Supsension Lift Fabrication and Body Lift Possibilities

Hi guys/gals,

I have a owned a Jeep Wrangler since 98 and enjoy modifying it and taking it offroad. I am in the market for another vehicle and am looking at '08 Explorers.

Here are the questions I have:

1. What are the main obstacles that Fabrication Shops are running into when looking at creating a 2 inch suspension lift for the explorer. Shops have been modifying Jeep's IFS (on the liberty), the recent release of the Jeep Patriot w/ IFS/RFS and consumer demand for some sort of lift has inspired one shop in utah to create a 2" suspension lift for this vehicle which was released this week. Is there something about the IFS/RFS ford explorer design that makes a lift near impossible? ... OR is it an issue of demand vs. design and fabrication costs? I know with IFS/RFS setup, CV joint stress is an issue which could limit the lift height to 2-2.5 inches. I don't know anything about Ford Explorer 06+ suspension, so please educated me on this one.

2. Body lifts. What are the obstacles when trying to lift the body of the explorer by 1" other than the obvious radiator alignment and gear shifter length? Has anyone tried to make a custom lift out of current body lifts on the market?

3. 06+ models are still under warranty. Do you think over time as people exit their warranty periods that more products will be designed for the explorer or do you all believe that personal custom fabricated parts are the future?

Thanks for the time answering my questions. Ultimately I'll probably end up getting an '08 EB because it will be my daily driver...I would just like it to be my DD with some attitude and be semi-trail worthy.

I have seen Gen III trucks with body lifts, shouldnt require too much work, I am guessing other Ford body lifts will work

The Gen III rear CV shafts travel through the rear frame rails....this would make it very difficult to get any lift from the suspension

Have you tried a search?

I am not familiar with the 08 model, but I figure I would throw in my 02 from what I have seen on this forum

Thanks for the reply. I have tried a search but for +06 models, it seems that noone has any solid information or have attempted to custom fabricate parts. Probably mostly due to warranty issues.

The answer I consistently see is: No, there are not any Body/Suspension lifts on the market for +06 Explorers...But Why? So the suspension pass through the frame? That does sound like a doozy to overcome.

I am just curious if there is that 1 guy out there who has taken the leap and tried to custom fabricate something for his/her +06.

If Anyone could post front and rear pictures of their suspension when they get the opportunity, I would appreciate it.

Rancho was developing a 2" suspension kit
there are Gen III trucks that have been modified for off road racing (and winning)

Dont worry, 15 years ago I was told "You cannot lift a bronco II" and now I have a custom long travel suspension with 6" of lift

rize suspension makes one for 03-06 expedition i dont know how similar the setup is but the expedition is also ifs/irs and the lift looks pretty sweet

The main things that seem to be limiting are the half shafts through the frame, the limited amount of suspension travel, and the perceived lack of public interest by companies.

i do know theres atleast one member who has gooten custom coil springs made to fit in his coil overs and as far as i know is running 2 inches without any problems

with the right amount of time and money anything can be done

since im bein usefull today, heres some of the threads i have saved on the topic
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=147114
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=161687
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=164303
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190463

i know theres more floatin around but thats what i got on a quick scan for ya

SuRrEaLNJ said:

The main things that seem to be limiting are the half shafts through the frame, the limited amount of suspension travel, and the perceived lack of public interest by companies.

i do know theres atleast one member who has gooten custom coil springs made to fit in his coil overs and as far as i know is running 2 inches without any problems

with the right amount of time and money anything can be done

Click to expand...

Thanks for all the links... a lot of good reading and awesome pics!

Thanks for all the links...I'll keep my eyes open on the boards to see if anything new comes along. That guy that had the custom springs that provided approx 2" of lift had a good idea. Once again. Thanks for the replies.