Traxda lift - More issues! Anyone else? (2002 XLT V6)

[dc6361]

Hi folks. Sorry if this topic has been flogged to death already but a quick search didn't turn up anything.

Basically, I have just had to REMOVE my Traxda 2.5" lift and level kit from my 2002 Ford Explorer XLT V6. I really did not want to because I loved the extra clearance it gave me which made an otherwise pretty stock Explorer an absolute demon off-road.

So, if you're ready for a bit of a story, settle in and get comfortable

The lift was awesome for the first 6 months and then I had the driver's side (passenger side for those of you in the US) upper ball joint fail. I didn't know it at first and fortunately I was only reversing out of a car park when it happened. However, when it failed it also damaged the upper control arm enough (turned a round hole into something resembling an egg shape) to require replacing it also. I also replaced the other side just to be safe (not a cheap job - parts costs were reasonable but shipping them to Australia set me back around $2000 in total, and that's not including fitting!).

During the replacement process the mechanic mentioned that due to the angle that the lift was putting on the ball joint they would be certain to fail again. "Well great!" I thought as I didn't want to go through this process every 6 to 12 months (a ball joint failure is cheap enough but not if it takes out the control arm with it) when I only go off-roading a handful of times per year.

So after replacing all that about 5 months later I had a rear hub fail. I took it into the mechanic to fix and I received a call basically along the lines that "this lift is causing all sorts of damage to your drivetrain (leaks that weren't there before and more comments about the strain to the suspension components). At that point I had to suck it up and make the decision to have them remove the Traxda kit or risk damaging my Explorer further.

I still have the kit at home but I'm scratching my head trying to find out if anyone has had this many issues with using a Traxda kit to a fairly stock Explorer and/or how they corrected them. Again, the lift makes one heck of a difference off-roading versus without it which is why I am desperate to find a way to make it work.

I am far from being mechanically knowledgeable which is why I'm reaching out to anyone who knows more and might be willing to help.

Many thanks to all who can offer advice,
Dan

 

[Rckslick333]

Hi

As far as the upper control arm/upper ball joint failing, it's common. I just did the lift myself, a lot of research has brought me to that decision. As far as the hub going, hubs on these cars are pretty common to die.

I recommend new upper ball joints. There's a person that makes special ones for these explorers..

btf-fab.com

get those upper control arms, they come with unibal ball joints.

Good luck! ))

 

[dc6361]

Hi! Thanks for your speedy reply. I have looked into these as well and was looking into how much they cost (and also if they ship outside of the US) but then the hub failed and forced my hand into making the decision to have the lift taken out while they replaced the hub when they found the additional wear/damage that the lift was supposedly causing. Thanks again for your reply. I'll have another look at what the btf guys can do.

 

[Mrooney322]

any time you alter the suspension geometry on something its going to put a different wear or strain on everything, while the rear hub may be deemed as failing due to the lift, in retrospect it was most likely on its way out. i have went through more ball joints and cv axles than anyone should on something that never sees mud

 

[dc6361]

Hi and thanks for your reply. Yeah, I totally get that. I only mentioned the rear hub failing because that's when the mechanic advised me again on the further issues the lift was causing. Chances are it was the original hub and it was well and truly due for replacement. If anything the only bone I have to pick with Traxda is that they state that the lift is designed for use with your standard Explorer suspension but actually it will cause expedited wear and damage to those components. I wish there was a way to make this lift work but if you've had cv axles, etc fail I don't know if it's worth it. Thanks again.

 

[rangermidtn]

I have had the Truxxx/Traxda lift on mine for about 2 years and have not had any troubles with mine. I do have the btf upper arms so I don't have to worry about ball joints.

 

[wbrudi28]

the lift wouldn't necessarily put stress on the hub. the increased angle, if anything, would put more stress on the CV Axle.

like others said, the BTF UCA would help with the angle on the ball joint, and eliminate any problems in that section because the BTF UCA are metal Uniballs..so no more rubber boots breaking.

 

[dc6361]

I have had the Truxxx/Traxda lift on mine for about 2 years and have not had any troubles with mine. I do have the btf upper arms so I don't have to worry about ball joints.

Thanks for your reply. It sounds like I'll have to have another look into the BTF control arms. Just not sure if they ship overseas but there's no harm in asking.

 

[dc6361]

the lift wouldn't necessarily put stress on the hub. the increased angle, if anything, would put more stress on the CV Axle.

like others said, the BTF UCA would help with the angle on the ball joint, and eliminate any problems in that section because the BTF UCA are metal Uniballs..so no more rubber boots breaking.

Hi and thanks for replying. The hub failed due to it's age most likely but I was more worried with the lift causing more wear on other components and also having to deal with the constant replacement of ball joints, control arms, etc. Everyone seems to be recommending the BTF UCA's so that seems like an option, especially with people who have been running with the lift for a number of years without issue.

I just wanted to say I appreciate everyones replies and advice. I love my Explorer but there are little to no mechanics or suspension specialists over here that know their way around the Explorer. Unless you have a Toyota Landcruiser or Nissan Patrol they don't want to know about it and can't help which is a shame because I've seen how capable they are with a few modifications and yet they are such an underrated 4x4. Anyways, thanks again guys!

 

[Mrooney322]

in all seriousness read the forum, there is a wealth of knowledge here and i have learned most to all of what i know about my explorer on the forum and by being hands on

by the way my ex just went in for a rear bearing replacement, ironic huh?

 

[dc6361]

in all seriousness read the forum, there is a wealth of knowledge here and i have learned most to all of what i know about my explorer on the forum and by being hands on

by the way my ex just went in for a rear bearing replacement, ironic huh?

Thanks for your advice. I hope I didn't jinx you Mine is just about to go in for another hub replacement next week...

 

[DallasGT01]

Thanks for your advice. I hope I didn't jinx you Mine is just about to go in for another hub replacement next week...

You wanna sell me your kit?

 

[dc6361]

You wanna sell me your kit?

Hi there. I'm holding onto the kit for the moment while I figure out if I can still find a way to safely re-install the kit without doing damage to my Explorer. Thanks for the offer though. If I change my mind I'll be in touch.

 

[XtremeRanger]

rear bearings will go out lift or not. My Ex's 2002 has 151k and has had 2 sets in it. My 05 has 191k and has been replaced at least once that Ive done since Ive owned it from 109k.

As far as the upper ball joints go? BTF arms all day. I just put them on mine yesterday. You will never have to worry about them again! Superior quality work. They really engineered them well.