the shock fitting issues that JDraper had?

ExplorerDMB · 05-08-2005, 09:33 PM

I'm glad you brought that up. If you look in the front suspension pictures of the Superlift kit, you can see they are the same shocks that JDraper had. Now, I do not know if those (the ones pictured in my thread) caused any problems, but that is a big issue. If you do buy the Superlift kit and run into a problem with the shocks and the half shaft hitting - contact Superlift immediately and get it figured out!

-Drew

**JDraper** · 05-09-2005, 05:09 PM

Superlift did correct the problem I had and shipped me new shocks that fit properly.

1996explorer4x4 · 05-09-2005, 08:50 PM

did some search for roughly an hour and came up w/ 6 sites.

www.jbccoffroad.com --SUPERLIFT--$1,681.65 TRAILMASTER--$1,585.70
www.rockymountiansusp.com --SUPERLIFT--$1,733 TRAILMSTER--$1,368
www.windrockoffroad.com --SUPERLIFT--$1,855.10
www.4wheelonline.com --SUPERLIFT--$1,702.99 TRAILMASTER--$1,600.95
www.ultimateautoaccessories.com --SUPERLIFT-- $1,749.95
www.interioroffroad.com -- have both e-mail for price qout but they do carry both

Tommy Powell

seafarer76 · 05-09-2005, 11:51 PM

I can't see that the superlift has a bad angle to the rack (tie rod). The lifted spindles change the tie point for the steering as well. I think superlift did a better job by including a complete spindle, rather than cutting corners with drop brackets and ball joint adapters. Just my $.02.

ExplorerDMB · 05-10-2005, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seafarer76

I can't see that the superlift has a bad angle to the rack (tie rod). The lifted spindles change the tie point for the steering as well. I think superlift did a better job by including a complete spindle, rather than cutting corners with drop brackets and ball joint adapters. Just my $.02.

Both superlift and Trailmaster use drop brackets. You have to on a suspension lift. The spindle DOES NOT change the tie rod point for the steering. The place for the tie rod is moved up on the spindle, but if you look at the rack itself, the angle on it is bad! I don't think you are looking at the right stuff. Look at how the boot is off of the rack -- it is angled down. I included two pictures to show: but yes, the tie rod joints have the same similar angel, but the Superlift one seems to put more stress on the rack!

-Drew

r37ribution · 05-10-2005, 02:16 PM

Yeah that angle from the tie rod to the rack does look kinda large. It does seem that when turning the rack would have a lot of upward force put on it? I guess that just means don't turn the steering wheel while your parked, which I try to avoid doing anyways...

ExplorerDMB · 05-19-2005, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by r37ribution

I guess that just means don't turn the steering wheel while your parked, which I try to avoid doing anyways...

That is a good habit to get into. But I haven't heard any problems from people with the Superlift kit about the steering. So, I guess it's okay.

-Drew

*Premier* · 05-19-2005, 09:20 PM

I run the Superlift, and I dont have any problems with the steering. I really like the lift, no complains other than the drop down brackets kinda block my access to the tortion bolts. I will post a picture of it later.

DMB you dont wheel your truck?

ExplorerDMB · 05-19-2005, 10:31 PM

There's no where to "wheel" in VA! All people do is mud boggs. And if I was going to build something for wheeling, I would of picked something else. All my build was for was expierence, and yeah looks. But I'm trying to specialize in 4wd/drivetrain and get my engineering degree from UVA. I can tell you the first thing I do once I graduate, move to somewhere where there is more call for 4wd stuff!

-Drew

EDIT: If I was to really wheel my truck, like Rick for example, I would have to do an enormous amount of things. I wouldn't mind going through trails that are pretty easy with my truck, but I'd rather do the "rock climbing" type stuff. In my opinion, an Explorer is the last place for a trail rig. Atleast not one of my year model (2000) -- and with the expense of parts, it's just not feasable for someone like me. I'd much rather build a rig from nothing or work on a customers vehicle and get paid for it. Also, all of this is my opinion!

wdgross06 · 06-02-2005, 11:00 PM

would this kit work on my 2 door '96? If not, is there one that would?

