2003 Explorer Lift | Ford Explorer Forums

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2003 Explorer Lift

CMuncher94

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Joined
February 23, 2012
Messages
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City, State
Atlanta
Year, Model & Trim Level
2003 Explorer
I just bought a used 2003 Explorer and I was wondering what was the best way to lift it. It has coil springs all the way around.
 



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I just bought a used 2003 Explorer and I was wondering what was the best way to lift it. It has coil springs all the way around.

"best" is kind of vague. Depends on what you want to accomplish. What size tires do you want to clear? Is it for looks mainly or do you want to make it as capable as possible offroad? Do you have a limit to how much you want to spend? Do you mind wearing out and having to replace suspension parts from time to time?

Here is a ton of information that you can consider in making your choice. Take some time to research and you'll be able to make a better decision:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=290074
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=312012
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=219234
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=200639
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=279667
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=223741
 






i mostly want it for just looks. i go offroad sometimes. and i want to be able to clear 32" tires.
 






In that case you might consider a 1.5" or 3" body lift. They are the cheapest options and will let you clear 265/75/16 or 265/70/17 tires (about 32"). Won't affect your alignment or suspension either.

Look at these links for info (the 2nd and 3rd ones I last posted):

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=312012
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=219234

Here are some pics of mine when it had a 1.5" body lift and 265/75/16 tires:

CIMG0067.jpg


IMG_4742.jpg


and here are some pics of a guy with a 3" body lift and 265/75/16 tires:

P9060009.jpg


PA130012.jpg
 






i want to have coil spaers all the way around.

3" in the front and 2" in the back
 






i want to have coil spaers all the way around.

3" in the front and 2" in the back

Too big. Read through some of those threads I gave you and the problems people had and you might change your mind on those sizes.
 






Just use the search function and you will find all kinds of information.

A 2-inch lift is all you can safely do, any more than that will put excessive wear on the upper ball joint and cause it to rip out of the control arm. A 2-inch lift and a body lift will let you clear even bigger tires.

Also, you can clear 32's bone stock without any rubbing.
 






who can help me...? I install custom lift spacers (2.25/1.75). With front spacers, i have no questions...but with rear i have a little problem...
The spacers
48cebe798814fdf2-large.jpg

after painting...
48cebe79904fb390-large.jpg

...The rear has established, a figured part to a coil spring, and a flat part to a body... I think it was necessary to make on the contrary...Is it rights?
48cebe7a7f851a5e-large.jpg

...
After install i have a metal knock at movement on roughnesses or diagonal posting, at movement on a highway, knocks isn't present...i think need rotate rear spacers...
...before
48cebe799b900fac-large.jpg

...after...
48cebe7a149a8b22-large.jpg
 






^^^ are those truxx? They don't look like btf
I've read with the rear truxx people had to modify it...
Looks like one rear has more bolt holes...
I think I remember truxx needed to be spun 180degrees and drill new holes like that back rear spacer in pic
May also need to trim the studs on strut assemblies...
 






^^^ are those truxx? They don't look like btf
I've read with the rear truxx people had to modify it...
Looks like one rear has more bolt holes...
I think I remember truxx needed to be spun 180degrees and drill new holes like that back rear spacer in pic
May also need to trim the studs on strut assemblies...

No I believe they are a Russian design...I have seen some diagrams on a Russian Explorer forum that look like these spacers.

IceMaNoFF,

The rear spacers need to be installed in such a way that the mounting surface on the top of the strut, the spacer, and the strut mount on the frame are all in a straight line. It looks like you have installed it at an angle, this is not correct (unless the Russian Explorer is different.)

Like this (disregard brake caliper hanging):

CIMG0177.jpg
 






No I believe they are a Russian design...I have seen some diagrams on a Russian Explorer forum that look like these spacers.

yes, these spacers hand made =))

It looks like you have installed it at an angle, this is not correct
...Not absolutely... On that photo they aren't installed yet... Here a photo of the installed...
48cec1f0871fb7f5-large.jpg


...
I think I remember truxx needed to be spun 180degrees and drill new holes like that back rear spacer in pic
yes, one of them have more holes...but i spun 180degrees both Absorber...that not correct?
well, need do more holes and turn back as was on not lifted suspension?
48cec1f1e2e2a41f-large.jpg
 






I see now...that makes more sense.

You might try drilling the extra holes as you showed in the picture, then see if that fixes the problem.

Otherwise, your truck looks good :thumbsup:

yes, these spacers hand made =))


...Not absolutely... On that photo they aren't installed yet... Here a photo of the installed...
48cec1f0871fb7f5-large.jpg


...
yes, one of them have more holes...but i spun 180degrees both Absorber...that not correct?
well, need do more holes and turn back as was on not lifted suspension?
48cec1f1e2e2a41f-large.jpg
 
























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