01-05 Sport Trac 4x4 Lift Options Discussion

[OffTrac]

Here's the idea:

Using John's picture of a SOA ST as an example, imagine the body lift from 3" in the front, getting progressively smaller until the last body mount on the rear is at 0". The bed being separate from the cab has nothing to do with it. It's not like I would leave all the 3" lift blocks on the cab and take them off of the bed (that's all I can think of that you might think I'm talking about).

 

[shooterdude199]

his has a 3" body lift all the way around with the soa in the rear. he has fiberglass fenders up front to clear his tires as well.

*edit: nevermind now i see what your saying.... still itd almost have to be almost precise to do so. i think it might be more of a problem and work than first expected IMO.

 

[OffTrac]

Yes, and I'm talking about dropping the body lift progressively until there is no body lift at the last body lift point. I used that picture to show how the body could be leveled out by decreasing the body lift in the rear.

The fenders have absolutely nothing to do with it.

Going to change my rack and pinion now. Be back later.

 

[shooterdude199]

here is a link to a sloped body lift. this is on a 2nd gen explorer and not a sport trac but it may give you some ideas...

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=127121&highlight=sloped+body+lift

 

[Gse Brent]

Here's the idea:

Using John's picture of a SOA ST as an example, imagine the body lift from 3" in the front, getting progressively smaller until the last body mount on the rear is at 0". The bed being separate from the cab has nothing to do with it. It's not like I would leave all the 3" lift blocks on the cab and take them off of the bed (that's all I can think of that you might think I'm talking about).

In that picture are Johns front tires 35s and rears 33" or are those tires the same size?

 

[OffTrac]

That's one of the threads I've looked at. I don't think it makes a difference that the vehicle is different.

The fronts do look bigger in that photo; hadn't noticed. He had 36s for a while, so that may be what was on the front. Pretty sure those are 35s on the rear, though.

Taking a break from the R&P, going hunting.

 

[MidnightRebel07]

He had 35's on all four corners, just looks smaller in the rear with the SOA and the fronts are dirty making it hard to judge tire sizes.

 

[essendon22]

Glad this discussion got started at the end here, my eyes were going cross trying to find out more on the SOA. Quick question, is it something that can only be done to the rear? I've pretty much given up on the body lift as every shop in the area doesn't want to do it. If I could do this instead of $2000 superlift that would be great. I don't want a slanted truck though. Sorry for such a noob question, but still learning here.

 

[OffTrac]

Yeah, that's only for the rear. You would be extremely slanted.

I don't understand why no shop would want to do a body lift. It's an easy job for a shop that they can charge a lot for because of labor and only requires basic tools.

 

[essendon22]

Yeah, that's what I thought. Apparently they are all so well off they can refuse business. They all tell me it's too much of a pain in the ass because the body bolts are backwards on the cab and they have to take all the interior out. Sounds like laziness to me, and businesses complain the economy is hurting. Looks like it'll be an expensive superlift for me. Thanks for the insight.

 

[OffTrac]

If you plan to take your truck off road, which in Tampa I assume means a lot of mud, you don't want a Superlift. It'll basically act as a plow and digs into mud until it builds up enough to stop you. Your suspension won't really be lifted except by the increase in tire size. It really just drops the suspension lower from the body to allow bigger tires to fit. They're also not well known for reliability.

If you're just wanting lift to fit bigger tires for looks, it's a good route but still expensive for the results you'll get.

 

[MidnightRebel07]

 

[essendon22]

Is that a body or suspension lift rebel?

 

[MidnightRebel07]

A combination of a 3" body lift, 1.75" torsion twist, Warrior Products lift shackles, 33x12.50x15 GY DuraTrac's on 15x8 Cragar Soft 8's with 4" backspacing.

Here's a picture for comparision to see the height difference between my Trac and a stock Trac. This picture is from Carlisle All Truck Nationals back two years ago.

 

[essendon22]

Very sharp truck, thanks for pics. That's exactly the look I'm going for and what I've decided to do. Finally found a guy that will put it on for me. Seems like no matter what everyone has done on here, just about all of them have the body lift as part of their mods. Bought the Warrior shackles today and getting the PA body lift tomorrow. Glad there are some guys still into doing this stuff! I ran across one site that was nothing but Gen 2's being slammed to the ground. That sure won't run over a zombie when the apocalypse gets here LOL

 

[OffTrac]

Glad you found someone to do it.

I feel like the body lift is pretty much the starting point for Sport Tracs. Even with other types of lift, solid axles included, the body lift helps out a lot. The whole "center of gravity" thing gets kind of annoying since the body weighs fractions of the actual frame and suspension and, IMO (I'm not a physicist), doesn't actually affect the C.O.G. any noticeable amount.

You're going to be happy with the body lift. What are your plans for tires? I personally think 32s are the perfect size for actual off road use, 33s if you're just after looks. 32s don't rub, stuff perfectly, only .5" less in ground clearance and cost a couple hundred less per set.

If I had to do it over again, I wouldn't have bothered with the shackles, especially with a body lift. I only did shackles because it was my first modification. I'm about to go to 35s and may even take the shackles off. I know that contradicts my "perfect 32s" statement, but I wanted to go with bigger tires and 33s provided no real difference and I got a great deal on 35s that will provide a real gain in clearance.

Gen 2 Sport Tracs are completely different animals than the real Sport Tracs, lol. I'm upset that I have to deal with an independent suspension in the front; I can't imagine having a car suspension in the rear also.

 

[essendon22]

Well just shoot down my very first mod! LOL I guess if nothing else the shackles will be just one more thing to list on my specs when all is said and done haha. I really have my heart set on 33's although the first 4x4 shop I went to also tried to talk me down to 32's. It's pretty flat here in South Florida so I doubt I find anything big enough to make them rub (except maybe when I turn). Would like them to function well enough for when I trail ride back home in Bama. Still gotta find a set of wheels that I'm happy with. I don't really like anything on the market right now, and everything I find that I do like has been discontinued. Gonna have everything done at once in Feb or March so I still have some time to think about it I guess. Just stocking up on all the parts right now.

I totally agree with your "real sport trac" comment. As soon as I saw the gear shift in the center console all I could think was it was a car with a truck title. Even most El Camino's were on the steering column!

 

[Clusterpup]

It's pretty flat here in South Florida so I doubt I find anything big enough to make them rub (except maybe when I turn)

They will if you offroad it.Yes even in SoFL. You will need to do some trimming. Also my shifter is in the center and that's just fine.

 

[essendon22]

Yeah, but you have a manual. That's where it's supposed to be. I was talking about the newer style automatic. Thanks for the heads up though. Guess I'll be doing some trimming =-)

 

[essendon22]

So do y'all think gap guards would be pointless if I'm going to have to trim?