ExplorerDMB · 06-03-2005, 06:03 AM

You may want to contact Superlift or Trailmaster - but I wouldn't see a problem with it. I don't think anyone on here has a 2dr with an actual suspension lift.

-Drew

*Premier* · 06-09-2005, 12:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wdgross06

would this kit work on my 2 door '96? If not, is there one that would?

I have a 96 sport with the lift... it will work. sheesh..

r37ribution · 06-09-2005, 07:34 PM

daaaaamn dude how'd ya do dat?

05-05-2005, 04:57 PM	#22
TheRookie Traveling SAS guru West Chester PA 91 explorer xlt Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 2,465 Vehicle Specs	Only did the TT to 1 inch. making 4 inches. The fender difference is true __________________ Then: 91 XLT on currie 9's, lots of mods Now: 01 TJ 5.3 swap in progress 02 GMC duramax with basic stuff

05-05-2005, 05:08 PM	#23
JDraper Elite Garage Builder McVeytown, PA '11 XLT Join Date: Jan 2001 Posts: 15,413 Vehicle Specs	I put a Superlift 4" on Explorereb96's 4 Door X, and we put 34's under it with only some minor trimming on the rear of the front fenders. A lot of depends upon the wheel offset and the width of the tires. Check out http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...t=80310&page=1 __________________ Moderator..Home Improvement/Explorer 911/2011 Explorer Forum You took my breath away....and now I want it back.... '66 Mustang Coupe, '04 Mustang Mach 1, '08 Focus, '11 Explorer XLT "Ex"plorer's: '92 Sport, '94 Sport, '01 XLS Our Crappy Website

05-05-2005, 06:08 PM	#25
ExplorerDMB Moderator/Technician Mechanicsville, Virginia 2004 Acura TL Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 6,263 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Like everyone has said - every truck is different. I do not rub, and I had 34s at one time. But people do not realize what size my 33s are. Most 33s are 32.6 while mine are about 33.4 -- so really mine are still 34s! I didn't not want to put 35s due to the stress on the front Dana35. I'm glad I didn't put 35s on or I would rub like mad at full lock. I also did not want to trim. I think the the truck is fine with 33s with 7" of lift. -Drew __________________ My Useful Threads (38 Entries and Growing)

05-08-2005, 08:53 PM	#26
ExplorerDMB Moderator/Technician Mechanicsville, Virginia 2004 Acura TL Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 6,263 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Trailmaster Vs. Superlift : Info On Both Many people don't really know the difference between the two kits. To be honest, they have small differences, but they both reach the same goal. The biggest draw back of the Trailmaster kit is that it does not use a full-blown spindle, it uses only a spacer. Superlift, on the other hand, uses a full spindle, which both kits achieve the upper control arm at the same angle (close to stock). I've taken pictures of my Trailmaster kit on my truck to show some differences between the Superlift and Trailmaster kits! Superlift Front Side Suspension: Trailmaster Front Side Suspension: Trailmaster Front Crossmember: You can see how the Trailmaster kit maintains the origional spindle, and uses drop down brackets for the rack and pinion. Some say the drop down brackets are cheesy and somewhat pitiful, but I have expierenced no problems. If you look at the actual rack and pinion, on the Superlift kit you can see the horrible angle that the kit puts on the rack. The Trailmaster kit doesn't put the strain on the rack and pinion! I think Trailmaster did a great job on that part. The crossmembers are different, but they serve the same purpose and get the same job done! Trailmaster Upper Control Arm/Spindle Spacer: This is Trailmasters flaw. This is used on the Explorer and Ranger kits that they put out for these years vehicles, and they haven't had any problems with them, but people find them to be not as reliable as a full spindle like Superlifts. I couldn't find a picture of the Superlift spindle, but it's basically just a full spindle to connect the lower control arm to the upper control arm (like factory). Superlift Rear Suspension: I have the Superlift rear suspension on my truck (except shocks), because I modded the Trailmaster Ranger kit to fit on mine. Anyway, the Superlift and Trailmater rears are the same: Huge drop down brackets for the sway bar, 4" leaf springs, and all the bushings. Trailmaster Drop Down Brackets: Crossmember and DANA 35-IFS Brackets: Torsion Bar Brackets, and Tranmission Brackets: The Superlift and Trailmaster setups are very similar. Besides the spindle and the rack and pinion, the kits are pretty much the same. In my opinion, the Superlift kit is the better of the two. The Trailmaster kit came out first, which in turn, gives Superlift the advantage to fix Trailmasters flaw (i.e. spindle setup). I give both companies thumbs up! -Drew __________________ My Useful Threads (38 Entries and Growing)

