Hello from S. Texas need some advice

[edflores3492]

I just got a 89 Ford Explorer 4WD. not in the greatest condition but it was a pretty good deal. I want to fix it up a bit, for the most part it will probably be used in sand more than mud(30 minutes from beach). I'm looking at the option to get it a little higher and add bigger tires but im undecided on how to do it and what size tires/rims/lift ill be needing so any advice or recommendation would be great thanks! I was told by a friend to get a 3 in. lift and get some 33s. thats pretty much what im considering at the moment but 31s dont look too bad what exactly are my option for putting 33s on and how bout 31s? I also did some research in forums already for the TT and AALs just not sure one which would be better or recommended..

ill try to add pictures of it as it is hopefully they get included on post.

 

[Gadget X]

Does it have 235/75/15s on it now? If so, then with 33s you will be using a LOT of skinny pedal just to keep it moving unless you regear it, and it will cause a lot of wear on the transmission and result in horrible gas mileage. The 31s will be easier on the truck, as they will be a little closer to the stock size, so you could probably just do the TT for the front, with some warrior shackles for the rear and fit them just fine. Good luck, whichever route you take! And also, welcome to the forum!

 

[chefduane]

I'll be watching this thread closely. I am running stock P235/75R/15's and would also like to put on a little larger tire. I am not interested in doing a lift/shackles/torsion twist etc, or enlarging the fender wells. Not sure if I really have any options for larger tires, just interested.

 

[edflores3492]

yes it does have those right now. i did some searching through the forum, lot of great info on here, and i think I am gonna go with the TT and shackles. it seems like the better route to take considering i dont NEED to have that big of a lift or that size of tires for what im gonna be using it for.. also the 31s make it more practical even though its not gonna be a daily driver. i have my little jetta for that. as far as the rim/tire size is there a specific offset im gonna need or a specific size that will only fit? thanks for the help. i also realized i posted this in the wrong section.. not sure if someone can move it or not but either way thanks for the help! ill keep this post updated and maybe post another at the correct place showing a before in after as i change some stuff to it or need help on other things.

 

[Gadget X]

The 31/10.5/15s will fit on your factory rims just fine. We're you wanting to change your wheels also?

 

[edflores3492]

i was planning to.not sure on what width id need, or an offset if any. im also gonna go ahead and do the TT and shackles.

 

[edflores3492]

UPDATE!
For those of you who are actually reading this still. I just finished the lift last night. I'll post pictures up and let you know what was done to it! i havnt finished yet i still gotta measure it to see if its all level. which i will do tommorow sometime.

 

[YTF0rd]

cool looking forward to it.

 

[edflores3492]

here are the pics with the lift and i switched out the tires for 31x10.5 r15. its not THAT big of a difference. i still need to measure it out to see how much i actually gained if any. and need to level it out i kinda just put it on and eyeballed it but ill measure it later on today. I also noticed that my upper ball joints were bad on both sides so i went and replaced those along with the sway bar links, also all of the brakes need to be changed too. next on list is to switch out air filter, flush radiator, change transfer case oil and differential oil also. soon i will be purchasing new rancho shocks, the ones on it look fairly old. If you have anything else i should look at or possibly change im up for any advice! oh and also still need to do alignment. will do after i actually park on level ground and get measurements done. i tried to park in same spot of original pics so itd be more or less same level on ground.

 

[YTF0rd]

Did you do TT and shackles?

Which shackles did you use?

 

[edflores3492]

i used the warrior 153 shackles and actually bought some different torsion keys. i measured it at about 34 1/2 from top center of wheel well to the floor. i didnt measure before hand so im not actually even sure if it added anything to it or not.. maybe someone would be able to answer that question, that measured with the 31 in tires also i looked at the cv joints and they do not look like they are at a odd angle or anything..

http://www.sdtrucksprings.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=3509

i was gonna add the link that i used to buy the shackles but apparently they dont have the part in stock... it was WAR153, that was the part number i believe..