2000 Mountaineer Future Mods

[wifin]

Hey guys so I have my 2000 Mountaineer and need a few suggestions for modifications. It'll probably take me some time but I feel like its worth the wait. I do want some off-roading mods but I do tend to drive on the road alot.
So far I got new brakes and I'm going to repaint the mounty soon.

I'm also looking into the Gabriel Max Control Shocks...(give me your opinion)

Other than these I'm also looking at...

New Performance Air Intake System (and any other engine performance parts)
New Shockes
New Coils
Possible new Leaf Springs
Grill guard or bull bar without headlight covers

It is a start for me but I really do need some help on figuring out the best mods. I've looked all over the internet and to be honest it is hard to find what is best and all. You guys are the ones who know their stuff, and a newcomer like me would love the help!!! Thanks guys. I'll post pics for any future updates!

 

[Joe Dirt]

I would do some snooping around the forum, look at sig lines, builds, and you'll get a feel for what guys are doing. For the mods you're showing, shocks will help a lot. If you want a simple lift, you can do a torsion bar twist and some Warrior shackles. Cheap couple of inches there and you can still use stock length shocks if you like. Air intake- eh, unless you're doing a full on exhaust and Torque Monster headers (about $800 plus install for those) you won't see any gain from an intake, save the money. You don't have coils if you mean coil springs. If you mean ignition coils, the stock ones rarely go bad, and performance coils are not really needed- the Ford coils are well rated for the stock requirements and then some. I'd look at front end components, tighten things up, and drive it a while so you know what you need to replace... In all honesty, unless you do suspension mods, there really aren't a whole lot of things you're going to do to it to change the performance unless you spend some decent money.

 

[wifin]

Thanks for the advice =]
I will save my money on the intake and other such performance things.
I guess right now I am really looking at the suspension systems. If I crank the torsion bar up will that have any negative effects on the vehicle? I may look into a full suspension lift system if I can find a really good one

 

[4rd4life]

If I crank the torsion bar up will that have any negative effects on the vehicle?

you will need to get an alignment afterwords...
also welcome to the site!

 

[Sams01XplrSprt]

i was thinking possibly exhaust and hids

 

[wifin]

So to my luck today...I broke one of the shock rods. I can still ride just obvious need new shocks now. Stupid giant hole i didnt even see and it bent the hole rod.

Well now I'm focused on getting new shock absorbers so if any opinions and what the best are for the money. (Money for shocks don't matter for me) Since I wouldnt mind the best.
Thanks guys

 

[Joe Dirt]

Seems like the popular high end are the Bilstein shocks. I have gotten Monroe Reflex and was happy with them, had 2 sets so far. Nice roll control valving for an SUV on them.

 

[OffTrac]

Welcome to the forum.

I like the Rancho RS5000s on my Sport Trac. Replaced Bilsteins with KYBs on my wife's Z71 Tahoe and both were really good.

I think too many people put too much thought into shocks. If you really cheap out, it's going to be noticeable, otherwise, just find out what kind of ride you want and research which shocks are going to give you that. The RS5000s gave me the stiffer, more predictable ride I was looking for but I wouldn't have thought twice about buying any number of other shocks. I do really like Bilstein and KYB, though.