02+ Explorer Leaf Springs

[ibowl9]

I have an 04 FX4 Ranger. I am looking to get around 2 inches of lift in the rear, but without stiffening it up a lot. I know i can put the leaf springs from an 01 or older Expo on and gain the 2 inches i want. The problem is finding a low mileage 01-older Expo that would have good condition springs. Will the springs from and 02-newer Expo bolt right up to my Ranger with the same effect as 01-older?

 

[matemorh]

Waht about longer shackles??!!

 

[ibowl9]

Waht about longer shackles??!!

Shackles are my next option if i can't find a good set of Expo springs. A good set of springs will give a little more lift than just shackles, and shackles will cause my stock Ranger leaves to flatten out quicker.

 

[techieman33]

the 02+ explorers have IRS so no leaf springs on them. That being said the sport tracs had leaves thru 2005 I believe.

 

[ibowl9]

the 02+ explorers have IRS so no leaf springs on them. That being said the sport tracs had leaves thru 2005 I believe.

Ok, so scratch the idea of using 02+ Expo leaves... lol I looked around, there are no junked/wrecked Sport Tracs around me... Thanks for the info.

 

[Ohm]

the 02+ explorers have IRS so no leaf springs on them. That being said the sport tracs had leaves thru 2005 I believe.

Will a leaf pack from any year sport Trak fit on a 2nd gen. explorer (1998 sport)?

Do you know of any threads in this forum that talk about this?

I appreciate any help.

 

[techieman33]

Will a leaf pack from any year sport Trak fit on a 2nd gen. explorer (1998 sport)?

Do you know of any threads in this forum that talk about this?

I appreciate any help.

I'm not sure, the 01-05 should since they're based on the 2nd gen frame, but if you want to be safe the 01 and older explorer ones will fit.

 

[Ohm]

I'm not sure, the 01-05 should since they're based on the 2nd gen frame, but if you want to be safe the 01 and older explorer ones will fit.

Yes, I do know that 94-01 Explorer Leafs will fit my 1998 Sport, but like ibowl9 was saying it is hard to find any with low mileage, so it sounds to me like the 01-05 Sport Traks would be an easier search.

Also you mentioned that the 02 Explorers have IRS. What exactly does IRS mean? I am assuming some type of coil spring, but this is confusing to me because I keep seeing sites that list 2002+ Rear Leaf Springs. I did manage to find a site that listed applicable leaf springs dimensions. I have tried to insert that an image of that site in this post. It shows that the Sport Trak springs are just a bit off (about 1/16") from the Explorer Leaf Springs.

Couldn't figure out how to get the image in so here is a link:
http://thesuspensionking.com/catalog/tables/explorer_mountaineer_navajo.php

I thing the Sport Trak will probably still work in the Explorer.

 

[techieman33]

Yes, I do know that 94-01 Explorer Leafs will fit my 1998 Sport, but like ibowl9 was saying it is hard to find any with low mileage, so it sounds to me like the 01-05 Sport Traks would be an easier search.

Also you mentioned that the 02 Explorers have IRS. What exactly does IRS mean? I am assuming some type of coil spring, but this is confusing to me because I keep seeing sites that list 2002+ Rear Leaf Springs. I did manage to find a site that listed applicable leaf springs dimensions. I have tried to insert that an image of that site in this post. It shows that the Sport Trak springs are just a bit off (about 1/16") from the Explorer Leaf Springs.

Couldn't figure out how to get the image in so here is a link:
http://thesuspensionking.com/catalog/tables/explorer_mountaineer_navajo.php

I thing the Sport Trak will probably still work in the Explorer.

looking at that chart they should work just fine, and be a hair stiffer than those of the 2nd gen 4 doors.

The 02 plus listings you are seeing are for sport trac's. IRS means independent rear suspension, It's like your front suspension, except it has coils on all 4 corners, instead of torsion bars.

 

[Ohm]

Thanks techiemann33!