05-08-2005, 09:27 PM	#27
r37ribution Wannabe Elite Explorer Ypsi/MI Y town! whoot whooot!!! 1996 "Sport" XLT 4.0L OHV Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 711 Vehicle Specs	I'm very interrested, but what of the shock fitting issues that JDraper had? __________________ '96 4.0 OHV6 XLT - RCD 5" coil-over/SOA conversion - Installed - RCD Lift FAQ/IFS Gearbox (F150) conversion - In Progress/Stroked OHV v6 - Aborted/Detroit TrueTrac 4.56 Rear/BamaChips.com XCalibrator/Custom Deaver Leafs/Flowmaster D40 '97 5.0 XLT - Totaled '97 2.5 Probe GT, 1989 RX7 Turbo II The newest addition... 2006 Ducati 749s - live to ride!

05-08-2005, 09:33 PM	#28
ExplorerDMB Moderator/Technician Mechanicsville, Virginia 2004 Acura TL Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 6,263 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	I'm glad you brought that up. If you look in the front suspension pictures of the Superlift kit, you can see they are the same shocks that JDraper had. Now, I do not know if those (the ones pictured in my thread) caused any problems, but that is a big issue. If you do buy the Superlift kit and run into a problem with the shocks and the half shaft hitting - contact Superlift immediately and get it figured out! -Drew __________________ My Useful Threads (38 Entries and Growing)

05-09-2005, 05:09 PM	#29
JDraper Elite Garage Builder McVeytown, PA '11 XLT Join Date: Jan 2001 Posts: 15,413 Vehicle Specs	Superlift did correct the problem I had and shipped me new shocks that fit properly. __________________ Moderator..Home Improvement/Explorer 911/2011 Explorer Forum You took my breath away....and now I want it back.... '66 Mustang Coupe, '04 Mustang Mach 1, '08 Focus, '11 Explorer XLT "Ex"plorer's: '92 Sport, '94 Sport, '01 XLS Our Crappy Website

05-09-2005, 08:50 PM	#30
1996explorer4x4 Wannabe Elite Explorer Virginia Beach, Virginia '96 XLT 4WD Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 93 Vehicle Specs	did some search for roughly an hour and came up w/ 6 sites. www.jbccoffroad.com --SUPERLIFT--$1,681.65 TRAILMASTER--$1,585.70 www.rockymountiansusp.com --SUPERLIFT--$1,733 TRAILMSTER--$1,368 www.windrockoffroad.com --SUPERLIFT--$1,855.10 www.4wheelonline.com --SUPERLIFT--$1,702.99 TRAILMASTER--$1,600.95 www.ultimateautoaccessories.com --SUPERLIFT-- $1,749.95 www.interioroffroad.com -- have both e-mail for price qout but they do carry both Tommy Powell

05-09-2005, 11:51 PM	#31
seafarer76 Wannabe Elite Explorer Laramie, WY 96 XLT Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 230 Vehicle Specs	I can't see that the superlift has a bad angle to the rack (tie rod). The lifted spindles change the tie point for the steering as well. I think superlift did a better job by including a complete spindle, rather than cutting corners with drop brackets and ball joint adapters. Just my $.02. __________________ '96 XLT 4.0 4WD - No More Current Ride..... Let's just say it's got full width axles...

