How to achieve suspension "comparable" to Saleen Racecraft on Gen 1 Explorer

JLAF · 10-09-2010, 03:09 PM

I met Steven Saleen a month ago and we were speaking about the Saleen Explorer XP8.

As some of you may know, I replaced the rear sway bar on my 94 Limited with a Saleen Racecraft Swaybar from a parted out XP8. I would have used the front sway bar but since it was designed for a GEN II Explorer - it obviously wouldn't fit. The ride improvement with this one change was wonderful.

I asked Steve what he recommended as far as the sway bar and he said to put "the biggest you can get - it can't be too big"

The question is where to get a bigger front sway bar for my 94?? On that note since I am redoing some of my 94's 4X4 suspension what would you all say could be done to the Gen 1 4X4 explorer to give it comparable or even better suspension/handling than the Explorer XP8 with Racecraft suspension. Again this would have to be with parts that can be purchased today.

Thanks in advance.

*techieman33* · 10-09-2010, 03:52 PM

You can buy a bigger sway bar from explorer express, maybe other places I'm not sure. Lower it 2" or so. Better shocks, blistein, edelbrock, etc. That and some wider, lower profile tires, is about all that saleen did to the explorers.

JLAF · 10-09-2010, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by techieman33

You can buy a bigger sway bar from explorer express, maybe other places I'm not sure. Lower it 2" or so. Better shocks, blistein, edelbrock, etc. That and some wider, lower profile tires, is about all that saleen did to the explorers.

Thanks for the info. As far as shocks - what are the best shocks that you can get (you mentioned a couple). Also regarding "lowering" What exactly do you have to get to do that?

*Spdrcer34* · 10-09-2010, 10:55 PM

Drop it 2"-3"

Bilstein Shocks....($66 ea. from TireRack)

18x9 wheels all around, with 255/55-18 wheels...OR 18x10 rears wrapped in 285/50-18's....

Explorer Express Sway Bars ($290.95 + S&H)

All I am missing is the EE Sway bars......but I am getting EE bars next...And I'm done!

Ryan

*rhauf* · 10-10-2010, 12:38 AM

is it possible to lower it without giving up the 4x4?

it seems like you would need to have custom beams done and shorter springs (like cut/turned, but the opposite direction that they usually do)

*Blacksheep Josh* · 10-10-2010, 12:40 AM

Until you decide to put a blower on it Ryan lol, there will always be something going around in your head for the Explorer...

I've adopted my Ranger as my new baby, the ole 93 is just chillin at my Mom's house until I'm out of college and have the amount of income I need for it.

*Spdrcer34* · 10-10-2010, 01:40 AM

Josh....Blowers put too much strain on the snout of the ( cast ) crank....that's the info I am giving at this time....as usual....LOL

Ryan

*Blacksheep Josh* · 10-10-2010, 03:37 AM

Lol, always hog the pictures till it's done right?

*Spdrcer34* · 10-10-2010, 09:22 PM

...Depending on who you ask, you can lower it 1-3/8" to 2" safely and retain the 4x4 system, and not cause any excessive front drive line angles.

...yes Josh....I take all the pics NOW...and POST them later....

Ryan

10-09-2010, 03:09 PM	#1
JLAF Wannabe Elite Explorer 1994 Explorer Limited 4X4 Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 126 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	How to achieve suspension "comparable" to Saleen Racecraft on Gen 1 Explorer I met Steven Saleen a month ago and we were speaking about the Saleen Explorer XP8. As some of you may know, I replaced the rear sway bar on my 94 Limited with a Saleen Racecraft Swaybar from a parted out XP8. I would have used the front sway bar but since it was designed for a GEN II Explorer - it obviously wouldn't fit. The ride improvement with this one change was wonderful. I asked Steve what he recommended as far as the sway bar and he said to put "the biggest you can get - it can't be too big" The question is where to get a bigger front sway bar for my 94?? On that note since I am redoing some of my 94's 4X4 suspension what would you all say could be done to the Gen 1 4X4 explorer to give it comparable or even better suspension/handling than the Explorer XP8 with Racecraft suspension. Again this would have to be with parts that can be purchased today. Thanks in advance. __________________ 1994 Ford Explorer Limited http://94explorerlimited.ath.cx

10-09-2010, 10:55 PM	#4
Spdrcer34 Speed Bremerton, WA 1992 Explorer XL Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 3,884 Vehicle Specs	Drop it 2"-3" Bilstein Shocks....($66 ea. from TireRack) 18x9 wheels all around, with 255/55-18 wheels...OR 18x10 rears wrapped in 285/50-18's.... Explorer Express Sway Bars ($290.95 + S&H) All I am missing is the EE Sway bars......but I am getting EE bars next...And I'm done! Ryan __________________ 1992 Ford Explorer XL - with a few bolt ons... Last edited by Spdrcer34; 10-09-2010 at 11:13 PM.

10-10-2010, 12:38 AM	#5
rhauf Elite Explorer Ca '93 and '91 explorer Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 1,234 Vehicle Specs	is it possible to lower it without giving up the 4x4? it seems like you would need to have custom beams done and shorter springs (like cut/turned, but the opposite direction that they usually do) __________________ Check out my Youtube page, many explorer and 4wheelin' videos http://www.youtube.com/user/rhauf1

10-10-2010, 12:40 AM	#6
Blacksheep Josh Slinky+Escalator=Fun Statesboro, GA 1993 Ford Explorer XLT Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 3,566 Vehicle Specs	Until you decide to put a blower on it Ryan lol, there will always be something going around in your head for the Explorer... I've adopted my Ranger as my new baby, the ole 93 is just chillin at my Mom's house until I'm out of college and have the amount of income I need for it. __________________ "Thunder" Registry R.I.P. 2005-2012 2001 Ford Ranger (New!!) "You can hear me when I'm coming" - Yung Joc

10-10-2010, 01:40 AM	#7
Spdrcer34 Speed Bremerton, WA 1992 Explorer XL Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 3,884 Vehicle Specs	Josh....Blowers put too much strain on the snout of the ( cast ) crank....that's the info I am giving at this time....as usual....LOL Ryan __________________ 1992 Ford Explorer XL - with a few bolt ons...

10-09-2010, 03:52 PM	#2
techieman33 Elite Explorer Topeka, KS 00 V8 Mountaineer Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 8,222 Vehicle Specs	You can buy a bigger sway bar from explorer express, maybe other places I'm not sure. Lower it 2" or so. Better shocks, blistein, edelbrock, etc. That and some wider, lower profile tires, is about all that saleen did to the explorers.

10-10-2010, 03:37 AM	#8
Blacksheep Josh Slinky+Escalator=Fun Statesboro, GA 1993 Ford Explorer XLT Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 3,566 Vehicle Specs	Lol, always hog the pictures till it's done right? __________________ "Thunder" Registry R.I.P. 2005-2012 2001 Ford Ranger (New!!) "You can hear me when I'm coming" - Yung Joc

10-10-2010, 09:22 PM	#9
Spdrcer34 Speed Bremerton, WA 1992 Explorer XL Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 3,884 Vehicle Specs	...Depending on who you ask, you can lower it 1-3/8" to 2" safely and retain the 4x4 system, and not cause any excessive front drive line angles. ...yes Josh....I take all the pics NOW...and POST them later.... Ryan __________________ 1992 Ford Explorer XL - with a few bolt ons...