This is just my opinion, but I think a big problem with the TT drop is the fact that we are taking so much preload off of the bars thus lowering the spring rate too much. Typical lowering springs are usually higher rate than factory or even rising rate. Our torsion bars suspensions end up at a lower rate and are required to operate with reduced travel. A good shock helps but it is really only controlling the action of the spring. We need more damn spring to control the bottoming as far as I am concerned. Cut or shorter bumpstops give us a little more travel but still don't prevent bottoming. The lower you go, the more the rate drops, thus probably the reason EE only goes 1 3/8". They use softer stops to try to "cushion" the bottoming, so I think they would even admit it is a problem.
I'm reaching here, but I don't even think a higher rate torsion bar would be the answer. The problem comes from a given amount of spring rate dictating the height of the vehicles ride. You don't lower a car with softer springs of the same height, but that is really what we are doing when we lower an X. I keep thinking V8 bars on a V6 would be the ticket, but it would just sit higher for a given amount of preload. To get the desired amount of drop, the rate would end up being the same IMO. The whole design works against us since the weight of the vehicle can't be isolated from the desired amount of drop for a given spring rate. I hope that made some sort of sense?
Now, if we could run a higher rate coil setup, life would be good.
Oh, to add to the ST conversation, Sport Trac bodys are said to be mounted on stiffer polyurethane bushings than regular Explorers, which might give then a little bit harsher ride when lowered.