05-10-2005, 02:16 PM	#33
r37ribution Wannabe Elite Explorer Ypsi/MI Y town! whoot whooot!!! 1996 "Sport" XLT 4.0L OHV Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 711 Vehicle Specs	Yeah that angle from the tie rod to the rack does look kinda large. It does seem that when turning the rack would have a lot of upward force put on it? I guess that just means don't turn the steering wheel while your parked, which I try to avoid doing anyways... __________________ '96 4.0 OHV6 XLT - RCD 5" coil-over/SOA conversion - Installed - RCD Lift FAQ/IFS Gearbox (F150) conversion - In Progress/Stroked OHV v6 - Aborted/Detroit TrueTrac 4.56 Rear/BamaChips.com XCalibrator/Custom Deaver Leafs/Flowmaster D40 '97 5.0 XLT - Totaled '97 2.5 Probe GT, 1989 RX7 Turbo II The newest addition... 2006 Ducati 749s - live to ride!

05-19-2005, 09:20 PM	#35
Premier Panzerfaust™ Utah 96 sport Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 5,924 Vehicle Specs	I run the Superlift, and I dont have any problems with the steering. I really like the lift, no complains other than the drop down brackets kinda block my access to the tortion bolts. I will post a picture of it later. DMB you dont wheel your truck? __________________ Rollover Posse Registry CV Death Toll: 4 33x12.50 ProComp Mud Terrains on 15x8.5 Centerline Rims 6" Suspension, Locked Front/Rear, 1354 Manual T-case ARB Snorkel, and Custom Pinstriping Last edited by ExplorerDMB; 01-31-2006 at 04:53 PM.

05-19-2005, 10:31 PM	#36
ExplorerDMB Moderator/Technician Mechanicsville, Virginia 2004 Acura TL Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 6,263 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	There's no where to "wheel" in VA! All people do is mud boggs. And if I was going to build something for wheeling, I would of picked something else. All my build was for was expierence, and yeah looks. But I'm trying to specialize in 4wd/drivetrain and get my engineering degree from UVA. I can tell you the first thing I do once I graduate, move to somewhere where there is more call for 4wd stuff! -Drew EDIT: If I was to really wheel my truck, like Rick for example, I would have to do an enormous amount of things. I wouldn't mind going through trails that are pretty easy with my truck, but I'd rather do the "rock climbing" type stuff. In my opinion, an Explorer is the last place for a trail rig. Atleast not one of my year model (2000) -- and with the expense of parts, it's just not feasable for someone like me. I'd much rather build a rig from nothing or work on a customers vehicle and get paid for it. Also, all of this is my opinion! __________________ My Useful Threads (38 Entries and Growing) Last edited by ExplorerDMB; 05-19-2005 at 10:54 PM.

06-02-2005, 11:00 PM	#37
wdgross06 Wannabe Elite Explorer Chesaning, Michigan '96 Sport Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 10 Vehicle Specs	would this kit work on my 2 door '96? If not, is there one that would? __________________ 1996 Ford Explorer Sport... I HIT A TREE!!! But its ok, a lil body work fixed it right up :p Lookin' for a lift kit!!!

06-03-2005, 06:03 AM	#38
ExplorerDMB Moderator/Technician Mechanicsville, Virginia 2004 Acura TL Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 6,263 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	You may want to contact Superlift or Trailmaster - but I wouldn't see a problem with it. I don't think anyone on here has a 2dr with an actual suspension lift. -Drew __________________ My Useful Threads (38 Entries and Growing)

06-09-2005, 07:34 PM	#40
r37ribution Wannabe Elite Explorer Ypsi/MI Y town! whoot whooot!!! 1996 "Sport" XLT 4.0L OHV Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 711 Vehicle Specs	daaaaamn dude how'd ya do dat? __________________ '96 4.0 OHV6 XLT - RCD 5" coil-over/SOA conversion - Installed - RCD Lift FAQ/IFS Gearbox (F150) conversion - In Progress/Stroked OHV v6 - Aborted/Detroit TrueTrac 4.56 Rear/BamaChips.com XCalibrator/Custom Deaver Leafs/Flowmaster D40 '97 5.0 XLT - Totaled '97 2.5 Probe GT, 1989 RX7 Turbo II The newest addition... 2006 Ducati 749s - live to ride!