Lifting a Sport

[halfountainsr]

Hi I've been on the forum for awhile searching fo r tips and other info. Now my son has bought a 99 Sport and wants to start modding staring with a lift.
Any sugestions of where to start. He wants to go 4", but isn't sure wheather to go with Suspension, Body and Suspension, or TT Twist and other combos.
Any help and I sure he'll be on the forum quite frequently.
Thanks Hal SR.

 

[Sams01XplrSprt]

welcome hal

 

[section525]

If Jr. can shell out the funds he should definitely go with a suspension lift.

But if he wants to keep around a 31" tire for fuel economy reasons, doing a TT/Shackle combo would probably be a good first step.

Welcome guys.

 

[Dopler174]

I would start with the cheapie, a TT and some shackles. If he wants it and the money is there, go ahead and get the suspension lift.

 

[halfountainsr]

what is shackles?? please explain and maybe some pics

 

[Donner]

Welcome! Ah, you need instructions from start to finish, and part descriptions? I have the same issue with my son's 01, what to do? I'll be watching too! Thanks!

 

[Turdle]

Here's a picture of mine lifted via a front torsion twist and rear shackles, and 31" tires. This will get the truck around fine for a beginner, believe me.

The shackles are the things protruding below the rear bumper-installing a longer set will get you about 1.5" higher in the rear.

They basically mount the rear leafs to the frame-and allow movement with the suspension-

By the way-Section525 made these and they hold up well.

I would also change the monoleafs out for a set of 4 door leafs-

 

[trj360]

my lift and tires all cost $1045. That price was with the Pro Comp buy 3 get 1 free tire sale. here's the list of parts i ordered.

alright guys, an update, i just ordered:

WAR153 shackles
PA 883 body lift
4x Pro Comp Mud Terrain 33/12.5r15
4x rock crawler 51 series 15 inch wheels, black

includes lugs, caps, mounting and balancing on the tires
free shipping

$1045 total cost

And here are some pictures of the explorer fresh out of the garage:

All parts ordered at one time from www.sportztrailers.com, I spoke to Todd, october of 07.

 

[Doubt Incarnate]

i think all together a 4" suspension with tires and front driveshaft are around lik $4-5K. dont froget about re-gearing the differentials for taller tires. a body lift + torstion twist and shackles is cheaper, but still if taller tires are added you'll want to re-gear or settle for the the total loss of power. re-gearing looks like a good place to start for either lift. time consuming and involved, but unless you want a big hard looking gutless wonder, you need gears. budget wise a 2" body lift and an a twist with shackles would give you like 3" or so(?) and an inch or 2 on the tires. there is a max lift tire size chart you can search for, that should give you an idea to start with. in any case if you go taller than 2" on tires you'll either want better gears or wish you had.

 

[trj360]

i think all together a 4" suspension with tires and front driveshaft are around lik $4-5K. dont froget about re-gearing the differentials for taller tires. a body lift + torstion twist and shackles is cheaper, but still if taller tires are added you'll want to re-gear or settle for the the total loss of power. re-gearing looks like a good place to start for either lift. time consuming and involved, but unless you want a big hard looking gutless wonder, you need gears. budget wise a 2" body lift and an a twist with shackles would give you like 3" or so(?) and an inch or 2 on the tires. there is a max lift tire size chart you can search for, that should give you an idea to start with. in any case if you go taller than 2" on tires you'll either want better gears or wish you had.

Unless you've already got 4.10s. I know ideally on 33s a 4.56-4.88 gear ratio is ideal but 4.10 is still functional and still performs well.

 

[Paraphoe]

Unless you've already got 4.10s. I know ideally on 33s a 4.56-4.88 gear ratio is ideal but 4.10 is still functional and still performs well.

I'm one of the ones who do not think it's necessary to re-gear. I have 33s and 3.73s. As long as you realize you do not have a sports car and don't roll around trying to burn people light to light, I think the need to re-gear because of "a total loss of power" is greatly exaggerated. Sure it's sluggish, I will not argue that, especially in first gear, but it's still got a tiny bit of gittup-n-go when you stand on it. If you're on a budget and can't do it yourself, I cannot see spending $1,000 or more to have a shop re-gear you unless you're doing some serious rock crawling or love to waste fuel with an unnecessarily heavy foot. Just one man's opinion, take it for what it's worth.